19 Easy Christmas Roast Turkey Recipe Cook Up Something Special!
Published on: May 2, 2024
For many people, Christmas is a time for gathering with loved ones and indulging in delicious food. And what better centerpiece for a festive feast than a beautifully roasted turkey? While the thought of cooking a whole turkey may seem daunting, this easy Christmas roast turkey recipe will guide you through the process step by step, making it a stress-free and delicious addition to your holiday meal.
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Brine, Lemon, Orange, Yellow Onion, Rosemary
Elevate your roast turkey with this flavorful pomegranate-brined recipe. The combination of pomegranate juice, orange zest, and fresh herbs creates a deliciously tangy and herbaceous brine that will infuse your turkey with amazing flavor. Don't forget to baste your turkey with the leftover brine for added flavor and moisture.
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Brined Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Brine, Turkey, Unsalted Butter, Fresh Thyme, Flat Leaf
This classic brined roast turkey recipe is a foolproof way to achieve a perfectly juicy and flavorful turkey. The saltwater brine helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor, making it the star of your Thanksgiving table. For extra crispy skin, pat the turkey dry and let it sit in the fridge for a few hours before roasting.
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Chile-Rubbed Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Orange Juice, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Honey
If you love a little heat, this chile-rubbed roast turkey is the perfect recipe for you. A blend of ancho chile powder, cumin, and smoked paprika give this turkey a delicious smoky and slightly spicy flavor. For an extra kick, add a few dashes of hot sauce to the rub.
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Glazed Roast Turkey with Shallot Gravy
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Brine, Bourbon, Unsalted Butter, Shallots
This glazed roast turkey with shallot gravy takes your traditional turkey to a whole new level. The glaze, made with honey, Dijon mustard, and orange juice, adds a delicious sweetness to the turkey, while the shallot gravy adds a savory element. Be sure to save any leftover glaze to drizzle over your turkey slices before serving.
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Roast Turkey with Madeira Truffle Butter
Main Ingredients: Kidneys, Turkey, Giblets, Sweet Paprika, Ground Black
This roast turkey with Madeira truffle butter is the epitome of luxury. The truffle butter adds a rich and earthy flavor to the turkey, while the Madeira wine adds a subtle sweetness. For an even more decadent touch, top the turkey with a few slices of black truffle before roasting.
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Roast Turkey with Root Vegetables and Gravy
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Leaf Parsley, Ground Cumin, Sweet
Take your roast turkey to the next level by roasting it with root vegetables and making a delicious gravy with the drippings. The vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips, and onions, add a delicious sweetness to the turkey, and the gravy brings all the flavors together. For added flavor, toss the vegetables in a little bit of the turkey drippings before roasting.
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Christmas Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Young Turkey, Salt, Freshly Ground Pepper, Veal, Pork
Why wait for Thanksgiving to enjoy a delicious roast turkey? This Christmas roast turkey recipe is perfect for your holiday feast. The turkey is brined in a mixture of apple cider, brown sugar, and herbs, giving it a sweet and savory flavor. For a festive touch, garnish the turkey platter with fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs.
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Roast Turkey, Stuffing and Gravy
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Bread Cubes, Stuffing Mix, Chopped Celery
This all-in-one roast turkey, stuffing, and gravy recipe is perfect for a stress-free Thanksgiving. The stuffing is cooked inside the turkey, infusing it with delicious flavor, and the gravy is made with the drippings, ensuring a perfectly paired and flavorful meal. Be sure to stuff the turkey loosely to allow for proper airflow and even cooking.
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Perfect Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Cold Water, Kosher Salt, Granulated Sugar, Onions
For a classic and foolproof roast turkey recipe, look no further than this perfect roast turkey. The combination of butter, herbs, and a little bit of lemon juice creates a deliciously simple and flavorful turkey that will have your guests coming back for more. For added moisture, place a few pats of butter under the skin of the turkey before roasting.
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Easy Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Salt, Pepper, Unsalted Butter, Fresh Sage
If you're short on time, this easy roast turkey recipe is perfect for you. It only requires a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, making it the perfect solution for a last-minute Thanksgiving dinner. For a little extra flavor, add a sprinkle of garlic powder and onion powder to the turkey before roasting.
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Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Chopped Fresh Thyme
Keep things simple with this classic roast turkey recipe. A simple blend of butter, herbs, and lemon juice create a deliciously tender and flavorful turkey that will be the star of your Thanksgiving dinner. For added moisture, place a few lemon slices inside the turkey cavity before roasting.
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Spiced Herb Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Fresh Flat Leaf Parsley, Fresh Rosemary
Add a little spice to your Thanksgiving dinner with this spiced herb roast turkey recipe. A blend of spices such as cumin, coriander, and cinnamon create a unique and flavorful twist on the traditional roast turkey. For a little extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice rub.
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Never-Dry Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Fresh Thyme Sprigs, Fresh Sage, Fresh Rosemary Sprigs
Never suffer through a dry turkey again with this never-dry roast turkey recipe. The combination of a flavorful brine and a delicious herb and butter rub ensures a moist and flavorful turkey every time. For an extra crispy skin, baste the turkey with a little bit of melted butter during the last hour of roasting.
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Roast Turkey Breast
Main Ingredients: Turkey Breast, Onion, Unsalted Butter, Kosher Salt, Red
If you prefer white meat, this roast turkey breast recipe is perfect for you. A simple herb and butter rub creates a deliciously tender and flavorful turkey breast that is perfect for a smaller Thanksgiving gathering. For added flavor, stuff the turkey breast with a few lemon slices and fresh herbs before roasting.
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Roast Turkey With Fresh Sage
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Butter, Kosher Salt, Freshly Ground Black
Fresh sage adds a deliciously earthy and herbaceous flavor to this roast turkey recipe. The sage is used in both the brine and the herb butter rub, ensuring a flavorful and moist turkey. For added moisture, rub a little bit of olive oil over the turkey before roasting.
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A Simply Perfect Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Unsalted Butter, Salt, Freshly Ground Black
This simply perfect roast turkey recipe lives up to its name. A simple blend of butter, garlic, and herbs creates a deliciously flavorful and moist turkey that is perfect for any Thanksgiving dinner. For added flavor, stuff the turkey with a few slices of your favorite citrus fruit, such as oranges or lemons.
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The Ultimate Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Onion, Garlic, Cloves, Lemon, Orange, Rub
If you're looking for a show-stopping roast turkey, this ultimate roast turkey recipe is for you. A flavorful brine and a delicious herb butter rub create a turkey that is not only delicious but also beautiful. For a little extra flavor, sprinkle some smoked paprika over the turkey before roasting.
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Perfect Garlic and Herb Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Kosher Salt, Baking Powder, Granulated Sugar
Garlic and herb lovers will rejoice over this perfect garlic and herb roast turkey recipe. The combination of garlic, sage, thyme, and rosemary creates a deliciously aromatic and flavorful turkey that will have your guests coming back for seconds. For added flavor, stuff the turkey with a few cloves of garlic and fresh herbs before roasting.
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Quick Butterflied Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Nonstick Cooking Spray, Turkey, Extra Virgin Olive Oil
For a quick and easy roast turkey recipe, try this butterflied turkey. Butterflying the turkey cuts down on cooking time and allows for more even cooking. The addition of herbs and butter ensures a flavorful and delicious turkey in a fraction of the time. For added moisture, baste the turkey with a little bit of chicken broth during roasting.
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Dry-Brined Roast Turkey with Garlic Sage Butter
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Kosher Salt, Sugar, Dried Sage, Black Pepper
For a unique and flavorful twist on the traditional roast turkey, try this dry-brined turkey with garlic sage butter. The dry brine mixture, made with salt, herbs, and spices, is rubbed all over the turkey, resulting in a juicy and flavorful bird. The garlic sage butter adds an extra layer of flavor and richness. For added flavor, stuff the turkey with a few cloves of garlic and fresh sage before roasting.
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Pomegranate-Brined Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Brine, Lemon, Orange, Yellow Onion, Rosemary
If you're looking for a twist on the traditional roast turkey recipe, try this pomegranate-brined version. The sweet and tangy flavors of pomegranate add a burst of flavor to the turkey, making it a standout dish on your holiday table. Plus, the brine helps to keep the turkey moist and tender while it cooks.
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Brined Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Brine, Turkey, Unsalted Butter, Fresh Thyme, Flat Leaf
For a classic and foolproof roast turkey recipe, look no further than this brined version. Brining the turkey in a mixture of water, salt, and spices helps to infuse the meat with flavor and keep it juicy throughout the roasting process. This is a great option for those who are new to cooking a whole turkey.
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Chile-Rubbed Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Orange Juice, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Honey
If you're a fan of spicy food, this chile-rubbed roast turkey is a must-try. The combination of chili powder, cayenne pepper, and other spices adds a fiery kick to the turkey, making it a standout dish on your holiday table. Serve with some cooling sour cream or guacamole for a perfect balance of flavors.
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Glazed Roast Turkey with Shallot Gravy
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Brine, Bourbon, Unsalted Butter, Shallots
For a fancy and flavorful roast turkey recipe, try this glazed version with a rich shallot gravy. The glaze, made with honey, soy sauce, and ginger, adds a beautiful caramelized crust to the turkey while the shallot gravy adds a depth of flavor to the dish. This is a great option for a special occasion or holiday meal.
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Roast Turkey with Madeira Truffle Butter
Main Ingredients: Kidneys, Turkey, Giblets, Sweet Paprika, Ground Black
This decadent roast turkey recipe is perfect for a special occasion or holiday meal. The combination of Madeira wine and truffle butter adds a luxurious and rich flavor to the turkey, making it a standout dish on your table. Plus, the truffle butter helps to keep the turkey moist and tender while it cooks.
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Roast Turkey with Root Vegetables and Gravy
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Leaf Parsley, Ground Cumin, Sweet
For a one-pan meal, try this roast turkey recipe with root vegetables and gravy. The vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, and onions, cook alongside the turkey, infusing it with their delicious flavors. The pan drippings from the turkey are then used to make a rich and flavorful gravy to top off the dish.
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Christmas Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Young Turkey, Salt, Freshly Ground Pepper, Veal, Pork
For a festive and flavorful Christmas dinner, try this roast turkey recipe. The turkey is seasoned with a blend of herbs, garlic, and butter, giving it a delicious flavor and crispy skin. Serve with your favorite holiday sides for a memorable and delicious meal.
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Roast Turkey, Stuffing and Gravy
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Bread Cubes, Stuffing Mix, Chopped Celery
This classic roast turkey recipe is perfect for a traditional holiday meal. The turkey is stuffed with a flavorful mixture of bread, celery, onions, and herbs, infusing it with delicious flavors. The pan drippings are then used to make a rich and savory gravy to top off the dish.
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Perfect Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Cold Water, Kosher Salt, Granulated Sugar, Onions
For a foolproof and delicious roast turkey recipe, try this perfect version. The key to this recipe is a simple and flavorful rub made with olive oil, garlic, and herbs. This helps to infuse the turkey with delicious flavors and keep it moist and tender while it cooks.
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Easy Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Salt, Pepper, Unsalted Butter, Fresh Sage
If you're short on time or new to cooking a whole turkey, this easy roast turkey recipe is for you. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can have a delicious and flavorful turkey on the table in no time. Serve with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
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Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Chopped Fresh Thyme
This no-frills roast turkey recipe is perfect for those who want a simple and classic dish. The turkey is seasoned with a blend of salt, pepper, and herbs, giving it a delicious flavor and crispy skin. Serve with all your favorite holiday sides for a comforting and satisfying meal.
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Spiced Herb Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Fresh Flat Leaf Parsley, Fresh Rosemary
This spiced herb roast turkey recipe is perfect for those who want a little extra flavor and spice in their dish. The turkey is seasoned with a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cumin, giving it a unique and delicious taste. Serve with some cranberry sauce for a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
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Never-Dry Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Fresh Thyme Sprigs, Fresh Sage, Fresh Rosemary Sprigs
For a foolproof way to ensure your turkey is always juicy and tender, try this never-dry roast turkey recipe. The key is to cover the turkey with bacon before roasting, which helps to keep the meat moist and add a delicious smoky flavor. Serve with your favorite sides for a delicious and comforting meal.
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Roast Turkey Breast
Main Ingredients: Turkey Breast, Onion, Unsalted Butter, Kosher Salt, Red
If you're looking for a smaller option for your holiday meal, this roast turkey breast recipe is perfect. The turkey breast is seasoned with a blend of garlic, thyme, and rosemary, giving it a delicious flavor and crispy skin. Serve with some cranberry sauce for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Roast Turkey With Fresh Sage
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Butter, Kosher Salt, Freshly Ground Black
This roast turkey recipe is perfect for those who want a simple yet flavorful dish. The turkey is seasoned with fresh sage, garlic, and butter, giving it a delicious flavor and crispy skin. Serve with some gravy and your favorite holiday sides for a comforting and satisfying meal.
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A Simply Perfect Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Unsalted Butter, Salt, Freshly Ground Black
If you're looking for a no-fuss and delicious roast turkey recipe, this is the one for you. The turkey is seasoned with a blend of herbs, garlic, and butter, giving it a delicious flavor and crispy skin. Serve with some gravy and your favorite sides for a complete and satisfying meal.
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The Ultimate Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Onion, Garlic, Cloves, Lemon, Orange, Rub
For a show-stopping and flavorful roast turkey recipe, try this ultimate version. The turkey is seasoned with a blend of herbs, citrus, and butter, giving it a delicious and unique flavor. Serve with some cranberry sauce and your favorite sides for a memorable and delicious 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 recipe is perfect for those who want a delicious and flavorful dish. The turkey is seasoned with a blend of garlic, thyme, and rosemary, giving it a delicious flavor and crispy skin. Serve with some gravy and mashed potatoes for a comforting and satisfying meal.
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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 a delicious and flavorful roast turkey, try this quick butterflied version. The turkey is butterflied and then seasoned with a blend of herbs, garlic, and butter, making it cook faster while still infusing it with delicious flavors. Serve with your favorite sides for a complete 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 recipe is perfect for those who want a delicious and flavorful dish without the hassle of wet brining. The turkey is seasoned with a blend of salt, garlic, and sage, and then topped with a delicious garlic sage butter before roasting. Serve with some gravy and your favorite sides for a memorable and satisfying meal.
Preparing the Turkey
Choosing the Right Turkey
When it comes to choosing a turkey for your Christmas roast, it's important to consider the size and type of bird. A general rule of thumb is to estimate 1 pound of turkey per person. If you are feeding a larger crowd, it's better to have two smaller turkeys rather than one large one, as they will cook more evenly. Additionally, you can choose between a fresh or frozen turkey, but make sure to thaw a frozen turkey in the refrigerator for 24 hours before cooking.
Cleaning and Seasoning
Before cooking, make sure to clean the turkey thoroughly, removing any giblets or excess fat from the cavity. Then, pat the turkey dry with paper towels and season it generously with herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage, as well as salt and pepper. You can also add garlic cloves and citrus slices for extra flavor.
Cooking the Turkey
Preheating and Basting
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place the seasoned turkey on a roasting rack inside a roasting pan. Cover the turkey with foil and place it in the oven for about 2-2.5 hours. Every 30 minutes, baste the turkey with melted butter and chicken broth to keep it moist and flavorful.
Checking for Doneness
To ensure that your turkey is fully cooked, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. The turkey is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If the turkey is not yet fully cooked, continue roasting and checking the temperature every 15 minutes.
Letting it Rest
Once your turkey is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making for a tender and juicy bird.
Serving and Enjoying
Once your turkey has rested, carve it into slices and arrange it on a platter. Garnish with fresh herbs and citrus slices for an extra festive touch. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy the delicious holiday feast you've prepared.
Now that you have this easy Christmas roast turkey recipe in hand, you can confidently impress your guests with a perfectly cooked and flavorful turkey. Happy holidays and bon appétit!
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