Thanksgiving is a time of warmth, family, and, of course, delicious food. One dish that stands out on the Thanksgiving table is the roast turkey. And when it's paired with old - fashioned bread stuffing, it becomes a symphony of flavors that can transport you back to the cozy kitchens of your childhood.

The beauty of a well - roasted turkey lies in its moistness. A dry turkey can be a real letdown, but with the right techniques, you can ensure that every bite is juicy and full of flavor. Start by choosing a high - quality turkey. Look for one that has plump breast and thighs, and check the expiration date to make sure it's fresh.

Before you start roasting, it's important to prepare the turkey properly. First, thaw the turkey in the refrigerator. This slow thawing process helps to keep the meat moist. Once it's thawed, remove the giblets and neck from the cavity. Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as it helps the skin to crisp up during roasting.

Now, let's talk about the old - fashioned bread stuffing. The stuffing is not just a side dish; it's an essential part of the turkey experience. To make the stuffing, you'll need day - old bread. Cut the bread into cubes and let them dry out a bit. This will help them absorb the flavors of the other ingredients. You can use a variety of breads, such as white bread, whole wheat bread, or a combination of both.

Next, sauté some onions, celery, and garlic in a pan with butter until they are soft and fragrant. Add herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary to the pan. These herbs are classic Thanksgiving flavors that will give your stuffing a wonderful aroma. Pour the sautéed vegetables and herbs over the bread cubes and mix well. You can also add some chicken broth to moisten the stuffing, but be careful not to make it too wet.

Stuff the turkey loosely with the bread stuffing. Do not overstuff it, as the stuffing needs room to expand during cooking. Tie the legs of the turkey together with kitchen twine to help it cook evenly. Rub the turkey with butter or olive oil and season it generously with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like.

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the turkey in a roasting pan breast - side up. You can add some vegetables like carrots, onions, and celery to the pan to add flavor to the turkey and create a delicious pan gravy later. Cover the turkey with foil and roast it for about 15 minutes per pound. After the first hour, start checking the internal temperature of the turkey with a meat thermometer.

The turkey is done when the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C). If the turkey starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it with a piece of foil to prevent it from burning. Once the turkey is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it even more tender and juicy.

When it's time to serve, slice the turkey and arrange it on a platter. Serve it with the old - fashioned bread stuffing and a side of gravy. The gravy is made from the pan drippings. Simply pour the drippings into a pan, add some flour to thicken it, and then add some chicken broth. Stir it constantly until it reaches the desired consistency.

Taking a bite of this moist roast turkey with old - fashioned bread stuffing is like taking a trip down memory lane. It's a dish that brings families together and creates lasting memories. And after enjoying such a delicious meal, it might really be tough to save enough room for pie, but that's just part of the Thanksgiving experience!