A whole turkey with sage and rosemary tucked between the skin and breast is filled with apples, onion, and garlic and roasted to perfection in this easy and delicious recipe for Apple and Herb Roasted Turkey! Once roasted it is then brushed with apple jelly for a sweet simple glaze. This recipe will serve about 10 to 12.
Absolutely! Stuffing a turkey with apples is a classic Thanksgiving tradition that adds a delightful sweetness and subtle crunch to the bird It’s a simple yet effective way to elevate your turkey game and impress your guests,
Why Stuff a Turkey with Apples?
- Flavor: Apples add a touch of sweetness and a hint of tartness that complements the savory flavors of the turkey.
- Moisture: The moisture from the apples helps keep the turkey juicy and tender throughout the cooking process.
- Texture: The apples provide a delightful textural contrast to the soft turkey meat.
- Aroma: The sweet and spicy aroma of the apples fills your kitchen with a warm and inviting scent.
What Kind of Apples to Use?
The best apples for stuffing a turkey are those that hold their shape well during cooking and have a balanced sweetness and tartness. Some popular choices include:
- Granny Smith: These tart apples provide a nice contrast to the savory flavors of the turkey.
- Honeycrisp: These sweet and juicy apples add a touch of sweetness and a satisfying crunch.
- Braeburn: These firm apples hold their shape well and have a balanced sweetness and tartness.
- Pink Lady: These sweet and slightly tart apples add a beautiful color to the stuffing.
How to Stuff a Turkey with Apples?
- Prepare the apples: Wash and core the apples. Cut them into wedges or chunks, depending on your preference.
- Season the apples: Toss the apples with a mixture of melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Stuff the turkey: Loosen the skin of the turkey breast and tuck the seasoned apples underneath. You can also stuff the apples into the cavity of the turkey.
- Roast the turkey: Follow your preferred roasting recipe, making sure to baste the turkey with the pan juices periodically.
- Enjoy! Once the turkey is cooked through, remove the apples and serve them alongside the turkey.
Tips for Stuffing a Turkey with Apples:
- Don’t overstuff the turkey. This can make it difficult for the turkey to cook evenly.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Let the turkey rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful turkey.
Additional Resources:
- Apple and Herb Roasted Turkey Recipe: https://www.simplyscratch.com/apple-and-herb-roasted-turkey/
- Aromatic Lemon, Apple, and Herb Turkey Recipe: https://tangledwithtaste.com/turkey-recipe-aromatic-lemon-apple-and-herb-turkey/
Stuffing a turkey with apples is a simple yet effective way to add a touch of sweetness, moisture, and texture to your Thanksgiving feast. With the right apples and a few simple tips, you can create a delicious and memorable turkey that will impress your guests. So, grab some apples and get ready to stuff your turkey!
To Make This Apple and Herb Roasted Turkey You Will Need:
- whole turkey
- sage
- rosemary
- butter
- apple
- onion
- celery
- head of garlic
- apple jelly
To thaw a 12-pound turkey, you will need 1 day for every 4 to 5 pounds. In other words, plan on 3 to 4 days. Keep the turkey in it’s original packaging and place in your fridge to thaw safely.
- roasting pan (with a rack preferably)
- kitchen string
- turkey baster
- instant read thermometer
- fat separator (if making gravy)
It takes three to three and a half hours or until the thickest part of the thigh reaches a doneness temperature of 170° for a twelve to fourteen-pound turkey.
Then finely chop 1/4 cup each fresh sage and rosemary and combine them together.
After removing the neck and gizzards (if using for stuffing or gravy), pat the turkey dry on all sides using paper towels. Using your fingers, carefully loosen the skin away from the turkey breast.
Place two tablespoons of salted butter and the herbs in each of the breast “pockets.” Try to get it as far into the breast pocket as possible.
Secure the skin with a toothpick.
Next prep the aromatics. Cut an apple into fourths (I’m using a honeycrisp), cut the onion, garlic and celery ribs in half.
Place the turkey, breast side up, onto a roasting rack that’s set into a roasting pan. Stuff the turkey with the apple, onion, garlic and celery.
Secure or truss the legs with kitchen string.
Tuck the wings under the turkey.
Brush the entire turkey with with melted butter.
Place the turkey in the oven, legs facing the back, and roast it for one hour and thirty minutes.
Once that time is up, remove the turkey and baste it with the drippings from the pan.
If your turkey is getting too brown too quickly, cover with foil.
Roast the thighs for a further 30 minutes to an hour, or until the thickest part of the thigh registers a temperature of 170°F to 175°F (or 76°C to 79°C) on an instant read thermometer.
GORGEOUS! And it smells heavenly.
Carefully transfer your turkey to a carving board.
Heat up 1/2 cup apple jelly.
And brush your turkey with the warm apple jelly.
Cover loosely with foil and let rest for 30 minute or up to 1 hour.
Serve, carve and prepare to fall in love.
- cinnamon roasted hot honey sweet potatoes
- sausage and cornbread stuffing
- gravy
- mashed potatoes
- dinner rolls
Stuffing the turkey with apples, onions, and celery
FAQ
What does an apple do to a turkey?
What fruit is good to stuff a turkey?
What can I put inside turkey besides stuffing?
How to make an apple turkey?
What can I put in a Thanksgiving turkey?
Try using any combination of the following for delicious results: thyme, rosemary, sage, tarragon, marjoram, parsley and oregano. Garlic makes every savory dish taste better. Fill your Thanksgiving turkey with plenty of this aromatic. You can add smashed cloves into the cavity with other ingredients like herbs and onions.
Can one have turkey and carrots?
Eating turkey and carrots is part of healthy habits. The turkey has meat like chicken and is another healthy poultry option. Carrots are rich in carotenoids, it is a source of vitamin A, fiber, potassium and vitamin B3.
What should you put in a turkey burger?
More meat: If you’re looking for extra heft, stuff your turkey with ground beef or sausages (like andouille or chorizo). Or, if you’re really feeling adventurous, make the famed turducken. Nuts: Add nuts like cashews and almonds to give your stuffing textural contrast.
How do you cook a 12 pound turkey?
Tie the legs of the turkey and place it, breast side up, on a rack in a large, foil-lined roasting pan; surround it with the remaining orange slices, white onion wedges, pearl onions and giblet broth. 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Plan on 4 hours of roasting time for a 12-pound turkey but double-check doneness with a meat thermometer.