Oh, Christmas Eve dinner—what a magical time! It’s that special evening when the air is filled with laughter, the aroma of delicious food wafts through the house, and families come together to celebrate. Growing up, I remember the excitement as we gathered around the table, the twinkling lights reflecting off the shiny ornaments, and the warmth of loved ones nearby. This recipe for a whole roasted turkey will be the centerpiece of your festive gathering, bringing everyone together in joy and gratitude. Trust me, the buttery, herb-seasoned turkey, paired with savory stuffing and a vibrant cranberry sauce, will create memories that linger long after the last slice is served. So, let’s dive into this delicious Christmas Eve dinner recipe that’s sure to impress your family and friends!
Ingredients List
- 1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups stuffing mix
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 pumpkin pie (for dessert)
How to Prepare Instructions
Preparing the Turkey
First things first, let’s get that turkey ready! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, take the turkey out of its packaging and remove the giblets from the cavity—don’t worry, it’s not as scary as it sounds! Rinse the turkey under cold water, pat it dry with paper towels, and place it in a roasting pan. Now, here comes the fun part: rub the softened butter all over the turkey, making sure to get into every nook and cranny. Sprinkle salt and black pepper generously over the skin for that flavorful kick. Finally, stuff the turkey with the stuffing mix, securing the opening with kitchen twine or toothpicks.
Cooking the Turkey
Now that your turkey is prepped, place it in the oven and pour the chicken broth around it—this keeps it juicy and delicious! Cover the turkey with foil to lock in moisture and roast it for about 3 to 4 hours. Don’t forget to baste it every hour with the juices from the pan; this is how you get that beautiful golden-brown skin. About 30 minutes before the turkey is done, remove the foil to let the skin crisp up nicely. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the breast. Let it rest for 20 minutes before carving—this step is crucial to allow the juices to redistribute.
Preparing the Sides
While the turkey is roasting, let’s take care of those green beans! Bring a pot of water to a boil, add the trimmed green beans, and cook them for just 5 minutes until they’re vibrant green and tender-crisp. Drain and set them aside. Once the turkey is out of the oven and resting, it’s time to serve! Plate up that gorgeous turkey with a generous scoop of cranberry sauce on the side and those lovely green beans. This festive spread is sure to bring smiles all around the table!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying this Christmas Eve dinner, you can savor every bite knowing it’s packed with flavor and nutrition! Each serving of this delightful roasted turkey with stuffing offers approximately:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 25g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
Keep in mind these values are estimates and can vary based on portion sizes and specific ingredients used. It’s all about enjoying the feast while celebrating with loved ones!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
- Simple and straightforward steps make it easy to prepare, even for beginners.
- The delicious combination of flavors will create a festive atmosphere at your Christmas Eve dinner.
- It’s a classic recipe that brings back warm memories and traditions.
- Leftovers are just as delightful, making for great sandwiches or turkey soup the next day!
Tips for Success
To ensure your turkey turns out absolutely perfect, here are a few tried-and-true tips! First, don’t skip the resting time—letting the turkey rest for 20 minutes after roasting allows those delicious juices to settle, ensuring every slice is moist and flavorful. Also, feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste; a bit more salt or herbs can elevate the flavor even further. And if you want an extra burst of flavor, consider sliding some garlic or fresh herbs under the skin before roasting. Trust me, these little tweaks make a big difference!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to rounding out your Christmas Eve dinner, think about some delightful sides and drinks that will complement that beautiful turkey. A rich, creamy mashed potato dish is always a hit, especially with a drizzle of gravy on top. You might also want to add a vibrant winter salad with cranberries and nuts for a fresh crunch. And don’t forget about the classic rolls—soft, warm, and perfect for mopping up those delicious turkey juices! For drinks, consider serving a festive punch or a nice red wine to elevate the meal even more. Cheers to a wonderful celebration!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After the festivities, you’ll likely have some delicious leftovers to savor! To keep your turkey and sides tasting fresh, make sure to store them properly. Allow the turkey to cool down to room temperature, then carve it into slices and place it in an airtight container. For the stuffing and green beans, store them in separate containers as well. Everything should be refrigerated and can last for about 3 to 4 days.
When it’s time to enjoy those leftovers, reheating is key! Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the turkey slices in a baking dish, adding a splash of chicken broth or gravy to keep it moist. Cover with foil to prevent drying out and heat for about 20-30 minutes, or until warmed through. For the green beans and stuffing, you can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot. Enjoy those cozy leftovers!
FAQ Section
How long does it take to cook a turkey?
For a whole turkey weighing between 12 to 14 pounds, you should plan for about 3 to 4 hours of roasting time at 350°F (175°C). Remember, every oven is a bit different, so it’s always good to check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the breast.
Can I use a different type of stuffing?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for a classic stuffing mix, feel free to get creative. You can use homemade stuffing, cornbread, or even a wild rice mix. Just make sure the stuffing is cooked to the proper temperature if you’re stuffing the turkey.
How do I know when the turkey is done?
The best way to check if your turkey is done is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the breast; if it reads 165°F (75°C), you’re good to go! If you don’t have a thermometer, you can also check if the juices run clear when you pierce the thigh with a knife.
Can I prepare the turkey ahead of time?
You can definitely prep the turkey a day in advance! Just season it and stuff it, then cover it and refrigerate overnight. On Christmas Eve, take it out and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before roasting. This helps it cook evenly!
What should I do with leftover turkey?
Leftover turkey is a treat! You can slice it up for sandwiches, toss it into a soup, or even make a turkey pot pie. Just make sure to store it in airtight containers and enjoy it within a few days for the best flavor!
Imprimer
Christmas Eve Dinner: 5 Tips for a Magical Feast
- Temps Total: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Rendement: 8-10 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
A festive dinner to celebrate Christmas Eve with family and friends.
Ingrédients
- 1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups stuffing mix
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 pumpkin pie
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the turkey by removing the giblets and rinsing it under cold water.
- Rub the turkey with softened butter, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff the turkey with stuffing mix and secure the opening.
- Place the turkey in a roasting pan and pour chicken broth around it.
- Cover with foil and roast in the oven for 3-4 hours, basting occasionally.
- In the last 30 minutes, remove the foil to brown the skin.
- Cook green beans in boiling water for 5 minutes and drain.
- Serve the turkey with cranberry sauce and green beans.
- Enjoy pumpkin pie for dessert.
Notes
- Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Prepare sides in advance to simplify serving.
- Temps De Préparation: 30 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 4 hours
- Catégorie: Main Course
- Méthode: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 slice of turkey with stuffing
- Calories: 450
- Sucre: 5g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 25g
- Graisses Saturées: 10g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 10g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 30g
- La fibre: 3g
- La protéine: 30g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 80mg
Mots-clés: christmas eve dinner
