As the winter chill sets in, and the festive lights begin to twinkle, there’s no dish more synonymous with the joy and tradition of the season than a magnificent Christmas turkey. This year, elevate your Christmas dinner table with a recipe that combines the classic charm of a perfectly roasted turkey with the sumptuous, earthy flavours of a sausage and chestnut stuffing: our Easy Christmas Turkey Roast.
Our recipe promises not only to be the stunning centrepiece of your Christmas spread but also a delightful journey for the senses. It begins with a select, 3.5 kg turkey, chosen for its ample size to ensure there’s plenty to go around, and the promise of leftovers for an indulgent Boxing Day, with our easy Leftover Turkey Curry recipe or a Leftover Turkey Pie recipe for an extra treat.
We guide you through every step of the process, starting with the turkey at room temperature, ensuring even cooking and juicy meat. A golden layer of butter is rubbed lovingly over the turkey, marrying with a medley of fresh herbs that whisper hints of parsley and sage – a nod to the season’s traditional carols.
The stuffing is a rustic blend of rich sausage mince and the nutty, sweet crunch of water chestnuts, it’s a stuffing that pays homage to the old English fare while adding a touch of contemporary finesse. Each ingredient is carefully selected to complement the turkey’s tender flesh, creating a harmonious symphony of flavours.
Our recipe, presented with care and attention to detail, is designed to assuage the festive cook’s stress. With clear instructions and expert tips – such as the perfect resting time for your turkey to ensure succulence – you’ll find yourself at ease, able to partake in the merriment as the oven does its work.
So don your apron, ready your roasting tray, and prepare to be the architect of a meal that will linger in memories long after the last bauble has been packed away. This Easy Christmas Turkey Roast with Sausage and Chestnut Stuffing isn’t just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create joy, to gather loved ones, and to feast in the true spirit of Christmas.
Roast Turkey with Sausage and Chestnut Stuffing
Ingredients:
- 1 turkey, 3.5 kg
- 50 g unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 250 g sausage mince
- 50 g breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs, chopped (parsley & sage)
- 80 g chestnuts, chopped
- 1 egg
- Salt & pepper
Instructions:
Take the turkey out of the fridge 1 hour before cooking; preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F).
Sauté onions in olive oil until translucent (about 5 minutes). Add garlic and sausage mince, cook until browned (about 5 minutes). Transfer the mixture to a large bowl; let it cool.
Once cooled, add fresh herbs, breadcrumbs, chestnuts, 1 egg, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Mix well.
Place the turkey on a roasting tray, using paper towel to pat dry; stuff with the prepared mixture. Mix butter with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper; spread evenly over the turkey.
Cook in the oven for approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. Check after 1 hour; if browning too much, cover loosely with foil. Use a thermometer to ensure perfect cooking: thigh meat should be 175°C (note: it will rise by at least 5°C while resting), stuffing should be 165°C. Avoid touching bone or tray when inserting the thermometer. Alternatively, check by cutting into the roast turkey; juices should run clear.
Once cooked, take out of the oven, cover with foil, and let it rest for 30 minutes. Serve with Cranberry Sauce and Gravy.
Notes:
Weigh the turkey to calculate your perfect cooking time, 20 minutes per kg + 90 minutes.