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Bacon Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey with Herb Stuffing

A juicy, flavorful Thanksgiving turkey wrapped in crispy bacon and filled with aromatic herb stuffing.
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Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 12 people
Course: Holiday, Main
Cuisine: American, Autumn
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Turkey
  • 1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs) thawed
  • 12-14 strips thick-cut bacon
  • 4 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter softened
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt
  • 2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 lemon halved
  • 1 onion quartered
  • 1 garlic head halved
  • 1 bunch fresh herbs rosemary, thyme, sage
Herb Stuffing
  • 8 cups bread cubes day-old
  • 1.5 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup diced onion
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh sage chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary chopped
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp pepper

Equipment

  • Roasting pan
  • Kitchen twine
  • Mixing bowls
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

  1. Melt butter in a large pan, sauté onion and celery for 5–6 minutes.
  2. Add garlic and herbs, stir in bread cubes, and moisten with broth.
  3. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and pat turkey dry.
  4. Season cavity, add stuffing, lemon, onion, garlic, and herbs; tie legs.
  5. Rub outside with olive oil, butter, and seasonings.
  6. Cover turkey breast with bacon lattice.
  7. Roast 3.5–4.5 hours until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  8. Rest 20–30 minutes before carving.

Notes

For crispier skin, remove bacon during last hour of roasting.