TURKEY WITH BACON CHERRY STUFFING

Turkey with Bacon Cherry Stuffing image

From Elk Rapids, Michigan, Kathy Lee notes, "Since out state is a big producer of cherries, I use them often. They add lots of flavor to poultry stuffing."

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 3h55m

Yield 10-12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

8 bacon strips, diced
1-1/2 cups chopped celery
3/4 cup chopped onion
7 ounces unseasoned stuffing cubes
1-3/4 cups chicken broth
1-1/2 teaspoons rubbed sage
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup dried cherries
1 turkey (12 to 14 pounds)
Melted butter

Steps:

In a skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon to paper towels; drain, reserving 2 tablespoons drippings. Saute celery and onion in the drippings until tender. , In a large bowl, combine the stuffing cubes, broth, sage, thyme, pepper and salt. Stir in the bacon, celery mixture and cherries., Just before baking, loosely stuff the turkey. Skewer turkey openings; tie drumsticks together. Place breast side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Brush with butter. , Bake, uncovered, at 325° for 3-1/2 to 4-1/2 hours or until a thermometer reads 180° for the turkey and 165° for the stuffing, basting occasionally with pan drippings. Cover loosely with foil if turkey browns too quickly. , Cover turkey and let stand for 20 minutes before removing stuffing and carving turkey. If desired, thicken pan drippings for gravy.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 642 calories, Fat 27g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 249mg cholesterol, Sodium 577mg sodium, Carbohydrate 19g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 76g protein.