If you're looking to impress your friends and family with a delicious and traditional Christmas meal, then look no further than a classic Christmas roast turkey. This iconic dish has been a staple on holiday dinner tables for generations, and for good reason. Not only is it a show-stopping centerpiece, but the tender and juicy meat paired with savory herbs and spices is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Follow this professional and well-organized introduction to learn how to make the perfect classic Christmas roast turkey for your holiday feast.
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Brine, Lemon, Orange, Yellow Onion, Rosemary
If you want to impress your guests with a unique and flavorful twist on traditional roast turkey, look no further than this pomegranate-brined recipe. The sweet and tangy pomegranate juice adds a delicious complexity to the tender and juicy turkey, making it a show-stopping main dish for any holiday feast.
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Brined Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Brine, Turkey, Unsalted Butter, Fresh Thyme, Flat Leaf
Brining is the secret to a succulent and flavorful roast turkey. This recipe calls for a simple yet effective brine made with salt, sugar, herbs, and spices. The brine infuses the turkey with moisture and flavor, resulting in a perfectly juicy and delicious bird every time.
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Chile-Rubbed Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Orange Juice, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Honey
For a spicy and bold twist on classic roast turkey, try this chile-rubbed recipe. The combination of smoky ancho chile powder, cumin, and garlic adds a delicious kick to the tender and juicy turkey. Serve with your favorite sides for a festive and flavorful holiday feast.
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Glazed Roast Turkey with Shallot Gravy
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Brine, Bourbon, Unsalted Butter, Shallots
This glazed roast turkey is a mouthwatering combination of sweet and savory flavors. The turkey is basted with a delicious glaze made with honey, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard, resulting in a golden and crispy skin. The flavorful shallot gravy is the perfect finishing touch for this delicious holiday centerpiece.
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Roast Turkey with Madeira Truffle Butter
Main Ingredients: Kidneys, Turkey, Giblets, Sweet Paprika, Ground Black
Elevate your roast turkey to a gourmet level with this recipe featuring a luxurious Madeira truffle butter. The combination of rich truffle butter, aromatic herbs, and Madeira wine makes for a decadent and flavorful turkey that will impress even the most discerning palates.
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Roast Turkey with Root Vegetables and Gravy
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Leaf Parsley, Ground Cumin, Sweet
This roast turkey recipe not only features a tender and juicy bird, but also a delicious medley of root vegetables cooked alongside it. The vegetables absorb the delicious juices from the turkey, making them flavorful and tender. And don't forget to make a batch of rich and savory gravy to serve alongside this hearty and comforting dish.
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Roast Turkey, Stuffing and Gravy
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Bread Cubes, Stuffing Mix, Chopped Celery
For a classic and traditional holiday meal, you can't go wrong with this roast turkey, stuffing, and gravy recipe. The turkey is perfectly seasoned and roasted to perfection, while the stuffing is packed with delicious herbs, veggies, and bread. And of course, a holiday meal isn't complete without a rich and flavorful gravy to drizzle over everything.
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Perfect Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Cold Water, Kosher Salt, Granulated Sugar, Onions
This recipe lives up to its name as the perfect roast turkey. The bird is brined overnight and then roasted to golden perfection with a flavorful herb butter. The result is a tender and juicy turkey with a crispy and flavorful skin that will be the star of your holiday table.
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Easy Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Salt, Pepper, Unsalted Butter, Fresh Sage
If you're short on time but still want to serve a delicious roast turkey, this easy recipe is the way to go. The turkey is seasoned with a simple yet flavorful combination of herbs and spices, and then roasted with butter and broth for a tender and delicious bird in no time. It's perfect for busy holiday gatherings.
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Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Chopped Fresh Thyme
For a no-fuss and foolproof roast turkey recipe, look no further than this classic and simple method. The turkey is seasoned with a flavorful herb butter and roasted until golden and crispy on the outside, and tender and juicy on the inside. Serve with your favorite sides for a delicious and satisfying holiday meal.
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Spiced Herb Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Fresh Flat Leaf Parsley, Fresh Rosemary
For a flavorful and aromatic roast turkey, give this spiced herb recipe a try. The turkey is rubbed with a combination of fragrant spices and herbs, giving it a delicious and unique flavor. And don't forget to make the rich and savory pan sauce to serve alongside this mouthwatering bird.
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Never-Dry Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Fresh Thyme Sprigs, Fresh Sage, Fresh Rosemary Sprigs
One of the biggest fears when cooking a turkey is that it will turn out dry. But fear not, this never-dry roast turkey recipe ensures a juicy and tender bird every time. The secret is to baste the turkey with a flavorful herb butter throughout the cooking process, resulting in a moist and delicious turkey that will impress your guests.
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Roast Turkey Breast
Main Ingredients: Turkey Breast, Onion, Unsalted Butter, Kosher Salt, Red
If you're cooking for a smaller crowd or just prefer white meat, this roast turkey breast recipe is perfect for you. The turkey breast is seasoned with a delicious rub and roasted until tender and juicy. Serve with your favorite sides for a simple yet satisfying holiday meal.
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Roast Turkey With Fresh Sage
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Butter, Kosher Salt, Freshly Ground Black
This roast turkey recipe features a delicious and aromatic fresh sage rub that infuses the bird with a lovely flavor. The turkey is also basted with a flavorful butter and broth mixture, resulting in a tender and juicy bird that is perfect for any holiday celebration.
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The Ultimate Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Onion, Garlic, Cloves, Lemon, Orange, Rub
For a truly show-stopping roast turkey, look no further than this ultimate recipe. The bird is brined, stuffed, and roasted to perfection, resulting in a tender and juicy turkey with a crispy and flavorful skin. This recipe is sure to impress and become a holiday favorite.
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A Simply Perfect Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Unsalted Butter, Salt, Freshly Ground Black
Simple yet perfect, this roast turkey recipe is perfect for those who prefer a more traditional and classic approach. The turkey is seasoned with a simple yet flavorful herb butter and roasted until golden and crispy on the outside, and tender and juicy on the inside. Serve with your favorite sides for a delicious and satisfying holiday meal.
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Perfect Garlic and Herb Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Kosher Salt, Baking Powder, Granulated Sugar
This garlic and herb roast turkey is bursting with flavor. The bird is rubbed with a delicious and aromatic mixture of garlic, herbs, and spices, and then roasted until golden and crispy on the outside, and tender and juicy on the inside. The result is a mouthwatering turkey that will be the star of your holiday feast.
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Quick Butterflied Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Nonstick Cooking Spray, Turkey, Extra Virgin Olive Oil
If time is of the essence, this quick butterflied roast turkey recipe is the perfect way to get a delicious and tender turkey on the table in no time. The bird is butterflied, or spatchcocked, which cuts down on cooking time, and then roasted with a flavorful herb butter. Serve with your favorite sides for a hassle-free holiday meal.
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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 is a game changer. The turkey is dry-brined with a mixture of salt, sugar, and herbs, which results in a tender and flavorful bird without the hassle of a wet brine. The garlic sage butter adds a delicious and aromatic touch to this already amazing recipe.
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Classic Roast Turkey and Gravy
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Onion, Celery, Dried Sage, Marjoram, Butter
Finally, we have the classic roast turkey and gravy recipe that is sure to please everyone at your holiday table. The turkey is seasoned with a flavorful herb butter and roasted until tender and juicy. And of course, don't forget to make the rich and savory pan gravy to serve alongside this traditional and delicious main dish.
Preparing the Turkey
Choosing the Right Bird
When it comes to selecting the perfect turkey for your Christmas dinner, size matters. A general rule of thumb is to plan for about 1.5 pounds of turkey per person. However, keep in mind that larger birds will have a higher meat-to-bone ratio and will provide more leftovers. Opt for a fresh turkey if possible, as it will have a better flavor and texture. If you do purchase a frozen turkey, make sure to allow enough time for it to thaw properly before cooking.
Cleaning and Trimming
Before cooking, it's important to properly clean and trim the turkey. Remove any giblets or neck from the cavity and rinse the bird inside and out with cold water. Pat dry with paper towels and trim off any excess skin or fat. This will ensure that your turkey cooks evenly and helps to prevent any flare-ups in the oven.
Seasoning and Cooking
Seasoning the Turkey
To achieve a truly delicious classic Christmas roast turkey, the key is in the seasoning. Begin by generously rubbing softened butter all over the turkey, including under the skin. This will help to keep the meat moist and add a rich flavor. Next, sprinkle salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs and spices over the entire bird. For a traditional taste, stick with sage, thyme, and rosemary.
Cooking the Turkey
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the turkey in a roasting pan and cover loosely with aluminum foil. Cook for about 15 minutes per pound, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers at least 165°F (74°C). During the last 30 minutes of cooking, remove the foil to allow the skin to crisp up. Baste the turkey with pan drippings every 30 minutes to keep it moist and flavorful.
Serving and Enjoying
Carving the Turkey
Once your turkey is cooked, remove it from the oven and tent it with foil. Let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and result in a tender and juicy bird. To carve, start at the breastbone and slice downwards, following the natural curve of the bird. Repeat on the other side and then remove the legs and wings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your classic Christmas roast turkey with all the traditional fixings - gravy, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. You can also add a touch of honey to the pan drippings for a sweet and savory glaze. And don't forget to save the leftovers for delicious turkey sandwiches the next day!
Now that you have the perfect recipe for a classic Christmas roast turkey, impress your loved ones with this traditional and mouth-watering holiday dish. Happy cooking and happy holidays!
![[Homemade] Roast Butterflied Turkey : r/seriouseats](https://i.imgur.com/AyC6w3s.jpg)
