Thanksgiving Turkey
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
4 hrs
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Additional Time
1 d
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Total Time
1 d 4 hrs 20 mins
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Servings
15
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Calories
382 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Thanksgiving Turkey
Description
The Thanksgiving Turkey recipe focuses on preparing a 15-pound bird using a brine to improve moisture retention and seasoning. The bird is then coated with a herb butter blend made from fresh garlic, sage, rosemary, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. This mixture is applied both on the skin and under the breast skin ensuring maximum flavor penetration. The cooking process starts at high temperature to help crisp the skin and then continues at a moderate temperature, with regular basting, to cook the turkey evenly to a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
The combination of fresh herbs and butter creates a balanced seasoning that complements the natural turkey flavor, while the brine adds moisture that results in a tender texture. The recipe recommends tying the legs and tucking wings for even cooking and aesthetics. Roasting on a rack or vegetables is advised to keep the turkey elevated from pan juices.
This turkey can be the centerpiece of a holiday meal, pairing well with classic sides like mashed potatoes and gravy. The recipe also notes adjustments for cooking times based on the turkey’s weight and suggests resting the turkey before carving for optimal juiciness.
Ingredients
- 1 recipe turkey brine
- 15 lb turkey
- 10 tablespoons butter softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon sage leaves fresh, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon rosemary finely chopped fresh
- 1 tablespoon thyme leaves fresh, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons parsley leaves fresh, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- herbs optional, fresh, for garnish
- Fruit optional, fresh, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the brine according to recipe directions. Brine the turkey for 18-24 hours before cooking.
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
- Remove the turkey from the brine; rinse and pat dry. Let the turkey stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Tuck the turkey wings under the body. Tie the turkey legs together with kitchen twine.
- Place the butter, garlic, sage, rosemary, thyme, parsley and salt and pepper in the bowl of a food processor. Blend until smooth.
- Rub the herb butter all over the outside of the turkey and under the skin of the breast.
- Place the turkey in a roasting pan and bake for 30 minutes.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F and continue roasting, basting the turkey every 30 minutes with pan drippings, until the turkey is done. This will take approximately 3 1/2 hours and you'll know that the turkey is done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the turkey thigh registers 165 degrees F.
- If the turkey seems like it's getting overly browned during the cooking process, cover it with foil.
- Remove the turkey from the oven and tent loosely with foil. Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes. Slice, then serve.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time by adding 15 minutes per pound for turkeys larger than 15 pounds.
- Use a rack or bed of vegetables to keep the turkey raised, preventing it from sitting in pan juices.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 15Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 382 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 382kcal | 19% |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
| Protein | 66g | 132% |
| Fat | 14g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Cholesterol | 236mg | 79% |
| Sodium | 414mg | 17% |
| Potassium | 733mg | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 390IU | 8% |
| Vitamin C | 4.1mg | 5% |
| Calcium | 40mg | 4% |
| Iron | 2.7mg | 15% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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