Slow-Roasted Turkey & Dressing from Bob Evans features tender, juicy turkey slow-roasted to perfection, paired with savory, herb-infused dressing, delivering a comforting and flavorful classic holiday meal with golden-brown, crispy skin and moist, flavorful stuffing.
Equipments
- Roasting pan
- Roasting rack
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Basting brush
- Meat thermometer
- Aluminum foil
- Carving knife
- Serving platter
- Skillet
- Spoon
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 whole turkey (10-12 lbs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons dried sage
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1 loaf (1 lb) day-old bread, cubed
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cups chicken or turkey broth
- 2 large eggs
Ensure your turkey is fully thawed before roasting to guarantee even cooking and maintain juiciness. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165degF in the thickest part of the bird. Fresh herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary are crucial for authentic flavor but dried versions work well if fresh is unavailable. Day-old bread is essential for the dressing's texture, soaking up the broth without becoming mushy. Your Slow-Roasted Turkey & Dressing from Bob Evans copycat meal will shine with these ingredient considerations and careful preparation.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Remove giblets and pat turkey dry.
- Rub turkey with olive oil or melted butter.
- Season turkey inside and out with salt, pepper, sage, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- In a skillet, sauté onion, celery, and carrots until softened.
- In a mixing bowl, combine bread cubes, sautéed vegetables, parsley, and dried herbs.
- Whisk eggs and broth together, then pour over bread mixture; toss until moistened.
- Stuff turkey cavity loosely with prepared dressing.
- Place remaining dressing in a baking dish; cover and set aside.
- Place turkey breast-side up on rack in roasting pan.
- Tie legs together with kitchen twine if desired.
- Tent turkey loosely with aluminum foil.
- Roast in oven, basting occasionally with pan juices.
- After 2-2.5 hours, remove foil to brown the skin.
- Continue roasting until meat thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) in thickest part of thigh, about 3-4 hours total.
- In last 45 minutes of roasting, bake extra dressing (covered) at 325°F.
- Let turkey rest 20-30 minutes, tented with foil.
- Carve turkey with carving knife.
- Serve turkey and dressing on a platter.
Substitution
The Slow-Roasted Turkey & Dressing from Bob Evans copycat recipe uses a whole turkey seasoned with a blend of sage, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, and onion powder to create a deeply flavorful meal. If you don't have dried herbs on hand, fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme can be used in double the quantity for a vibrant taste. When selecting a roasting pan, a heavy-duty pan with a rack ensures even cooking and crispy skin, while a meat thermometer helps you avoid overcooking the turkey. If day-old bread is not available for the dressing, toast fresh bread cubes in the oven until dry and golden to achieve the ideal texture. You can baste your turkey with either olive oil or melted butter depending on your flavor preference and dietary needs.
Tips
Ensure your turkey is completely thawed before roasting to promote even cooking and prevent food safety risks. When seasoning, rub the turkey inside and out thoroughly to infuse deep flavor throughout the meat. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding bone, to accurately check doneness at 165degF (74degC). Let your turkey rest covered with foil after roasting to allow juices to redistribute, resulting in moist and tender meat.
Nutritions
Slow-Roasted Turkey & Dressing from Bob Evans provides a protein-rich meal with approximately 25 grams of protein per 3-ounce serving of turkey, vital for muscle repair and overall health. The use of olive oil or melted butter adds healthy fats, while the herb-infused dressing contains fiber from celery, carrots, and whole bread cubes, aiding digestion. This meal is moderate in calories, with the turkey providing lean protein and the dressing contributing carbohydrates and fat balanced by fresh herbs and vegetables. You benefit from a well-rounded holiday dish that combines essential nutrients supporting both taste and nutrition.
Storage
Store your slow-roasted turkey and dressing in airtight containers and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness. Keep the turkey and dressing separate to preserve their textures, and consume within 3 to 4 days for optimal flavor and safety. For longer storage, freeze the portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating thoroughly.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, you can substitute the dried herbs with fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage to enhance the aroma and flavor profile of your turkey and dressing. Consider adding crumbled sausage or cooked chestnuts to the bread mixture for extra richness and texture in your dressing. You might also try brining your turkey overnight in a saltwater solution with herbs to ensure maximum juiciness and tenderness. Your slow-roasted turkey will benefit from resting covered after roasting to allow juices to redistribute, making carving easier and the meat more succulent.
Allergies
Slow-Roasted Turkey & Dressing from Bob Evans contains common allergens such as eggs and bread made from wheat, which may trigger reactions in individuals with egg or gluten allergies. The use of herbs and vegetables generally poses low allergy risk, but cross-reactivity can occur in sensitive individuals. Your awareness of these ingredients is important to avoid potential allergic reactions.
Why this recipe?
The Slow-Roasted Turkey & Dressing menu at Bob Evans restaurant is beloved for its tender, juicy turkey paired with flavorful, savory dressing made from fresh herbs and seasoned bread crumbs. You experience a comforting, homemade taste that captures traditional holiday flavors year-round. The balance of moist turkey and well-seasoned dressing offers a satisfying, hearty meal that appeals to a wide range of palates. Trying the copycat recipe allows you to recreate this classic favorite at home, ensuring the same rich flavors and quality ingredients without dining out.