Cast Iron Chaos: Roast Turkey in Cast Iron

A Thanksgiving Tradition with a Twist

Every year, families gather around the table to celebrate Thanksgiving, a time for gratitude, family, and of course, delicious food. The centerpiece of the meal is often a roasted turkey, and while there are many ways to prepare this classic dish, one method that has gained popularity in recent years is roasting it in a cast iron skillet

This method offers several advantages over traditional roasting. First, cast iron skillets retain heat exceptionally well, ensuring that the turkey cooks evenly and develops a beautiful, crispy skin Second, the skillet creates a natural basting effect, keeping the turkey moist and flavorful throughout the cooking process Finally, cast iron skillets are incredibly versatile, allowing you to easily transfer the turkey from the oven to the table for a stunning presentation.

Ingredients:

• 1 (12-14 pound) turkey, thawed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 onion, quartered
• 1 lemon, quartered

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful herb butter.
3. Place the turkey, breast side up, in a 15-inch cast-iron skillet. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
4. Gently separate the skin from the breast of the turkey. Using your fingers, carefully loosen the skin to create a pocket between the skin and the meat.
5. Spread approximately 1/3 of the herb butter under the skin of the turkey, ensuring even distribution.
6. Rub the remaining herb butter all over the outside of the turkey, making sure to coat the entire surface.
7. Place the quartered onion and lemon in the cavity of the turkey.
8. Bake the turkey for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
9. After 1 hour and 30 minutes, check the turkey’s internal temperature using a meat thermometer. The temperature should be 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh. If the turkey is not yet at temperature, continue baking in 15-minute increments until it reaches 165°F.
10. Once the turkey is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before carving and serving.

Tips:

• For a crispy skin, let the turkey rest uncovered at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before roasting.
• If the turkey starts to brown too much during the cooking process, loosely tent it with aluminum foil.
• Use the drippings from the turkey to make a delicious gravy.
• Serve the turkey with your favorite Thanksgiving side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.

Roasting a turkey in a cast iron skillet is a simple yet effective way to achieve a moist, flavorful, and beautifully browned turkey. With its ease of use and versatility, this method is sure to become a Thanksgiving tradition in your home. So, gather your family and friends, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and memorable Thanksgiving feast.

Herb Butter Turkey Rub: A Thanksgiving Delight

Elevate Your Thanksgiving Turkey with a Flavorful Herb Rub

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and of course, delicious food. The centerpiece of the meal is often a roasted turkey, and while there are many ways to prepare this classic dish, one method that has gained popularity in recent years is using an herb butter rub.

This method involves rubbing a flavorful mixture of butter, herbs, and spices onto the turkey before roasting. The butter helps to keep the turkey moist and flavorful, while the herbs and spices add a delicious depth of flavor. Additionally, the butter creates a crispy skin that is sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven according to your chosen roasting method (oven or air fryer).
2. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, thyme, sage, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful herb butter.
3. Remove the turkey from the refrigerator and pat it dry with paper towels.
4. Gently separate the skin from the breast of the turkey. Using your fingers, carefully loosen the skin to create a pocket between the skin and the meat.
5. Spread approximately 1/3 of the herb butter under the skin of the turkey, ensuring even distribution.
6. Rub the remaining herb butter all over the outside of the turkey, making sure to coat the entire surface.
7. Roast the turkey according to your chosen method and cooking time.
8. Once the turkey is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before carving and serving.

Tips:

• For a crispy skin, let the turkey rest uncovered at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before roasting.
• If the turkey starts to brown too much during the cooking process, loosely tent it with aluminum foil.
• Use the drippings from the turkey to make a delicious gravy.
• Serve the turkey with your favorite Thanksgiving side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.

Using an herb butter rub is a simple yet effective way to add flavor and moisture to your Thanksgiving turkey. With its ease of use and versatility, this method is sure to become a Thanksgiving tradition in your home. So, gather your family and friends, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and memorable Thanksgiving feast.