In addition to Alton Brown's foolproof Thanksgiving turkey recipe, there are a few more tips and tricks that can help elevate your turkey game to the next level. One important aspect to consider is the type of turkey you choose. Opt for a free-range or organic turkey if possible, as they tend to have a better flavor and texture compared to conventional turkeys. Another key factor is the cooking method. While roasting is the traditional and most common method, consider trying a different technique such as grilling or deep frying for a unique and delicious twist on your Thanksgiving turkey.
If you're tired of the traditional Thanksgiving turkey, why not spice things up with a Mexican twist? This recipe calls for a flavorful marinade of chili powder, cumin, and oregano, giving your turkey a deliciously bold flavor. Serve it with some fresh salsa and guacamole for a truly unique and memorable Thanksgiving meal.
For a classic and foolproof Thanksgiving turkey, look no further than this recipe. With simple seasonings like salt, pepper, and garlic powder, this turkey is sure to be a hit with all your guests. The key to a perfectly roasted turkey is to baste it frequently and let it rest before carving. Trust us, this juicy and tender turkey will be the star of your holiday feast.
3of 20
Foolproof Sous Vide Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Kosher Salt, Fresh Sage Leaves, Oil
If you want to take your Thanksgiving turkey to the next level, try cooking it sous vide. This method involves cooking the turkey in a vacuum-sealed bag in a water bath, resulting in a moist and tender bird. The best part? It's practically foolproof and frees up oven space for all your other holiday dishes. Give it a try and impress your guests with this innovative cooking technique.
One of the best things about Thanksgiving is the leftovers, and this recipe puts them to good use. This hearty and comforting pot pie is filled with leftover turkey, vegetables, and a creamy gravy, all wrapped up in a flaky pie crust. It's a great way to use up any extra turkey and makes for a satisfying and delicious meal the day after Thanksgiving.
5of 20
Juicy Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Johnny S Seasoning Salt, Unsalted Butter, Fresh
For a juicy and flavorful Thanksgiving turkey, this recipe is a must-try. It calls for brining the turkey in a mixture of salt, sugar, and seasonings for at least 24 hours before roasting. This ensures that the turkey stays moist and absorbs all the delicious flavors. Plus, the brining process helps to preserve the turkey, making it last longer for those tasty leftovers.
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Salt, Sugar, Mandarin Oranges, Fresh Sage
If you're short on time but still want a juicy and flavorful Thanksgiving turkey, this recipe has got you covered. It uses a quick brine that only takes 4 hours, but still results in a tender and moist turkey. The key is to let the turkey rest after roasting, allowing the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Serve it with some homemade gravy for a delicious and easy holiday meal.
Don't stress about making the perfect Thanksgiving turkey with this easy and no-fuss recipe. It calls for a simple seasoning of salt, pepper, and butter rubbed under the skin, giving the turkey a crispy and golden exterior. The result is a moist and flavorful turkey that requires minimal effort. You'll have more time to relax and enjoy the holiday with your loved ones.
8of 20
Maple Bacon Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Maple Syrup, Fresh Sage, Bacon, Chicken Stock
For a truly indulgent Thanksgiving turkey, try this recipe that calls for wrapping the bird in bacon before roasting. As the bacon cooks, it infuses the turkey with a smoky and savory flavor. To balance out the richness, a maple syrup glaze is brushed over the turkey, adding a touch of sweetness and depth to the dish. This is a turkey that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
9of 20
Garlic Butter Thanksgiving Turkey With Gravy
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Unsalted Butter, Salt, Smoked Paprika, Dried
If you love garlic, this Thanksgiving turkey recipe is a must-try. It calls for a buttery and garlicky rub that is slathered all over the turkey, giving it a rich and flavorful coating. As the turkey roasts, the garlic and butter melt into the meat, keeping it moist and flavorful. Don't forget to make some homemade gravy with the pan drippings for the ultimate Thanksgiving feast.
10of 20
How to Roast a Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Butter, Fresh Parsley, Fresh Rosemary, Fresh
If you're new to cooking Thanksgiving dinner, this recipe is a great guide for roasting the perfect turkey. It walks you through each step, from brining to basting to carving, ensuring that your turkey turns out juicy and tender every time. With helpful tips and easy-to-follow instructions, you'll become a Thanksgiving turkey pro in no time.
11of 20
How to Cook Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Unsalted Butter, Yellow Onions, Garlic Cloves
If you want to try something different than the traditional oven-roasted turkey, this recipe shows you how to cook a turkey on the grill. The result is a smoky and flavorful turkey with a crispy and golden skin. Not only does grilling free up oven space, but it also adds an extra layer of flavor to your Thanksgiving meal. Give it a try and impress your guests with your grilling skills.
If you're looking for a unique way to use up your leftover Thanksgiving turkey, this recipe is a must-try. It transforms your leftovers into a hearty and flavorful gumbo, filled with vegetables, spices, and of course, tender turkey meat. Serve it over rice for a comforting and delicious meal that will warm you up on those chilly fall days.
13of 20
Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Water, Brown Sugar, Hot Sauce, Worcestershire
For a no-fuss and classic Thanksgiving turkey, this recipe is a great choice. It calls for a simple seasoning of salt, pepper, and garlic, and a quick brine to keep the turkey moist and flavorful. The result is a juicy and tender turkey that will please even the pickiest of eaters.
14of 20
Easy Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Onion, Lemon, Fresh Rosemary, Fresh Thyme
If you're short on time but still want a delicious Thanksgiving turkey, this recipe is for you. It calls for a quick and simple seasoning of salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning, and a short brine to keep the turkey moist and tender. With minimal effort, you'll have a flavorful and easy turkey that will impress your guests.
15of 20
Bacon Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Kosher Salt, Light Brown Sugar, Smoked Paprika
This recipe takes your Thanksgiving turkey to the next level by adding a bacon twist. Not only does the bacon add a smoky and savory flavor, but it also helps to keep the turkey moist and tender. To take it even further, a honey and maple syrup glaze is brushed over the bacon for a touch of sweetness. It's a turkey that is sure to impress your guests.
16of 20
Best Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Unsalted Butter, Yellow Onion, Garlic Cloves
For a foolproof and delicious Thanksgiving turkey, this recipe is the way to go. It calls for a simple seasoning of salt, pepper, and garlic, and a long brine to ensure that the turkey stays moist and flavorful. It's a tried and true recipe that will give you the best Thanksgiving turkey every time.
17of 20
Dry Brine your Thanksgiving Turkey this Year
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Kosher Salt, Dried Thyme, Marjoram, Smoked
If you want to try something different than the traditional wet brine, this recipe shows you how to dry brine your turkey. It involves rubbing a mixture of salt, sugar, and seasonings under the skin and letting the turkey rest in the fridge for 24 hours. This process helps to flavor and moisturize the turkey, resulting in a juicy and flavorful bird.
18of 20
Smoked Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Garlic Cloves, Fresh Parsley, Sprigs Fresh
For a unique and smoky twist on your Thanksgiving turkey, try this recipe that involves smoking the bird. The result is a tender and flavorful turkey with a crispy and golden skin. It's a show-stopping centerpiece for your holiday meal that is sure to impress your guests.
19of 20
No-Fail Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Olive Oil, Sea Salt, Ground Black Pepper
If you're nervous about cooking your first Thanksgiving turkey, this recipe is here to save the day. It uses a simple and foolproof seasoning of salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning, and a quick brine to ensure that the turkey stays moist and tender. With easy and straightforward instructions, you can't go wrong with this recipe.
For many of us, our mom's cooking is the ultimate comfort food, and this Thanksgiving turkey recipe is no exception. Passed down through generations, this recipe calls for a simple and traditional seasoning of salt, pepper, and sage, and a long brine to keep the turkey moist and tender. It's a recipe that will make you feel like you're back at home with your loved ones.
Choosing the Right Turkey
When it comes to the star of the Thanksgiving table, the turkey, choosing the right one can make all the difference. As mentioned earlier, opting for a free-range or organic turkey can have a significant impact on the overall flavor of the bird. These turkeys are raised without antibiotics and are fed a more natural diet, resulting in a richer and more robust taste. Additionally, make sure to purchase a turkey that is the appropriate size for your gathering, allowing for about 1 pound per person. This will ensure that everyone gets a generous serving of turkey without having too many leftovers.
Brining for Flavor and Moisture
Brining, or soaking the turkey in a saltwater solution, is a popular method for adding flavor and moisture to the bird. The salt in the brine helps to break down the proteins in the turkey, resulting in a more tender and juicy meat. For an extra boost of flavor, consider adding herbs, spices, and aromatics to the brine. Just be sure to use a container large enough to fully submerge the turkey and refrigerate it for at least 12 hours before cooking.
Alternative Cooking Methods
While roasting is the tried and true method for cooking a Thanksgiving turkey, don't be afraid to switch things up and try a different cooking method. Grilling your turkey not only adds a smoky flavor but also frees up valuable oven space for other dishes. If you're feeling adventurous, deep frying a turkey can result in a crispy and flavorful exterior with moist and tender meat inside. Just be sure to follow all safety precautions when deep frying, and never leave the fryer unattended.
With these additional tips, you can take Alton Brown's foolproof Thanksgiving turkey recipe to the next level and impress your friends and family with a delicious and perfectly cooked bird. Remember to always use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is cooked to the appropriate temperature and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. Happy Thanksgiving!