Thanksgiving Turkey is the star of the holiday feast! This big bird is usually seasoned and roasted to golden perfection, making it juicy and flavorful. It’s simply a must-have!
Nothing brings family together quite like a beautifully cooked turkey. I always enjoy the leftovers almost as much as the big meal itself—hello, turkey sandwiches! 🦃🥪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey: A whole turkey around 12-14 pounds is perfect for Thanksgiving. If you prefer a smaller bird, a 10-12 pound turkey can still work well. If turkey isn’t available, a large chicken can be a great substitute, plus it cooks faster.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness. If you want a healthier option, you can use olive oil or even margarine, but butter gives the best flavor when roasting.
Herbs: Thyme, rosemary, and sage are traditional to use. If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can substitute with dried herbs, but cut the amount in half, since dried herbs are more potent.
Chicken broth: Low-sodium chicken broth adds moisture. If you want to keep it vegetarian, vegetable broth works too. Just ensure it’s low sodium to avoid overly salty turkey.
How Do You Get the Skin Perfectly Crispy?
Achieving crispy skin on your turkey is key to a great presentation and flavor. Here’s how to do it!
- Pat the turkey dry with paper towels; moisture will prevent crispiness.
- Use enough butter or oil. Spreading butter under the skin and all over helps create a golden crust.
- Baste the turkey every 30-40 minutes. This keeps the skin moist and encourages crisping.
- Roast at a consistent temperature of 325°F (163°C). Avoid opening the oven too much as it releases heat.
Following these tips will ensure your turkey emerges golden and delicious! Enjoy the feast!
Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Turkey: 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds), thawed if frozen
- Butter: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- Seasoning: 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- Cavity Stuffing: 1 large onion, quartered
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 head garlic, halved crosswise
- Fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage sprigs for stuffing the cavity
- Roasting Liquid: 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water (for the roasting pan)
- Kitchen twine (for trussing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Thanksgiving turkey recipe takes approximately 20 minutes of prep time and around 3 to 3.5 hours of cooking time, depending on the turkey size. Plus, allow an extra 30 minutes for the turkey to rest before carving. In total, set aside about 4 hours, including the resting period. Perfect for gathering family without the rush!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Turkey:
Begin by taking the turkey out of the refrigerator 1 hour before cooking. This allows it to come to room temperature, which helps it cook evenly. Don’t forget to remove the neck and giblets from the body cavity, then pat the turkey dry with paper towels. This is key for crispy skin!
2. Make the Seasoned Butter:
In a small bowl, blend together the softened butter with kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, rosemary, and sage until everything is nicely mixed. This butter will add gorgeous flavor!
3. Season the Turkey:
Carefully use your fingers to loosen the skin over the turkey breasts. Be gentle! Spread about half of your seasoned butter directly beneath the skin, coating the meat generously. Now take the remaining butter and rub it all over the outside of the turkey. This will give it a beautiful, golden color when it roasts.
4. Stuff the Cavity:
Next, stuff the cavity of the turkey with the quartered onion, halved lemon, garlick head, and fresh herb sprigs. These ingredients will infuse amazing flavor into the turkey while it cooks.
5. Truss the Turkey:
Using kitchen twine, tie the turkey legs together and tuck the wing tips under the body. This helps the turkey hold its shape during roasting!
6. Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 325°F (163°C) and place a roasting rack in your large roasting pan. This keeps the turkey elevated and helps it cook evenly.
7. Roast the Turkey:
Carefully place the turkey breast side up on the rack. Pour the chicken broth or water into the bottom of the roasting pan. This not only adds moisture but also helps in creating a delicious gravy later.
8. Cooking Time:
Cook the turkey until its internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. It should take about 13-15 minutes per pound, which means roughly 3 to 3.5 hours for a turkey of this size. Remember to baste it with the pan juices every 30-40 minutes to keep the skin golden and crispy!
9. Rest the Turkey:
Once done, take the turkey out of the oven. Tent it loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for about 20-30 minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute into the meat, making it extra moist and flavorful.
10. Carve and Serve:
Finally, it’s time to carve that delicious turkey! Once carved, serve it alongside your favorite sides. For an extra touch, garnish the platter with fresh rosemary and lemon slices.
Enjoy your beautifully roasted, juicy Thanksgiving Turkey and the happy moments with loved ones around the table! 🦃🍽️
Can I Use a Frozen Turkey?
Yes, but make sure it’s completely thawed before cooking! The safest way to thaw is in the refrigerator for several days, or, if you’re short on time, you can use the cold water method—submerge the turkey in its original packaging in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. Allow about 30 minutes of thawing time per pound.
How Do I Store Leftover Turkey?
Leftover turkey can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it—just be sure to slice it first and wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well for up to 4 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How Can I Ensure My Turkey is Juicy?
To keep your turkey juicy, don’t skip the resting step after it comes out of the oven; this allows the juices to redistribute. Additionally, basting every 30-40 minutes during roasting also helps keep the meat moist. Brining the turkey beforehand can also enhance juiciness and flavor!
Can I Adjust the Spice Mix?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the spice mix to suit your tastes. You can add your favorite spices like cumin or lemon zest for a fresh twist. Just keep in mind that the overall balance of flavors should be maintained, so adjust quantities accordingly, especially if you’re adding potent spices.
