As the holiday season approaches, many are already planning their Christmas dinner menu. One dish that is a staple of the festive feast is the traditional Christmas turkey. However, cooking the perfect turkey can be a daunting task, especially for those who have never attempted it before. But fear not, because with the help of this Jamie Christmas turkey recipe, you'll be able to serve up a mouth-watering masterpiece that will impress your guests and leave them wanting more.
Main Ingredients: Kosher Salt, Light Brown Sugar, Peppercorns, Water, Ice
If you're tired of the same old dry turkey every year, it's time to try something new. This recipe for roasted turkey with a brown sugar brine will leave your taste buds dancing and your guests begging for seconds. The brine adds a depth of flavor and moisture to the turkey, resulting in a juicy and tender meat that will be the star of your holiday table. Plus, the brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness that perfectly balances out the savory herbs and spices.
2of 20
Pomegranate-Brined Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Brine, Lemon, Orange, Yellow Onion, Rosemary
For a twist on traditional brines, try this recipe for pomegranate-brined roast turkey. The pomegranate adds a fruity and tangy note to the brine, giving the turkey a unique and delicious flavor. The brine also helps to keep the turkey juicy and tender, making it the perfect centerpiece for your holiday feast. Serve with a drizzle of pomegranate glaze for an extra burst of flavor.
3of 20
Brined Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Brine, Turkey, Unsalted Butter, Fresh Thyme, Flat Leaf
If you want a no-fail recipe for a perfectly cooked and flavorful turkey, look no further. This brined roast turkey has been tried and tested and is guaranteed to impress your guests. The brine is a simple mixture of water, salt, and herbs, but it makes all the difference in the taste and texture of the turkey. Soak the turkey in the brine for at least 24 hours before roasting for the best results.
4of 20
Evil Turkey
Main Ingredients: Onion, Roasted Red Peppers, Drained, Whiskey, Minced
This recipe may have a scary name, but don't let that fool you. This "evil" turkey is actually incredibly delicious and will have your guests raving. The secret ingredient? A spicy and flavorful rub made with a blend of herbs, spices, and ghost pepper powder. Yes, it's a little bit spicy, but the heat is perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the brown sugar and honey. Just be sure to have plenty of cold drinks on hand!
No holiday meal is complete without some delicious rolls to soak up all the flavors on your plate. These Christmas rolls are soft, buttery, and oh-so-fluffy. The secret to their amazing texture? A mixture of buttermilk and heavy cream, which adds a richness and tanginess to the dough. These rolls are perfect for sopping up gravy and making mini sandwiches with leftover turkey.
6of 20
Christmas Turkey Crown
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Butter, Salt, Peppers, Celery, Onion, Carrots
If you're hosting a smaller gathering or just want to change things up from a traditional whole turkey, try this recipe for a Christmas turkey crown. It's essentially a boneless turkey breast that has been brined and roasted to perfection. The result is a juicy and flavorful centerpiece that is much easier to carve and serve than a whole turkey. Plus, it cooks in less time, leaving you more time to enjoy the festivities.
7of 20
Christmas Dinner Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Wheat Bread, White Cheddar Cheese, Ham, Turkey
Forget about boring leftovers. This Christmas dinner sandwich takes all the best flavors from your holiday meal and combines them in one delicious package. Layer slices of roasted turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and gravy between two slices of bread for a mouthwatering sandwich that will make you wish it was Christmas every day.
8of 20
Your Best Christmas Turkey Guide and OXO Digital...
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Sage, Garlic Cloves, Lemons, Lemon, Olive Oil
Not sure where to start when it comes to cooking a turkey? Look no further than this comprehensive guide that will walk you through every step of the process. From choosing the right size of turkey to brining, roasting, and carving, this guide has got you covered. And to make things even easier, invest in an OXO digital thermometer to ensure your turkey is cooked to perfection.
9of 20
Herb Garlic & Butter Roasted Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Sage Leaves, Thyme Sprigs, Fresh Rosemary
If you love the classic flavors of garlic and herbs, this is the turkey recipe for you. The turkey is rubbed with a mixture of butter, garlic, and a variety of fresh herbs, which infuses the meat with a delicious fragrance and flavor. Serve with a side of roasted garlic mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal.
10of 20
Gordon Ramsay’s Christmas Turkey with Gravy
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Smoked Streaky Bacon, Butter, Lemons, Garlic
Looking for a show-stopping turkey recipe that will impress even the toughest food critics? Look no further than Gordon Ramsay's Christmas turkey with gravy. This recipe may require a bit more effort and skill, but the end result is worth it. The turkey is brined, stuffed with a flavorful herb butter, and basted with a rich and savory gravy. Just be prepared for your guests to ask for the recipe.
11of 20
Leftover Turkey and Stuffing Casserole
Main Ingredients: Stuffing, Condensed Cream Of Chicken Soup, Milk
Don't let your leftovers go to waste. Instead, use them to make this delicious and easy leftover turkey and stuffing casserole. It's a one-dish meal that combines all your favorite holiday flavors into one comforting and satisfying dish. Just mix together leftover turkey, stuffing, gravy, and any other leftovers you have on hand, top with some cheese, and bake until hot and bubbly.
12of 20
Herb-Roasted Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Unsalted Butter, Lemon, Fresh Flat Leaf
If you want a simple and classic recipe for roasted turkey, this is the one for you. The turkey is rubbed with a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and a variety of fresh herbs before roasting, resulting in a beautifully golden and flavorful bird. Serve with traditional Thanksgiving sides like mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce for a delicious and satisfying meal.
13of 20
Maple Bacon Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Maple Syrup, Fresh Sage, Bacon, Chicken Stock
If you want to take your roasted turkey to the next level, try this recipe that adds a touch of sweetness and smokiness with maple syrup and bacon. The maple syrup creates a beautiful glaze on the turkey while the bacon adds a delicious and crispy topping. This is a great recipe for those who like to mix things up and try new flavor combinations.
14of 20
Parmesan-sage Roasted Turkey Breast With Sage Gravy
Main Ingredients: Turkey, I Can T Believe It S Not Butter R Spread
For a smaller gathering or just a lighter option, try this recipe for a roasted turkey breast. The turkey is coated with a flavorful mixture of parmesan cheese and sage, resulting in a crispy and savory exterior. The homemade sage gravy is the perfect accompaniment and takes the dish to the next level. Plus, it's a great option for those who prefer white meat over dark.
15of 20
Roast Turkey, Stuffing and Gravy
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Bread Cubes, Stuffing Mix, Chopped Celery
For a traditional and foolproof recipe for roast turkey, look no further than this one. The turkey is rubbed with a simple mixture of butter, garlic, and fresh herbs and then roasted until perfectly golden and juicy. Serve with a side of homemade stuffing and gravy for a classic and comforting holiday meal.
16of 20
The Ultimate Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Onion, Garlic, Cloves, Lemon, Orange, Rub
As the name suggests, this recipe is the ultimate guide to roasting the perfect turkey. From brining to carving, every step is covered in detail to ensure your turkey turns out moist, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. Plus, the recipe includes tips for making the juiciest turkey breast and the crispiest skin.
17of 20
Perfect Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Cold Water, Kosher Salt, Granulated Sugar, Onions
If you want a no-fail recipe for a perfectly roasted turkey, this is the one for you. The turkey is seasoned with a simple blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and then roasted until golden and juicy. This is a great recipe for those who want a traditional and no-fuss turkey.
18of 20
Citrus Herb-roasted Turkey & Port Gravy
Main Ingredients: Knorr Homestyle Stock Chicken, Sprigs Fresh Rosemary
If you want to add a touch of brightness and freshness to your roasted turkey, try this recipe that incorporates citrus fruits and fresh herbs. The flavors of the citrus and herbs infuse the meat with a delicious and unique flavor, making it stand out from the usual roasted turkey. And the homemade port gravy adds a richness and depth of flavor that will have your guests coming back for more.
19of 20
Turkey Gravy
Main Ingredients: Turkey Legs, Turkey Necks, Onion, Carrot, Celery
No holiday meal is complete without a rich and flavorful gravy to pour over your turkey and sides. This recipe for turkey gravy is simple and straightforward, but it packs a punch of flavor. Made with the drippings from the roasted turkey, this gravy is the perfect finishing touch to your holiday meal.
20of 20
Oven Roasted Stuffed Turkey
Main Ingredients: Keto Bread, Celery, Carrot, Onion, Garlic, Poultry
For a twist on traditional roasted turkey, try this recipe that stuffs the turkey with a delicious and flavorful mixture of apples, onions, sage, and bread. The stuffing adds a great texture and flavor to the turkey, and it also saves you the step of making a separate side dish. Serve with a side of cranberry sauce for a complete holiday meal.
Brining your turkey for maximum flavor
Why brine?
Brining is a process of soaking the turkey in a saltwater solution, which helps to lock in moisture and infuse it with flavor. This step is crucial for a juicy and flavorful turkey, as the brine penetrates the meat and breaks down the proteins, resulting in a tender and succulent texture.
How to brine your turkey
To brine your turkey, you will need a large container or cooler that can fit your bird and enough brine to cover it completely. The brine can be a simple mixture of water and salt, but you can also add in herbs, spices, and sugar for added flavor. Submerge the turkey in the brine and refrigerate for at least 12 hours, or overnight.
Preparing the perfect stuffing
Choosing the right type of stuffing
There are endless variations of stuffing recipes, but the key is to choose one that complements the flavors of the turkey. A popular choice is a traditional bread stuffing with onion, celery, and sage. For a twist, you can also try a cornbread stuffing with cranberries and pecans.
Stuffing the turkey
Once your stuffing is prepared, it's time to stuff the turkey. Make sure to pack the stuffing loosely into the cavity, as it will expand during cooking. You can also add some lemon or orange slices to the cavity for added flavor.
Cooking the turkey to perfection
Prepping the turkey for roasting
Before roasting, make sure to pat the turkey dry with paper towels and rub butter all over the skin. This will help to achieve a crispy and golden-brown exterior.
Cooking time and temperature
The general rule for cooking a turkey is 20 minutes per pound at 350°F. However, it's always best to use a meat thermometer to ensure it is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Resting and carving the turkey
After removing the turkey from the oven, let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes for a juicier bird. Carve the turkey into thin slices and serve with your favorite sides.
With this Jamie Christmas turkey recipe, you'll have a show-stopping centerpiece for your holiday dinner that will leave your guests impressed and satisfied. Make sure to save any leftovers for delicious sandwiches the next day. Happy cooking!