Are you ready to make the BEST Thanksgiving turkey recipe? Trust me, it’s easier than you think!
You don’t need to brine and you don’t need to baste. Your family and guests will be impressed by your perfectly golden, juicy, and incredibly flavorful roasted turkey recipe, which only requires a few easy steps to prepare.
There’s something about cooking a turkey for Thanksgiving that intimidates a lot of people. I totally get it. I remember being intimidated the first time I cooked a turkey. I take it that you don’t want to ruin a large holiday dinner that you host for all of your friends and family?
The ironic thing is that preparing a turkey is really quite simple—just picture it as a big, juicy chicken. It might take longer to cook, but other than that, the process is pretty darn similar.
To make a traditional, incredibly flavorful, and juicy turkey, you don’t need any of the fancy tools, gadgets, smokers, or flavors that some people like to use. Just follow my Thanksgiving game plan so you know what to buy and cook when. Then follow the recipe and tips below. Easy!.
Besides the turkey, you just need herbs, aromatics, and a little seasoning. Simple really is best!
I also put vegetables under my turkey (like celery, carrots, and onion) while it’s roasting. This isn’t required, but I do recommend it. It will not only enhance the flavor of your turkey dish but also elevate the flavor of your turkey gravy!
Ah, the age-old struggle of spreading butter on a turkey without it turning into a flaky mess Fear not, fellow Thanksgiving warriors, for I’m here to share the secrets to achieving a smooth, even layer of buttery goodness
The Culprit: Cold Butter
The main culprit behind flaky butter is its temperature. Cold butter is firm and resistant, making it difficult to spread evenly. So, the key is to soften the butter before applying it to your turkey.
Softening Techniques:
- Room Temperature: The simplest method is to leave the butter out at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This allows the butter to soften gradually, becoming spreadable without melting completely.
- Warm Water Bath: If you’re short on time, place the butter in a bowl and fill the bowl with warm water. The warm water will gently soften the butter without compromising its texture.
- Microwave Magic: For a quick fix, microwave the butter in short bursts (5-10 seconds) until it’s softened but not melted. Be careful not to overheat it, as melted butter won’t spread well.
Compound Butter: A Flavorful Solution
Compound butter is a mixture of softened butter, herbs, and spices. It’s a fantastic way to infuse your turkey with flavor while ensuring a smooth spread. Simply combine softened butter with your desired herbs and spices, mix well, and apply it to the turkey.
Tips for Smooth Spreading:
- Use a Pastry Brush: A pastry brush is your best friend for spreading butter evenly. It allows you to gently apply a thin layer without disturbing the skin.
- Start with a Clean Slate: Make sure your turkey is dry before applying the butter. Moisture can make the butter bead up and become difficult to spread.
- Work in Sections: Divide the turkey into sections and work on one section at a time. This will prevent the butter from melting or becoming flaky while you’re spreading other areas.
Bonus Tip: The Resting Phase
Let your buttered turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before roasting. This allows the butter to melt and infuse the skin, resulting in a beautifully browned and flavorful bird.
By following these simple tips, you can achieve a smooth, even layer of butter on your turkey, ensuring a delicious and visually appealing centerpiece for your Thanksgiving feast. Remember, the key is to soften the butter adequately and use a gentle touch when spreading. Now, go forth and conquer the flaky butter beast, leaving behind a trail of buttery goodness!
Always Let Your Turkey Rest
It’s crucial to give the turkey at least 30 minutes to rest after taking it out of the oven. This allows the juices to redistribute in the meat, making for a juicer turkey. Better to have a juicy turkey than a sopping wet cutting board!.
What Size Turkey to Buy?
The general rule of thumb is 1 pound of turkey per person. Or 1 ½ pounds of turkey per person if you want leftovers (and we always want leftovers, right?). It’s always best to have a little extra turkey than not enough, so I recommend:
- Less than 8 people: I suggest purchasing a 10- to 12-pound turkey, even though it will be more than you need. Anything smaller will cost you more money on bones than on meat. Remember, you can freeze turkey leftovers.
- For 8 people: Get a 10 to 12 pound turkey
- For 12 people: Get a 14 to 18 pound turkey
- for 16 people: Get an 18 to 24 pound turkey
- If you are buying for more than sixteen people, it is better to purchase two turkeys than one enormous one.