How to Stuff and Prepare a Thanksgiving Turkey

A step-by-step guide for the most flavorful, tender bird.

turkey prep stuffing ready for oven — Credit: Roland Bello

Whatever roasting method or stuffing recipe you choose this year, there are nine essential steps to follow if you'd like to produce a flavorful, moist turkey. Our easy-to-follow guide takes the intimidation out of preparing the main dish of a classic Thanksgiving menu while helping you achieve the best possible flavor and appearance. A simple method that brings a deliciously tender Thanksgiving turkey to the table and it's as easy as it comes? Sign us up!

Start with a completely thawed (or fresh) bird and preheat the oven while you prep the turkey.

01 of 09

Tuck Wing Tips and Remove Anything in Cavity

turkey prep stuffing tucking wings — Credit: Roland Bello

First, tuck the wing tips underneath the turkey's body by gently lifting one side at a time and tucking and folding the wing under. Remove anything in the cavity such as the giblet packet and neck. Reserve these if desired for another use, such as making turkey giblet stock.

02 of 09

Pat Turkey Dry

turkey prep stuffing drying bird — Credit: Roland Bello

Next, pat the turkey dry inside and out with paper towels to remove extra moisture; this is important because it means the skin will crisp rather than steam. Salt and pepper inside of the turkey and keep salt and pepper on hand to season the exterior after stuffing the bird. Make sure not to skip seasoning inside the cavity—seasoning inside and out infuses flavor into every bite.

03 of 09

Rub Butter Underneath Skin

turkey prep stuffing adding butter to cavity — Credit: Roland Bello

Using your fingers, gently separate the skin from the turkey breast and rub softened butter under the skin. This is a well-known pro tip: rubbing butter under the skin gets you the juiciest breast meat and golden skin all around.

04 of 09

Stuff Cavity of Turkey

Loosely stuff the large cavity of the turkey (stuffing expands as it cooks). Save a small amount of stuffing for the next step.

05 of 09

Stuff Neck of Turkey

turkey prep stuffing front cavity — Credit: Roland Bello

Stuff the neck cavity with a small amount of stuffing. Fold neck skin over opening.

06 of 09

Tie Legs

turkey prep stuffing tying legs together — Credit: Roland Bello

To ensure a beautiful presentation and even cooking, tucking the wings and tying the legs are essential steps. Using kitchen twine, cross the legs together and tie them securely at the "ankle."

07 of 09

Season Exterior With Salt

turkey prep stuffing adding salt — Credit: Roland Bello

Season the turkey generously all over with salt.

08 of 09

Season Outside With Pepper

turkey prep stuffing adding pepper — Credit: Roland Bello

Repeat the last step but this time, season the turkey over with freshly ground black pepper.

09 of 09

Arrange in Roasting Pan

Transfer the turkey to a roasting pan. It's ready to roast. After the turkey is roasted, don't waste those delicious pan drippings—head over to our gravy guide.