Learning how to brine a turkey and cook a full turkey dinner can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. We have a step by step plan to show you how to make a juicy brined turkey with turkey stuffing without getting frazzled.
Im not going to tell you that its effortless to make a turkey dinner, it does require a fair bit of effort, but the reward is all your favorite people sitting around a table together and sharing a meal that you made and everyone telling you that they can’t believe how good the turkey is! Doesn’t matter how many times you have done it, its still worth it every time!
Cooking a brined turkey is totally doable without feeling frazzled and overwhelmed! It just takes a little organization and planning. What you need is a plan of action. When you plan out a task like making turkey dinner, it makes a daunting and possibly intimidating task a lot easier. We have a 3 day plan for you and we will walk you through it. Day by day, step by step.
Serving a brined turkey requires a few extra steps, but you are going to be blown away by how tender and flavorful your turkey is!
If you have ever made a roasted turkey where the white meat of your turkey came out dry, the secret is to brine the turkey.
Cooking a stuffed and brined turkey for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be with proper planning and technique. With some simple tips and tricks, you can roast a moist, flavorful and properly cooked stuffed turkey.
Why Brine and Stuff Your Turkey?
Brining is the process of soaking meat in a saltwater solution before cooking. This allows the turkey to absorb moisture, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful finished product Stuffing a turkey adds great flavor and texture contrast The stuffing absorbs the turkey juices during roasting for added moisture and taste.
Brining also enables you to add aromatics like herbs, spices and citrus to infuse the turkey with flavor Common brining ingredients include salt, brown sugar, garlic, onions, celery, carrots, rosemary, thyme and lemon
Determining Cook Time Based on Weight
The most important factor in determining stuffed turkey cook time is the weight. Here are some general time guidelines:
- 10-12 lbs: 3 to 3 1/2 hours at 325°F
- 12-14 lbs: 3 1/2 to 4 hours
- 14-18 lbs: 4 to 4 1/4 hours
- 18-20 lbs: 4 1/4 to 4 3/4 hours
- 20-24 lbs: 4 3/4 to 5 1/4 hours
For accurate doneness, however, you must use a meat thermometer. The minimum safe internal temperature for turkey is 165°F. The stuffing and thickest part of breast and thigh must reach this temperature.
Let the cooked turkey rest for at least 20 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute. The internal temperature will rise about 5°F during resting.
Brining Time
- Whole turkeys: 12-24 hours
- Turkey breasts: 6-8 hours
Make sure brine is completely cool before submerging turkey to prevent partially cooking the meat. Weigh down turkey if needed to keep fully submerged. Turn turkey halfway through brining.
Stuffing Tips
- Avoid stuffing turkey too far in advance which can lead to bacterial growth.
- Stuff turkey just before roasting.
- Safe minimum internal temp for stuffing is 165°F.
- Cook any extra stuffing in casserole dish.
- Let cooked stuffing cool before refrigerating to prevent condensation.
Roasting Guidelines
- Pat turkey dry before roasting.
- Leave turkey uncovered for first 30 minutes of roasting to brown skin.
- Baste turkey every 30 minutes with pan juices to prevent drying out.
- Tent turkey loosely with foil to prevent over-browning if needed.
- Add broth to roasting pan to prevent drippings from burning.
Food Safety
Be diligent about food safety when handling raw poultry to prevent illness.
- Cook stuffing to 165°F.
- Don’t leave turkey or stuffing out longer than 2 hours.
- Refrigerate all leftovers within 2 hours.
- Reheat leftovers to minimum 165°F.
- Wash hands, utensils, sink after raw turkey contact.
Additional Tips
- Allow 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 pounds turkey per person.
- Increase cook time 15-20 minutes if using frozen turkey.
- Avoid brining longer than recommended time to prevent over-salting.
- Cook until deep in breast and thigh reaches minimum 165°F.
- Let turkey rest 20-30 minutes before carving for juicier meat.
Common FAQs
Can I cook a brined turkey on the grill?
Yes, brined turkey can be grilled but indirect heat is best to cook evenly. Use a meat thermometer for doneness.
Should I brine a frozen turkey?
Only brine previously thawed turkeys. Frozen turkeys won’t absorb brine effectively.
Can I cook stuffing ahead of time?
No, stuffing should be added to turkey raw right before roasting to prevent bacterial growth.
How do I know when the stuffing is cooked?
The internal temperature of the stuffing should reach 165°F as measured by a food thermometer.
Is it safe to store stuffing inside the cooked turkey?
No, remove and refrigerate stuffing within 2 hours just like any leftovers to prevent food poisoning.
How long should I let the turkey rest before carving?
Let the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes after removing from oven so juices can redistribute for better moisture.
Conclusion
Brining, stuffing and properly roasting a turkey may seem complicated but just follow these tips for success:
- Determine cook time by weight
- Allow ample brining time
- Use a meat thermometer for doneness
- Cook stuffing to 165°F
- Let turkey rest before carving
- Refrigerate all leftovers promptly
With proper technique, you can serve a beautifully bronzed, tender and juicy brined stuffed turkey this holiday season that will wow your guests!
Day 2: Brine the Turkey and Make the Turkey Stuffing
On day 2 you need to brine your turkey. Follow the instructions below to mix together this super flavorful turkey brine recipe. Brine your turkey for at least 12 hours overnight, or up to 48 hours.
How to Brine a Turkey and Make Your Turkey Dinner ~ Step by Step
This day is easy. If your turkey is frozen, take it out of the freezer and allow it to thaw out completely before moving on to the next step. If you bought a fresh turkey, your a step ahead! Move on to Day 2.
A few more things to do today:
- Make your grocery list and go grocery shopping.
- Tackle any big house cleaning chores today.
- Make sure that you have enough plates, cutlery, glasses, serving dishes, chairs and spots around the table for all your guests.
In the past Debbie and I have commissioned our husbands to build extensions to tables, or re-arrange furniture to add another table in order to fit everyone! But you need to figure this out ahead of time or it can get stressful.