Grandmom Wohlfarth'S German Turkey Filling(20 Pound Or More Turkey)
A savory German-style turkey filling with sausage, liver, fresh vegetables, and herbs, perfect for stuffing large turkeys and ensuring flavorful leftovers for hearty meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put peppers, parsley, apples, celery, liver, and onions through a processor in that order.
- Cut crust from the bread.
- Cut each loaf in half and break into small pieces.
- Place all ingredients in a large container.
- Knead everything together with your hands until the bread is no longer visible.
- Add marjoram, thyme, salt, pepper, eggs, and sausage meat (broken into pieces).
- Knead the mixture thoroughly until well combined.
- Prepare the filling the day before and store covered in the refrigerator.
- Fill the front and back of the turkey with the mixture.
- Sew the skin over the filled cavities.
- Do not pack the filling too tightly.
- Leftover filling can be cooked in a covered casserole dish at 350°F (175°C) for about one hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more flavorful filling, consider adding diced bacon or other herbs like sage. If you can't find fresh sausage, ground pork or turkey sausage works well as a substitute. Also, using day-old bread will help the stuffing hold its shape better. Ensure all ingredients are finely chopped for even distribution in the turkey.
Serving Suggestions
This turkey filling pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or a side of cranberry sauce for a festive meal. Consider serving alongside Kapusta (Polish Sauerkraut With Spareribs) for a hearty contrast, or a light salad to balance the richness of the turkey. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place it in a covered casserole dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about an hour, ensuring it's heated through. This method helps retain moisture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandmom Wohlfarth'S German Turkey Filling(20 Pound Or More Turkey) contains roughly 437 calories, with 23g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (433% of the Daily Value), iron (172% of the Daily Value), and potassium (88% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2263mg per serving (98% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this filling ahead of time?
Yes, it's recommended to prepare the filling a day in advance. This allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste. Just store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to use it, and remember to bring it to room temperature before stuffing the turkey.
What kind of bread should I use for this stuffing?
Use a sturdy bread such as sourdough or white bread for best results. Avoid soft breads like sandwich bread, as they may become mushy. Day-old bread is ideal as it absorbs the moisture from the other ingredients without falling apart.
Can I use other proteins instead of calves liver?
Absolutely! If you prefer not to use liver, you can substitute it with additional sausage or even cooked, chopped chicken or turkey. This will still give you a delicious filling while accommodating personal preferences or dietary restrictions.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).