If you want to impress your friends and family with a delicious and juicy turkey this Thanksgiving, look no further. This 20 lb turkey recipe is perfect for the holiday season and will leave your guests wanting more. Not only is it easy to make, but it is also packed with flavor and will be the star of your Thanksgiving dinner. So grab your apron and get ready to cook up a feast!
Main Ingredients: Biscuits, Buns, Cranberry Sauce, Mashed Potatoes
If you're looking for a delicious and unique way to use up your leftover Thanksgiving turkey, then these Thanksgiving leftover breakfast sandwiches are perfect for you. Made with a combination of turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and a fried egg, these sandwiches are a tasty and satisfying start to your day.
2of 20
Turkey with Buttermilk Brine
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Brine
Brining your turkey in buttermilk is a game changer. The buttermilk helps to tenderize and flavor the turkey, resulting in a moist and delicious bird. This recipe also includes a simple herb butter rub, giving the turkey a savory and aromatic taste.
For a classic and foolproof Thanksgiving turkey recipe, look no further than this roasted turkey. With a simple seasoning of salt, pepper, and herbs, this turkey is roasted to perfection and will be the star of your Thanksgiving dinner.
Instead of the traditional turkey sandwich, try using your leftover turkey to make these delicious Thanksgiving croquettes. These crispy and flavorful bites are a great way to use up any leftover turkey and can be served as an appetizer or a main dish.
Pot pie is a classic comfort food and a great way to use up leftover turkey. This recipe combines your leftover turkey with vegetables, gravy, and a flaky pie crust for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Salt, Sugar, Mandarin Oranges, Fresh Sage
If you want a juicy and flavorful turkey without the hassle of brining, then this recipe is for you. Simply season the turkey with a mixture of herbs and spices, and roast it in the oven for a delicious and easy Thanksgiving turkey.
7of 20
Thanksgiving Leftover Casserole
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Cranberry Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, Corn, Turkey
A casserole is the perfect way to use up all your Thanksgiving leftovers in one dish. This recipe combines turkey, stuffing, vegetables, and gravy for a hearty and tasty casserole that can be enjoyed for days after the holiday.
8of 20
Juicy Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Johnny S Seasoning Salt, Unsalted Butter, Fresh
If you want a juicy and flavorful turkey, then this recipe is a must-try. The turkey is brined in a mixture of salt, brown sugar, and herbs, resulting in a moist and delicious bird that will be the highlight of your Thanksgiving dinner.
9of 20
Thanksgiving Breakfast Cups
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Large Eggs, Nonfat Milk, Potato, Pepper
These Thanksgiving breakfast cups are a great way to use up any leftover mashed potatoes and turkey. The cups are made with a crust of shredded potatoes, and filled with a mixture of eggs, turkey, and cheese for a tasty and filling breakfast dish.
10of 20
Thanksgiving Leftovers Casserole
Main Ingredients: Stuffing, Cooked Turkey, Mayonnaise, Whole Berry
This Thanksgiving leftovers casserole is a creative and delicious way to use up all your holiday leftovers. With layers of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce, this casserole is a complete meal in one dish.
For a stress-free Thanksgiving turkey, try this easy and no-fuss recipe. The turkey is seasoned with a simple herb butter and roasted to perfection, resulting in a flavorful and tender bird.
12of 20
Thanksgiving Pie
Main Ingredients: Mashed Potatoes, Turkey, Vegetables, Garlic Clove
If you have leftover turkey, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce, then you have all the ingredients you need to make this delicious Thanksgiving pie. The pie has a savory and creamy filling, and a crispy potato crust for a unique and tasty twist on traditional Thanksgiving dishes.
13of 20
Garlic Butter Thanksgiving Turkey With Gravy
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Unsalted Butter, Salt, Smoked Paprika, Dried
This garlic butter Thanksgiving turkey is a flavorful and delicious option for your holiday dinner. The turkey is rubbed with a mixture of garlic, butter, and herbs, and roasted to perfection. The pan juices are then used to make a delicious gravy to top off the turkey.
14of 20
Maple Bacon Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Maple Syrup, Fresh Sage, Bacon, Chicken Stock
This maple bacon roasted Thanksgiving turkey is a showstopper and a must-try for any bacon lover. The turkey is coated with a maple bacon glaze, and stuffed with a savory bacon and herb stuffing for a flavorful and unique twist on the classic Thanksgiving turkey.
15of 20
Homemade Thanksgiving leftover hot pockets
Main Ingredients: Pie Dough, Turkey, Leftover Gravy, Cranberry Sauce
These homemade Thanksgiving leftover hot pockets are a fun and delicious way to use up your holiday leftovers. The hot pockets are filled with turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce, and can be served as a quick and easy snack or meal.
16of 20
How to Roast a Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Butter, Fresh Parsley, Fresh Rosemary, Fresh
If you're new to cooking a Thanksgiving turkey, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process. From preparing the turkey to carving it, this guide will ensure that you have a perfectly roasted and juicy turkey for your holiday dinner.
17of 20
Super Moist Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Butter, Dry White Wine, Chicken Stock, Fresh
This super moist turkey recipe is a foolproof way to ensure that your turkey turns out juicy and flavorful. The turkey is brined in a mixture of salt, sugar, and spices, and then roasted to perfection for a delicious and moist bird.
18of 20
Creamy Turkey Shepherd’s Pie (aka Thanksgiving...
Main Ingredients: Butter Oil, Onion, Carrots, Celery, Minced Garlic
If you're looking for a unique and delicious way to use up your leftover turkey and mashed potatoes, then this creamy turkey shepherd's pie is the recipe for you. The pie has a creamy and savory filling, and a crispy potato crust for a tasty and satisfying meal.
19of 20
How to Cook Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Unsalted Butter, Yellow Onions, Garlic Cloves
If you're not sure where to start when it comes to cooking a Thanksgiving turkey, this guide will provide you with all the tips and tricks you need. From brining to roasting, this guide will ensure that you have a delicious and impressive turkey for your holiday dinner.
20of 20
Mom's Thanksgiving Dressing
Main Ingredients: Corn Bread, Bread, Toast, Stuffing, Yellow Onion
For many people, Thanksgiving dressing is a must-have side dish. This recipe, passed down from mom, is a simple and delicious option for your holiday table. Made with bread, vegetables, and herbs, this dressing is a classic and comforting addition to any Thanksgiving meal.
Preparing the Turkey
Choosing the Right Turkey
When it comes to cooking a turkey, the first step is to choose the right one. Look for a fresh or thawed 20 lb turkey at your local grocery store or butcher. Make sure to check the expiration date and look for a plump and moist bird. Rubbing the turkey with butter before cooking will help keep the meat moist and add a delicious flavor.
Brining the Turkey
For an extra juicy and flavorful turkey, consider brining it before cooking. This involves soaking the turkey in a saltwater solution for several hours. The salt helps to break down the proteins in the meat, making it more tender and allowing the flavors to penetrate deeper. You can also add herbs, spices, and other flavorings to the brine for an extra kick.
Preparing the Seasonings
While the turkey is brining, you can prepare the seasonings to add even more flavor. Create a rub with your choice of herbs and spices such as garlic, thyme, rosemary, and sage. You can also add some citrus zest for a tangy twist. Rub the mixture all over the turkey, including under the skin and in the cavity, to infuse the meat with flavor.
Cooking the Turkey
Roasting the Turkey
Roasting is the most common method for cooking a turkey and is a great way to get a crispy skin and juicy meat. Preheat your oven to 325°F and place the turkey on a roasting rack inside a roasting pan. This will allow the heat to circulate around the turkey, cooking it evenly. Basting the turkey every 30 minutes with pan juices or melted butter will keep the meat moist and add more flavor.
Checking for Doneness
The key to a perfectly cooked turkey is to make sure it is not under or overcooked. The internal temperature of the turkey should reach 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature and make sure to not touch the bone as it can give a false reading. If the turkey is not done, continue cooking and check the temperature every 15 minutes.
Resting the Turkey
Once the turkey is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and juicy. Cover the turkey loosely with foil to keep it warm and to prevent it from drying out.
Serving the Turkey
Carving the Turkey
To carve the turkey, start by removing the legs and thighs and then the breast meat. Use a sharp knife and cut parallel to the ribcage to remove the breast meat in one piece. Then slice the breast meat against the grain for more tender slices.
Garnishing and Serving
Garnish the turkey with fresh herbs and cranberries for a festive touch. Serve with your favorite Thanksgiving sides such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, and gravy. Your guests will be impressed by the perfectly cooked 20 lb turkey and will be asking for your recipe.
Now that you have the inside scoop on how to make a delicious 20 lb turkey, go ahead and give it a try this Thanksgiving. Your friends and family will be thankful for the tasty and juicy turkey on their plates. Happy cooking!
