Turkey Stuffed with Pineapple: A Juicy and Flavorful Holiday Dinner

Looking for a way to add some excitement to your Thanksgiving feast? Look no further than turkey stuffed with pineapple! This delicious and festive dish is sure to be a hit with your guests. The sweet and juicy pineapple pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of turkey and the stuffing adds a nice touch of crunch.

Ingredients

• 1 (12-14 pound) turkey
• 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Rinse the turkey inside and out and pat dry.
3. In a large bowl, combine the pineapple, onion, celery, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
4. Stuff the turkey with the pineapple mixture.
5. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine.
6. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and bake for 2-2 1/2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
7. Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Tips

• To make sure the turkey is cooked through, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
• If you don’t have time to stuff the turkey, you can simply place the pineapple mixture under the skin.
• Serve the turkey with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, and stuffing.

Variations

• Use different types of bread. Instead of using white bread, try using whole wheat bread, sourdough bread, or cornbread.
• Add different herbs and spices. Chopped fresh herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or sage, can add a lot of flavor to the stuffing. You can also add dried spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves.
• Add other vegetables. Carrots, celery, onions, and mushrooms are all good options for adding to the stuffing.
• Use a different type of meat. Instead of using turkey, you can also use chicken, pork, or beef.

Benefits of Stuffing a Turkey with Pineapple

• Pineapple is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and manganese. These nutrients are important for overall health and well-being.
• Pineapple is also a good source of fiber, which can help to promote regularity and digestive health.
• The acidity of pineapple can help to tenderize the turkey meat. This can result in a more flavorful and juicy turkey.
• Pineapple can also add a tropical flavor to the turkey, which is a nice change from the traditional stuffing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using too much pineapple. Too much pineapple can make the stuffing too acidic and watery.
• Not packing the stuffing loosely. Packing the stuffing too tightly can prevent the heat from circulating properly, which can lead to the stuffing becoming overcooked.
• Not covering the turkey with foil. Covering the turkey with foil will help to keep the stuffing from drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use canned pineapple to stuff a turkey?

Yes, you can use canned pineapple to stuff a turkey. However, you should be aware that canned pineapple is often packed in syrup, which can make the stuffing too sweet. To avoid this, you can drain the pineapple before using it in the stuffing.

• Can I use fresh pineapple to stuff a turkey?

Yes, you can use fresh pineapple to stuff a turkey. However, you should be aware that fresh pineapple is more acidic than canned pineapple. To avoid this, you can add a little bit of sugar to the stuffing.

• What are some other ingredients that can be used in a turkey stuffing with pineapple?

There are many other ingredients that can be used in a turkey stuffing with pineapple, including:

• Chopped apples

• Chopped celery

• Chopped onions

• Chopped nuts

• Dried cranberries

• Chopped herbs

• Spices

• How long should I cook a turkey stuffed with pineapple?

The cooking time for a turkey stuffed with pineapple will vary depending on the size of the turkey. However, as a general rule, you should cook the turkey for about 15 minutes per pound.

• How do I know when a turkey stuffed with pineapple is done cooking?

There are a few ways to tell when a turkey stuffed with pineapple is done cooking.

• The internal temperature of the turkey should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You can check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.

• The juices from the turkey should run clear when you prick the meat with a fork.

• The skin of the turkey should be golden brown and crispy.

• How can I make sure that a turkey stuffed with pineapple doesn’t dry out?

There are a few things you can do to make sure that a turkey stuffed with pineapple doesn’t dry out:

• Start by making sure that the turkey is completely thawed. This will help to prevent the stuffing from becoming soggy.
• Use a mixture of fresh and canned pineapple. The canned pineapple will help to keep the stuffing moist, while the fresh pineapple will add flavor.
• Be sure to pack the stuffing loosely into the turkey. This will help to prevent the stuffing from becoming overcooked.
• Cover the turkey with foil before roasting. This will help to keep the stuffing from drying out.

Turkey stuffed with pineapple is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a special occasion. The sweet and tart flavors of the pineapple complement the savory turkey, and the addition of herbs and spices adds depth and complexity. This dish is sure to impress your guests and make them come back for more.