Can You Stuff a Turkey with Potatoes? A Complete Guide

These easy twice-baked ground turkey potatoes are stuffed with creamy mashed potatoes and taco-spiced turkey. They are all topped off with gooey melted cheese.

Stuffing a turkey with potatoes is a time-honored tradition for many families during the holidays. The practice adds delicious flavor and moisture to the turkey. However, questions about the safety and best practices for potato-stuffed turkey persist. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore if and how to properly stuff a turkey with potatoes.

An Overview of Stuffing a Turkey with Potatoes

Stuffing a turkey with potatoes has several benefits The potatoes absorb the turkey juices as it cooks, keeping the meat moist and adding flavor The starch also helps retain moisture in the bird. In addition, cooking the potatoes inside the turkey allows you to prepare a complete meal all in one pan.

However there are some risks with stuffing that must be considered. Most importantly the potato stuffing must reach 165°F, the safe minimum internal temperature, to eliminate bacteria. Consequently, the turkey may require additional cooking time. Monitoring temperatures with a meat thermometer is crucial.

With proper precautions stuffing a turkey with potatoes can be done safely. Selecting the right potatoes seasonings, and cooking method will result in a flavorful, juicy turkey.

How to Choose the Best Potatoes for Stuffing

Choosing the right potato variety is key for successful turkey stuffing. Firm, waxier potatoes hold their shape best when cooked. Good options include:

Yukon Gold potatoes – A classic choice, these yellow-fleshed potatoes have a smooth, creamy texture that absorbs flavors well.
Red potatoes – Small to medium red-skinned potatoes retain their shape during cooking. Their slightly waxy texture provides moisture.
Fingerling potatoes – These small, stubby finger-shaped potatoes have a firm texture perfect for stuffing.
Russet (baking) potatoes – The starchiness of russets helps keep in moisture, though they may break down more than waxy potatoes.

Avoid crumbly or soft potato varieties like russets or red bliss. Cut potatoes into 1-inch chunks before stuffing for even cooking.

Seasoning a Potato-Stuffed Turkey

Potatoes absorb surrounding flavors readily, so seasoning is key. Herbs, spices, aromatics, citrus, poultry seasoning, or a combination complement the potatoes. Consider:

Fresh herbs – Rosemary, thyme, sage, parsley – use alone or mixed.
Spices – Salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder.
Aromatics – Onion, garlic, shallots – minced or quartered.
Citrus – Lemon, lime, orange wedges.
Poultry seasoning – Premade or homemade blend.
Compound butter – Flavored butter rubbed over and under skin.

Apply seasonings inside cavity, on outer skin, and underneath skin. Potatoes will absorb surrounding flavors.

To Parboil or Not to Parboil the Potatoes

Parboiling, or partially cooking, the potatoes before stuffing can help reduce overall cooking time. However, it is not strictly necessary.

Benefits of parboiling include:

Shortens cooking time
Removes excess starch for fluffier texture
Potatoes cook through fully

Drawbacks of parboiling:

Additional prep work
Can lead to mushy potatoes if overcooked

If parboiling, boil chunks 5-7 minutes until partially cooked but still quite firm. Drain, then stuff into turkey. Monitor temperature carefully.

Tips for Stuffing a Turkey with Potatoes Successfully

Follow these tips for delicious, safe results when stuffing a turkey with potatoes:

Don’t overstuff: Leave room for air circulation and even cooking.
Truss turkey: Tie legs together to secure shape and contain stuffing.
Use flavorful liquid: Chicken or turkey stock or a flavorful cooking wine adds moisture.
Monitor temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure 165°F in thickest part of breast and stuffing.
Rest turkey: Let sit at least 10 minutes before carving for juices to redistribute.
Mix stuffing: Combine potato stuffing with traditional bread stuffing for variation.

Are Sweet Potatoes an Option for Stuffing?

Sweet potatoes offer a tasty alternative for turkey stuffing. Their natural sugars caramelize when roasted, creating delicious flavor. However, their high sugar content means they brown faster than regular potatoes. Monitor cooking time closely to avoid over browning or burning. Sweet potato stuffing pairs well with maple syrup, pecans, cinnamon, ginger, and other fall flavors.

Alternative Stuffing Ingredients Beyond Potatoes

While potatoes make a delicious and traditional stuffing, other ingredients can provide fun twists:

Bread-based stuffing – The classic! Use cubed bread, broth, onions, celery, herbs.
Rice – White or wild rice, or rice pilaf mixes.
Pasta – Cooked pasta shells, rigatoni, or orzo.
Vegetables – Chopped carrots, parsnips, turnips, or celery.
Fruit – Apples, cranberries, raisins, or apricots.
Grains – Quinoa, farro, or barley.
Nuts – Chopped walnuts, pecans, chestnuts, or hazelnuts.

Mix and match ingredients for personalized flavor combinations. Ensure all components reach safe internal temperatures.

Key Tips for Safely Cooking a Potato-Stuffed Turkey

Food safety is paramount when cooking stuffing inside poultry. Follow these guidelines:

Use a food thermometer to monitor temperatures.
Cook until thickest part of breast and stuffing reach 165°F.
Never cook stuffing in advance or freeze and thaw before cooking.
Cook immediately after stuffing turkey. Don’t allow turkey to sit for prolonged periods with stuffing inside.
Refrigerate all leftovers within 2 hours. Reheat thoroughly to 165°F.

Serving Suggestions for a Perfect Potato-Stuffed Turkey

A beautifully browned turkey stuffed with potatoes makes a stunning centerpiece to any holiday table. Here are some serving tips:

Carve turkey and distribute stuffing evenly.
Garnish platter with fresh herbs.
Pair with roasted autumn vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or butternut squash.
Offer classic sides like mashed potatoes, gravy, and cranberry sauce.
A green salad balances the meal.
Set out fluffy rolls or biscuits to round out the menu.
Slice apple or pumpkin pie for a sweet, seasonal dessert.

Stuffing a turkey with potatoes is a timeless tradition that, when done properly, results in a flavorful, juicy bird perfect for holiday feasting. Follow these tips for savoring the best potato-stuffed turkey and accompanying sides this season.

can you stuff a turkey with potatoes

Meal Prep and Storage

You can prepare the mashed potato mixture and cook the ground turkey in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator for up to two days. The potatoes will likely dry out at a bit, so stir in a little milk until the potatoes reach the desired consistency. Then mix the potatoes with the ground turkey mixture, stuff the potato skins, top with cheese and bake as directed.

Leftover stuffed potatoes can be store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Before serving, reheat them in the oven (350 degrees F) or microwave until heated through.

What’s to love about twice-baked ground turkey potatoes

⭐️ This recipe is so simple to put together and uses common ingredients, making it ideal for easy last-minute weeknight meals. We usually rotate between this recipe and Turkey Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes because they come together so quickly.

⭐️ Between the mashed potatoes and the turkey taco meat, this recipe is always popular with both kids and adults. It’s healthy comfort food – the kind of meal that makes me look forward to dinnertime.

⭐️ Twice-baked potatoes can become laden with saturated fat pretty quickly if you’re not careful. In this recipe, I used ground turkey instead of beef, and opted for skim milk and light cream cheese for the mashed potatoes. Lightened-up with sacrificing any flavor![feast_advanced_jump_to]

How I Make My Turkey-Potato Casserole

FAQ

What’s the best thing to stuff a turkey with?

Alliums: Add quartered onions, shallots, leeks, or garlic cloves for a delicious, earthy aroma. Fruits: Insert quarters of apple, lemon, orange, lime, or even grapefruit to add moisture and brightness to the turkey. You can even go with dried fruit, like cranberries, to double down on the autumn vibes.

When to put potatoes in with turkey?

Roast the turkey for 1 hour. Toss the carrots, potatoes, and fennel with the olive oil and add to the roasting pan. Return the pan to the oven and continue to roast for about 1 1/2 hours more, or until the juices run clear when you cut between the leg and the thigh.

Can you feed turkeys potatoes?

Potatoes can also be fed to turkeys, but they should be boiled before feeding. Young grass and plants of native and domestic species can be fed as a supplement. Vegetable leaves, grasses and plants should never be fed as a total diet for turkeys.