15 Best Southern Roast Turkey Recipe Deliciousness Awaits You!
Published on: Mar 28, 2024
When it comes to holiday meals, nothing beats a classic Southern roast turkey. This mouthwatering dish is the centerpiece of many Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, and for good reason. The combination of juicy, tender meat and crispy, flavorful skin is simply irresistible. If you want to impress your family and friends with the best Southern roast turkey they've ever tasted, then look no further. We've got you covered with this tried and true recipe that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Brine, Lemon, Orange, Yellow Onion, Rosemary
If you want to take your roast turkey to the next level, try this pomegranate-brined recipe. The tangy and slightly sweet brine adds a unique flavor to the turkey, while also keeping it juicy and tender. It’s a perfect option for holiday gatherings or special occasions.
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Brined Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Brine, Turkey, Unsalted Butter, Fresh Thyme, Flat Leaf
Brining is a great technique for creating a flavorful and moist roast turkey. This recipe uses a simple brine of salt, sugar, and spices, but you can also add herbs and aromatics for additional flavor. The result is a perfectly seasoned and succulent turkey that will be a hit at any dinner table.
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Jamaican Jerk Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Light Brown Sugar, Scallions, Ground Black
For a flavorful and spicy twist on roast turkey, try this Jamaican jerk recipe. The bold and vibrant flavors of the jerk seasoning pair perfectly with the rich and tender meat of the turkey. Serve it with some rice and beans for a complete and delicious meal.
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Cajun Roast Turkey Breast With Gluten Free Gravy
Main Ingredients: Bone In Turkey Breast, Chicken Broth, Large Onion
For those who are looking for a gluten-free option, this Cajun roast turkey breast recipe is a great choice. The Cajun seasoning adds a nice kick to the turkey, while the gluten-free gravy brings all the flavors together. It’s a healthy and delicious option for anyone with dietary restrictions.
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Juicy Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Salt, Pepper, Unsalted Butter, Olive Oil, Fresh
This roast turkey recipe is all about keeping the turkey juicy and flavorful. The secret is in the herb and butter mixture that is rubbed all over the turkey before roasting. It creates a crispy and flavorful skin, while also keeping the meat moist and tender.
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Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Butter, Kosher Salt, Freshly Ground Black Pepper
For a simple and classic roast turkey recipe, look no further. This recipe uses a basic herb and butter rub to season the turkey and result in a delicious and traditional flavor. It’s the perfect choice for a no-fuss dinner or for those who prefer a more traditional taste.
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Perfect Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Celery, Onion, Carrots, Garlic, Apples, Chicken
This recipe lives up to its name – it’s the perfect roast turkey recipe. The combination of herbs, spices, and citrus in the seasoning mix creates a mouthwatering flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, the turkey is cooked to perfection, ensuring a moist and succulent meat.
No roast turkey dinner is complete without some delicious sides. These Southern black-eyed peas are a classic and flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with roast turkey. The peas are simmered with bacon, onions, and spices for a hearty and delicious addition to your meal.
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Southern Smothered Turkey Necks
Main Ingredients: Turkey Necks, Seasoning Salt, Kosher Salt, Cayenne
Another classic Southern side dish, these smothered turkey necks are a delicious and budget-friendly option for your roast turkey dinner. The necks are slow-cooked in a flavorful gravy until they are fall-off-the-bone tender. Serve them over some rice for a comforting and soulful meal.
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Bacon Wrapped Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Bacon, Pepper, Thyme, Sage
Everything is better with bacon, and this roast turkey recipe is no exception. The crispy and flavorful bacon adds a delicious twist to the traditional roast turkey, while also keeping the meat moist and tender. It’s a must-try for all bacon lovers.
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Roast Turkey, Stuffing and Gravy
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Bread Cubes, Stuffing Mix, Chopped Celery
This recipe combines all the classic components of a roast turkey dinner in one delicious dish. The turkey is roasted with a flavorful herb and garlic butter, while the stuffing is cooked inside the turkey for added flavor. Top it off with some homemade gravy for the ultimate comfort food meal.
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Roast Turkey Breast
Main Ingredients: Boneless Turkey Breast, Olive Oil, Small Onion, Fresh
If you prefer white meat or are cooking for a smaller group, this roast turkey breast recipe is a great option. The breast is seasoned with a simple yet flavorful herb and garlic rub and roasted to perfection. It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy all the flavors of a traditional roast turkey dinner without the extra leftovers.
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Easy Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Salted Butter, Kosher Salt
If you’re new to cooking roast turkey or just looking for a simple and foolproof recipe, this easy roast turkey is the perfect choice. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious and juicy turkey on the table in no time. It’s a great option for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
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Herb Butter Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Butter, Fresh Rosemary, Fresh Thyme, Fresh
This herb butter roast turkey recipe takes things up a notch with the addition of a rich and flavorful herb butter under the skin of the turkey. The butter melts into the meat while it cooks, creating a buttery and herb-infused flavor that is out of this world. It’s a must-try for any roast turkey lover.
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Dry Rub Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Olive Oil, Onions, Fresh Thyme, Kosher Salt
If you’re looking for a fuss-free and mess-free way to season your turkey, this dry rub recipe is the answer. The rub is made with a blend of spices and herbs that add a deep and complex flavor to the turkey. Plus, there’s no need to baste the turkey while it cooks, making it a simple and stress-free option.
No roast turkey dinner is complete without a side of greens. This Southern-inspired recipe is a classic and delicious option. The greens are simmered with bacon, onions, and spices for a savory and comforting dish that pairs perfectly with the roast turkey.
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Southern-inspired Sweet Potato & Corn Muffins
Main Ingredients: Oat Flour, Cornmeal, Baking Powder, Baking Soda
If you’re looking for a sweet and savory side dish to serve with your roast turkey, these Southern-inspired sweet potato and corn muffins are a great choice. The combination of sweet potatoes and corn creates a delicious and unique flavor that will impress your dinner guests.
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Quick Butterflied Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Nonstick Cooking Spray, Turkey, Extra Virgin Olive Oil
If you’re short on time but still want to enjoy a delicious roast turkey dinner, this quick butterflied turkey recipe is the answer. By butterflying the turkey, it cooks much faster, allowing you to have a juicy and flavorful turkey on the table in under an hour. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
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Dry-Brined Roast Turkey with Garlic Sage Butter
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Kosher Salt, Sugar, Dried Sage, Black Pepper
This dry-brined roast turkey recipe is a great option for those who want to add some extra flavor to their turkey. The dry brine creates a crispy and flavorful skin, while the garlic sage butter adds a rich and herby flavor to the meat. It’s a delicious and impressive option for any occasion.
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Classic Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Olive Oil, Freshly Ground Pepper, Salt
Last but not least, we have the classic roast turkey recipe. This recipe uses a simple yet flavorful herb and butter rub to season the turkey, resulting in a delicious and traditional flavor. It’s a foolproof and time-tested option for any roast turkey lover.
Brining the Turkey
Why Brine?
Brining is the process of soaking meat in a saltwater solution before cooking. This step may seem unnecessary, but it actually makes a huge difference in the final product. The saltwater solution helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor, resulting in a more moist and flavorful turkey. It's especially important for leaner meats like turkey breast, which can easily become dry and tough if not brined.
The Brine
There are many different recipes for brines, but this one is a classic that never fails. The key is to have a good balance of salt, sugar, and spices. In a large pot, combine 1 cup of salt, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of whole peppercorns, 1 tablespoon of dried thyme, and 1 tablespoon of dried rosemary. Add 2 quarts of water and bring to a boil, stirring until the salt and sugar are fully dissolved. Let the brine cool completely before adding the turkey.
Brining the Turkey
Once the brine is cool, place your thawed turkey in a large, clean cooler or container. Make sure the turkey is completely submerged in the brine. You may need to use a weighted plate to keep it submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 12 hours, up to 24 hours for a larger turkey. This step can be done the day before you plan to cook the turkey, making your Thanksgiving Day preparations a little easier.
Roasting the Turkey
Preparing the Turkey
Before roasting, remove the turkey from the brine and pat it dry with paper towels. Be sure to discard the brine, as it is not safe to reuse. Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Seasoning the Turkey
For a traditional Southern flavor, we recommend seasoning the turkey with a simple blend of butter, herbs, and spices. In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of melted butter, 1 tablespoon of dried sage, 1 tablespoon of dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Brush this mixture all over the turkey, making sure to get under the skin as well.
Roasting Time
The cooking time for your turkey will vary depending on its size. As a general rule, plan for 13 minutes of cooking time per pound of turkey. This means a 12-pound turkey will take about 2.5 hours to cook. However, it's always best to use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part of the breast.
Resting and Carving
After removing the turkey from the oven, let it rest for 20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier turkey. For a beautiful presentation, carve the turkey at the table in front of your guests. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy the delicious fruits of your labor.
In conclusion, this is the best Southern roast turkey recipe you'll ever try. The brining process ensures a moist and flavorful bird, while the simple seasoning and roasting method lets the natural flavors shine through. Your guests will be impressed by your cooking skills and will be begging for the recipe. So go ahead and give it a try this holiday season, you won't be disappointed.
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