Turkey with Sausage Cornbread Stuffing Ingredients

• 1 (12 pound) turkey, thawed
• 1 box (8.5 oz.) cornbread mix
• 1 pkg. (16 oz.) Johnsonville® Italian All Natural Mild Ground Sausage
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• 2 Tbsp. poultry seasoning
• 1 can (10.5 oz.) chicken with rice soup
• 1 stick (1/2 cup) softened butter
• 3 Tbsp. vegetable oil
• 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
• Salt and freshly ground pepper

Turkey with Sausage Cornbread Stuffing Directions

1. Rinse the turkey in clean water and pat dry with paper towels. Remove the gizzards and neck. Place gizzards and neck in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a simmer to create broth for gravy. Simmer for 30 to 45 minutes. Remove from the heat, strain, and reserve.
2. Meanwhile, prepare cornbread from mix, according to package directions. Cool completely in pan. While cornbread bakes, brown sausage in a medium skillet over medium heat. Stir sausage frequently while browning to break up any large clumps.
3. Crumble cooled cornbread into small pieces and lay on a baking sheet to air dry. In a bowl, combine cornbread, cooked sausage, celery, and green onions. Add poultry seasoning and soup. Mix well; stuff inside turkey cavities.
4. Generously cover turkey completely with softened butter. Tent with aluminum foil and bake according to package instructions. One hour before bird is done, remove foil and baste. The turkey is done when the internal temperature registers 170 degrees F deep in the thigh, and juices run clear when flesh is pierced. The temperature of the stuffing should be 160 degrees F in the center.
5. Remove turkey from oven, place on serving platter, and tent with foil. Let turkey rest for about 15 minutes so the temperature of the stuffing will reach 165 in the center and the temperature in the thigh will rise to 180 degrees F.
6. While turkey rests, prepare gravy. In a large skillet over medium-low heat, heat vegetable oil. Add flour; cook and stir until deep brown. Add turkey drippings and whisk until thickened. Add reserved gizzard broth and simmer. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
7. Remove stuffing from bird and place in serving bowl. Carve turkey and plate with stuffing and gravy.


Prep time: 45 minutes
Baking time: 4 hours
Standing time: 15 minutes

Copyright © 2008 Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade
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