One of the most impressive dishes for special occasions, holiday tables, and festive gatherings is oven-baked stuffed turkey. When prepared with the right techniques, the turkey turns out incredibly juicy, full of aroma, and the rice stuffing becomes perfectly fluffy.
This step-by-step recipe guarantees a show-stopping centerpiece that will impress everyone at the table.

🛒 Ingredients for Oven-Baked Stuffed Turkey

🦃 For the Turkey:

• 1 whole turkey (4–5 kg / 9–11 lbs)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 3–4 garlic cloves
• 1 orange (quartered)
• 1 onion (roughly chopped)

🍚 For the Rice Stuffing:

• 2 cups Baldo or long-grain rice
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 2 tablespoons pine nuts
• 2 tablespoons currants
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon allspice
• Salt
• 2½ cups hot chicken stock

👩‍🍳 How to Make Oven-Baked Stuffed Turkey

1️⃣ Prepare the Stuffing

• Rinse the rice and soak it in salted warm water for 20 minutes, then drain.
• Melt butter and olive oil in a pan.
• Sauté the onion until soft, add pine nuts and lightly toast.
• Add the rice and stir until translucent.
• Add currants, spices, and salt.
• Pour in hot chicken stock and cook until the liquid is absorbed.
• Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

2️⃣ Prepare the Turkey

• Wash the turkey thoroughly and pat dry.
• Mix olive oil, butter, tomato paste, and spices.
• Rub the mixture all over the turkey, inside and out.
• Place garlic cloves and orange pieces inside the cavity.
• Gently stuff the turkey with the prepared rice (do not overfill).
• Secure the opening with toothpicks or kitchen twine.

3️⃣ Baking the Turkey

• Place the turkey in a roasting pan.
• Cover with parchment paper and aluminum foil.
• Bake in a preheated oven at 170°C (340°F) for about 3–3.5 hours.
• Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes to allow the skin to brown.
• Baste occasionally with pan juices.

⭐ Tips for Perfect Results

• Slow roasting at low temperature keeps the turkey juicy.
• Do not fully cook the stuffing beforehand—it finishes cooking inside the turkey.
• Let the turkey rest for 15–20 minutes before carving.

🥗 What to Serve With Stuffed Turkey

• Roasted vegetables with chestnuts
• Cranberry sauce
• Mashed potatoes
• Fresh seasonal salad

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare stuffed turkey a day ahead?
Yes, the stuffing and marinade can be prepared one day in advance.

How much turkey per person?
Plan about 500–600 g (1–1.3 lbs) per person.

Why does turkey turn out dry?
High heat and lack of basting are the most common reasons.

✨ This aromatic and juicy stuffed turkey will be the star of your table!
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