Beginner's Turkey with Stuffing

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, or 175 degrees Celsius.

To begin preparing the turkey, take it out of its packaging and remove any unwanted internal components. Next, give the turkey a thorough rinse under cold water, then gently pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Place the turkey in a shallow roasting dish, ensuring it is large enough to accommodate its size.

In a separate saucepan, combine water and 4 tablespoons of butter. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally. Once boiling, stir in the stuffing mix and cover the saucepan with a lid. Remove it from the heat source and let it sit for 5 minutes, allowing the ingredients to meld together.

Simultaneously, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add diced celery and onion to the pan, stirring occasionally as they cook until tender, typically taking 5 to 7 minutes.

Add the cooked celery and onion to the stuffing mixture, then incorporate toasted bread pieces into the blend. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Using a spoon, gently fill the turkey's body and neck cavities with the prepared stuffing. Rub the exterior of the turkey with vegetable oil, then loosely cover it with aluminum foil to prevent overcooking.

Place the turkey in the preheated oven and roast until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reaches 180 degrees Fahrenheit, or 85 degrees Celsius. The stuffing should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, or 70 degrees Celsius. This process typically takes around 3 1/2 to 4 hours.

During the final 30 minutes of cooking, remove the foil from the turkey to allow it to brown and crisp up.