Every step of the way, I was giddy with anticipation for this juicy roast turkey recipe, and I believe you will be too once you give it a try. I devoted several days to finding the greatest turkey recipes in books and on the internet, as well as consulting my mother and you, my readers, for dependable guidance. This tender and delicious turkey will impress your dinner guests.
The skin of the crisp turkey breast roasts to a gorgeous golden brown, and the meat is incredibly juicy and flavorful. I invited my entire family to help consume this turkey, and ten adults and several children gave it excellent reviews. I was so giddy with excitement when I tasted the juicy bird. Ever since I launched my blog in 2009, I’ve received a ton of requests for a delicious Thanksgiving turkey recipe.
P. S. A big thank you to Wolf for sponsoring this recipe! Make the turkey gravy—it’s so delicious and was the talk of the Thanksgiving dinner last year!
Ah, the 9-pound turkey. A classic holiday centerpiece that can bring families together and fill bellies with joy. But how do you cook this bird to perfection? Fear not, my friends, for I am here to guide you through the process, step-by-step, with tips and tricks gleaned from the culinary masters themselves
First things first: let’s gather our ingredients and tools You’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 1 (9-pound) turkey, fresh or thawed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 medium onion, quartered
- 1 head garlic, halved
- Fresh herbs (optional): thyme, parsley, rosemary, sage
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
Tools:
- Roasting pan with rack
- Aluminum foil
- Meat thermometer
- Basting brush (optional)
Now, let’s get cooking!
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This is the magic temperature for achieving a juicy and tender turkey.
- Prepare your turkey. Remove any giblets or neck from the cavities and pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Season the inside of the cavity with salt and pepper.
- Stuff it up (optional). If you’re using stuffing, loosely pack it into the neck and breast cavities. Don’t overstuff, as this can hinder even cooking.
- Flavor bomb! Place the quartered onion, halved garlic, and fresh herbs (if using) inside the cavity along with the bay leaves. These aromatics will infuse the turkey with incredible flavor.
- Truss it up (optional). While not essential, trussing the turkey helps it cook more evenly and maintain its shape. You can find plenty of online tutorials on how to truss a turkey.
- Get it in the pan. Place the turkey, breast-side up, on the roasting rack in the pan. Brush the skin generously with half of the melted butter. Season the outside with salt and pepper.
- Tent it up. Loosely cover the turkey with aluminum foil, ensuring it doesn’t touch the skin. This helps the turkey cook evenly and prevents the skin from drying out.
- Roasting time! Roast the turkey for 2 hours. Then, remove the foil and baste the turkey with the remaining butter. Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) and continue roasting for another 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature accurately.
- Rest is key. Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more succulent bird.
Pro tips for a golden-brown masterpiece:
- Baste the turkey every 30 minutes during the last 45 minutes of roasting for an extra crispy skin.
- For a deeper flavor, add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the bottom of the roasting pan before placing the turkey in.
- Don’t throw away the drippings! They are liquid gold for making gravy or adding flavor to other dishes.
And there you have it! A perfectly cooked 9-pound turkey, ready to be devoured by your hungry guests. Remember, cooking a turkey doesn’t have to be intimidating. With these simple steps and a little love, you can create a delicious and memorable centerpiece for your next gathering.
Bonus Round: Leftovers galore!
Don’t let those leftover turkey scraps go to waste. Get creative! Make sandwiches, salads, soups, or even pot pie. The possibilities are endless.
Happy cooking, my friends! May your turkey be juicy, your stuffing be flavorful, and your holiday gathering be filled with laughter and joy.
Required Prep for Roast Turkey Recipe:
*If using a frozen turkey, let it thaw in the fridge for three days in its plastic bag before roasting.
*Remove turkey from fridge about 30 minutes before you start working with it. If the turkey is closer to room temperature, it will bake more evenly. *Remove the neck and bag of giblets from the turkey.
*Pat dry turkey with paper towels. Let turkey sit in over paper towels to soak up any excess water from the turkey.
*Fold the wings behind the turkey; if you don’t they are the quickest to scorch and dry out.
Roast Turkey Recipe Ingredients:
Turkey (12 pounds; any weight between 11 and 15 pounds will work, but bake time will vary; see below) Salt
Your First Turkey! Easy Roast Turkey for Beginners for the Holidays!
FAQ
How long does it take to cook a 9 pound turkey?
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Weight
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Cook Time (Unstuffed)
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Cook Time (Stuffed)
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7-10 lbs.
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2½-3 hrs.
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2¾-3½ hrs.
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10-18 lbs.
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3-3½ hrs.
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3¾-4½ hrs.
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18-22 lbs.
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3½-4 hrs.
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4½-5 hrs.
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22-24 lbs.
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4-4½ hrs.
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5-5½ hrs.
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Is it better to cook a turkey at 325 or 350?
Can you cook a 9 pound turkey?
With a little planning and effort, you can easily cook a delicious and impressive 9-pound turkey for your next holiday gathering. Hello, fellow turkey enthusiasts!
Can one have turkey and carrots?
Eating turkey and carrots is part of healthy habits. The turkey has meat like chicken and is another healthy poultry option. Carrots are rich in carotenoids, it is a source of vitamin A, fiber, potassium and vitamin B3.
How do you cook a 10 lb Turkey?
Since you’re working with a smaller bird, your 10 lb. turkey should be on the lower range of that extra time, if added a stuffing inside. Don’t forget to let it stand before carving to let the juices redistribute for the most tender results. Pat turkey dry on the inside and out with paper towels. If desired, season body cavity with salt.
How do you cook a 9 lb turkey breast?
There are many ways to cook a 9 lb turkey breast, but some of the most popular methods include roasting, baking, and frying. What are some tips for cooking a 9 lb turkey breast? Here are a few tips for cooking a 9 lb turkey breast: * Start by brining the turkey breast in a salt water solution for several hours or overnight.