To stuff or not to stuff?

I've been reading some tips on getting the most flavorful and moist turkey possible and all have said not to stuff the turkey since they recommend a lower temp for cooking which will help keep the bird moist.

Do you stuff your turkey right before cooking or cook the stuffing separate? Also if you stuff the turkey do you add additional cook time to it? I've never cooked the stuffing separate but will try it to get a moist turkey.

To stuff or not to stuff?

We never stuff the turkey and the turkey always comes out great.

Re: To stuff or not to stuff?

I never stuff the turkey. We make a big plan of stuffing separately.

I think the problem with stuffing the raw turkey is that the raw juices get into the stuffing. And by the time the stuffing in the center of the bird gets hot enough to kill any bacteria, the turkey is probably overcooked and dry.

Personally, I am a pretty experienced cook, but I find Thanksgiving dinner challenging enough without adding that extra piece to it. The stuffing tastes great and doesn't dry out in the pan if you continually add chicken broth/stock as needed while it bakes.

So I don't think the benefit of stuffing the turkey outweighs the risks (of bacteria and/or overcooked turkey).

Re: To stuff or not to stuff?

Like the above poster said, you shouldn't stuff the turkey because the temp won't reach a high enough temp and you could get sick.

I like to throw in some herbs and lemons, or you could even do fruit, but don't over stuff it. YOu want to make sure there is circulation inside the bird.

To stuff or not to stuff?

My family has been making turkey with stuffing in the cavity for years...never a problem...no one has ever gotten sick and we've never had dry white meat.

The only times we didn't stuff the bird were the years we deep fried it...

Message edited 11/18/2013 10:26:11 AM.

To stuff or not to stuff?

I like it stuffed. I know they say its not good and you could get sick but I have eaten it that way for 40 years and never been sick