18+ Best Traditional Christmas Turkey Recipe Prepare To Be Amazed!
Published on: Mar 1, 2024
Christmas is a time for family, joy, and delicious food. And when it comes to Christmas dinner, there's no dish more iconic than a perfectly roasted traditional Christmas turkey. The smell of the turkey cooking in the oven, the anticipation of carving into the crispy skin and juicy meat, and the satisfaction of sharing it with loved ones is what makes this dish a staple on every holiday table. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a first-timer, follow this tried and tested best traditional Christmas turkey recipe for a show-stopping main course that will impress your guests and leave them wanting more.
Main Ingredients: Kosher Salt, Light Brown Sugar, Peppercorns, Water, Ice
If you want to impress your guests this holiday season, look no further than this delicious Roasted Turkey with Brown Sugar Brine recipe. The brine, made with a combination of brown sugar, salt, herbs and spices, adds a depth of flavor to the turkey that you won't find in your typical roast turkey recipe. Plus, the brining process helps to keep the turkey juicy and tender, ensuring a perfectly cooked bird every time.
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Pomegranate-Brined Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Brine, Lemon, Orange, Yellow Onion, Rosemary
For a unique twist on the traditional roast turkey, try this Pomegranate-Brined Roast Turkey recipe. The brine, made with pomegranate juice, orange juice, honey, and spices, gives the turkey a subtle fruity flavor that pairs perfectly with the rich and savory taste of the turkey. Plus, the pomegranate juice helps to create a beautiful, deep golden color on the turkey's skin.
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Brined Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Brine, Turkey, Unsalted Butter, Fresh Thyme, Flat Leaf
To ensure a perfectly moist and flavorful turkey, try this Brined Roast Turkey recipe. The brine, made with a combination of salt, brown sugar, and spices, infuses the turkey with a delicious blend of flavors that will make your taste buds sing. And with the added step of brining, you'll be left with the juiciest and most tender turkey you've ever had.
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Evil Turkey
Main Ingredients: Onion, Roasted Red Peppers, Drained, Whiskey, Minced
If you're looking for a show-stopping centerpiece for your holiday table, look no further than this Evil Turkey recipe. The turkey is coated in a flavorful spice rub, stuffed with a delicious sausage and apple stuffing, and roasted to perfection. The result is a crispy, flavorful turkey that will have your guests going back for seconds.
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Christmas Turkey Crown
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Butter, Salt, Peppers, Celery, Onion, Carrots
For a twist on the traditional whole roast turkey, try this Christmas Turkey Crown recipe. A turkey crown is simply the breast of the turkey, still on the bone, making it easier to carve and serving a smaller crowd. This recipe features a delicious herb butter that is rubbed onto the turkey skin, creating a crispy and flavorful exterior.
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Gordon Ramsay’s Christmas Turkey with Gravy
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Smoked Streaky Bacon, Butter, Lemons, Garlic
Who better to turn to for a delicious Christmas turkey recipe than renowned chef Gordon Ramsay? This Christmas Turkey with Gravy recipe features a simple yet flavorful herb butter, a delicious gravy made from the turkey drippings, and a stuffing made with sausage and chestnuts. It's a foolproof recipe that will have your guests raving.
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Your Best Christmas Turkey Guide and OXO Digital...
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Sage, Garlic Cloves, Lemons, Lemon, Olive Oil
This comprehensive guide to making the perfect Christmas turkey is a must-read for any home cook. It covers everything from how to select the best turkey, to brining and roasting tips, to carving and serving your turkey. Plus, there's a chance to win an OXO Digital Scale to help you get your measurements just right.
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Stuffed Christmas Turkey
Main Ingredients: Young Turkey, Salt, Pepper, Ground Veal, Ground Pork
If you're a fan of traditional stuffing, then this Stuffed Christmas Turkey recipe is for you. The turkey is stuffed with a delicious blend of bread, herbs, and spices, creating a flavorful and moist turkey that is sure to be a hit at your holiday dinner. Plus, the stuffing adds an extra layer of flavor to the turkey.
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Christmas Turkey Burgers with Cranberry Relish and...
Main Ingredients: Cranberries, Orange, Caster Sugar, Red Onion, Juice
For a fun and unique twist on the traditional roast turkey, try these Christmas Turkey Burgers. Made with ground turkey, cranberry relish, and brie cheese, these burgers are a delicious and easy way to enjoy the flavors of Christmas in a new way. Plus, they're perfect for a casual holiday gathering.
No holiday dinner is complete without a basket of warm, fresh rolls. This Christmas Rolls recipe features a delicious blend of herbs and spices, making for a flavorful and fluffy roll that will complement any holiday meal. Plus, they're easy to make and can be made ahead of time, making your holiday meal prep a little easier.
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Christmas Dinner Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Wheat Bread, White Cheddar Cheese, Ham, Turkey
Don't let your holiday leftovers go to waste – instead, use them to make this delicious Christmas Dinner Sandwich. Layer slices of turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and gravy between two slices of bread for a tasty and easy meal. It's a fun way to enjoy the flavors of Christmas in a whole new way.
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Herb Garlic & Butter Roasted Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Sage Leaves, Thyme Sprigs, Fresh Rosemary
This Herb Garlic & Butter Roasted Turkey recipe is simple yet delicious. The turkey is rubbed with a flavorful herb and garlic butter, making for a golden and crispy skin and a juicy and flavorful interior. It's a no-fail recipe that is perfect for any holiday gathering.
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Leftover Turkey and Stuffing Casserole
Main Ingredients: Stuffing, Condensed Cream Of Chicken Soup, Milk
Make use of your holiday leftovers with this Leftover Turkey and Stuffing Casserole recipe. Layer shredded turkey, stuffing, and gravy in a casserole dish and bake until warm and bubbly. It's an easy and comforting way to enjoy the flavors of your holiday meal all over again.
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Herb Roasted Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Unsalted Butter, Lemon, Fresh Flat Leaf
If you're looking for a simple yet flavorful turkey recipe, try this Herb Roasted Turkey. The turkey is rubbed with a blend of herbs and spices and roasted until golden and juicy. It's a classic and foolproof recipe that is sure to impress your guests.
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Parmesan-sage Roasted Turkey Breast With Sage Gravy
Main Ingredients: Turkey, I Can T Believe It S Not Butter R Spread
This Parmesan-sage Roasted Turkey Breast recipe is perfect for a smaller holiday gathering. The turkey breast is rubbed with a delicious parmesan and sage mixture, creating a crispy and flavorful exterior. And the accompanying sage gravy is the perfect finishing touch.
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Maple Bacon Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Maple Syrup, Fresh Sage, Bacon, Chicken Stock
For a sweet and savory twist on the traditional roast turkey, try this Maple Bacon Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey recipe. The turkey is coated in a maple syrup and butter mixture, then topped with strips of crispy bacon. The result is a deliciously moist and flavorful turkey with a crispy and bacon-y exterior.
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Roast Turkey, Stuffing and Gravy
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Bread Cubes, Stuffing Mix, Chopped Celery
No holiday dinner is complete without a classic Roast Turkey, Stuffing, and Gravy recipe. This recipe walks you through the steps of preparing and cooking a traditional roast turkey, as well as making a delicious stuffing and gravy to accompany it. It's a simple yet delicious way to enjoy the flavors of the holiday season.
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The Ultimate Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Onion, Garlic, Cloves, Lemon, Orange, Rub
If you want to go all out and make the ultimate roast turkey, look no further than this recipe. The Ultimate Roast Turkey features a combination of brining, basting, and herb butter to create the most flavorful and juicy turkey you've ever tasted. It's a labor of love, but the end result is well worth it.
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Perfect Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Cold Water, Kosher Salt, Granulated Sugar, Onions
If you're short on time but still want to make a delicious and flavorful roast turkey, this Perfect Roast Turkey recipe is for you. The turkey is seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices and roasted to perfection. It's a simple yet delicious way to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
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Citrus Herb-roasted Turkey & Port Gravy
Main Ingredients: Knorr Homestyle Stock Chicken, Sprigs Fresh Rosemary
For a citrusy and flavorful twist on the traditional roast turkey, try this Citrus Herb-roasted Turkey & Port Gravy recipe. The turkey is rubbed with a blend of citrus and herbs, then roasted until juicy and tender. And the Port gravy adds a rich and delicious touch to this holiday favorite.
Preparing the Turkey
Gather the Ingredients
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients for the perfect traditional Christmas turkey. You will need a whole turkey (size depending on the number of guests), butter, herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, and sage), garlic, lemon, salt, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings of your choice to enhance the flavor.
Thaw and Clean the Turkey
If you bought a frozen turkey, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. This can take up to 3 days, so plan ahead. Once thawed, rinse the turkey with cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Remove the giblets and neck from the cavity and save them for making gravy.
Prepare the Butter Herb Mixture
In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, chopped herbs, minced garlic, and the juice of half a lemon. This mixture will be used to flavor and baste the turkey while roasting.
Season the Turkey
Season the turkey generously with salt and pepper, both inside and out. You can also add some of the butter herb mixture under the skin for extra flavor. Stuff the cavity with the remaining lemon half, some herbs, and the neck and giblets.
Cooking the Turkey
Roasting in the Oven
Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan. Spread the remaining butter herb mixture all over the turkey, making sure to cover every inch. Cover the turkey loosely with foil and roast in a preheated oven at 350°F for 2 ½ to 3 hours, basting every 30 minutes with the pan juices. Remove the foil for the last 30 minutes to allow the skin to crisp up.
Checking for Doneness
To check if the turkey is done, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. The temperature should read 165°F. If not, continue cooking for another 15-30 minutes and check again. Once done, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving.
Serving the Perfect Christmas Turkey
Carve the turkey and arrange it on a platter with some fresh herbs and lemon slices for garnish. Serve it with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and gravy made from the pan drippings. And there you have it, the best traditional Christmas turkey that will have everyone at your table raving about it for years to come. Happy holidays!
