15+ Moist Christmas Turkey Recipe Get Ready To Indulge!
Published on: Mar 28, 2024
When it comes to holiday meals, there is nothing quite as iconic and satisfying as a perfectly cooked Christmas turkey. The tender, juicy meat, paired with flavorful herbs and spices, is a staple on many families' dinner tables during the festive season. However, achieving that perfect, moist turkey can seem like a daunting task. But fear not, with this tried and tested recipe, you can impress your guests and enjoy a delicious Christmas feast without the stress. So, let's dive into the details of how to make the most mouth-watering moist Christmas turkey ever!
Main Ingredients: Kosher Salt, Light Brown Sugar, Peppercorns, Water, Ice
This succulent roasted turkey recipe will be the star of your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. The brown sugar brine adds a touch of sweetness and keeps the turkey moist and flavorful. Serve with your favorite side dishes for a truly unforgettable meal.
2of 20
Pomegranate-Brined Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Brine, Lemon, Orange, Yellow Onion, Rosemary
This pomegranate-brined turkey is a show-stopper at any holiday gathering. The brine, made with pomegranate juice, spices, and herbs, adds a unique flavor to the turkey that will have your guests coming back for seconds. Plus, the beautiful pink color from the pomegranate juice will make for a stunning presentation.
3of 20
Brined Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Brine, Turkey, Unsalted Butter, Fresh Thyme, Flat Leaf
If you want a classic yet flavorful turkey, this recipe is for you. Brining the turkey in a mixture of salt, sugar, and herbs infuses it with flavor and ensures a juicy and tender final product. It's a simple and foolproof way to make a delicious roast turkey.
4of 20
Evil Turkey
Main Ingredients: Onion, Roasted Red Peppers, Drained, Whiskey, Minced
This spicy and savory turkey recipe will give your holiday dinner a little kick. The turkey is marinated in a mixture of spices and hot sauce before being roasted to perfection. Serve with some creamy mashed potatoes to balance out the heat.
5of 20
Christmas Turkey Crown
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Butter, Salt, Peppers, Celery, Onion, Carrots
If you want a smaller yet still impressive holiday meal, try this Christmas turkey crown recipe. The crown is made from the turkey breast, making it easier to cook and carve. The addition of sage and cranberry stuffing takes this dish to the next level.
6of 20
Gordon Ramsay’s Christmas Turkey with Gravy
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Smoked Streaky Bacon, Butter, Lemons, Garlic
Looking for a foolproof holiday turkey recipe? Look no further than this one from celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay. The turkey is brined in a flavorful mixture and roasted with a butter and herb baste. And let's not forget about the rich and flavorful gravy that tops it all off.
7of 20
Your Best Christmas Turkey Guide and OXO Digital...
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Sage, Garlic Cloves, Lemons, Lemon, Olive Oil
If you're new to cooking a whole turkey, this comprehensive guide is a must-read. It includes tips for buying, brining, and roasting your turkey, as well as a helpful video from OXO Digital showing you how to properly carve it. With this guide, you'll be a turkey pro in no time.
8of 20
Stuffed Christmas Turkey
Main Ingredients: Young Turkey, Salt, Pepper, Ground Veal, Ground Pork
This stuffed Christmas turkey recipe is a crowd-pleaser. The turkey is stuffed with a delicious mixture of bread, sausage, and herbs, infusing the meat with even more flavor. Serve with some homemade gravy for the perfect holiday meal.
9of 20
Christmas Turkey Burgers with Cranberry Relish and...
Main Ingredients: Cranberries, Orange, Caster Sugar, Red Onion, Juice
Looking for a non-traditional way to serve turkey this Christmas? These turkey burgers are a fun and tasty option. Topped with a homemade cranberry relish and served with sweet potato fries, they're a great way to mix things up at your holiday dinner table.
No holiday meal is complete without some warm and buttery rolls. This recipe for Christmas rolls is simple yet delicious. The dough is made with a combination of milk and egg, giving the rolls a soft and fluffy texture. Serve alongside your roasted turkey for a comforting and satisfying meal.
11of 20
Christmas Dinner Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Wheat Bread, White Cheddar Cheese, Ham, Turkey
If you have leftover turkey from your holiday meal, why not turn it into a delicious sandwich? Layer slices of turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and gravy between two slices of bread for a tasty and easy-to-make Christmas dinner sandwich. Feel free to add some cheese or other toppings to make it your own.
12of 20
Herb Garlic & Butter Roasted Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Sage Leaves, Thyme Sprigs, Fresh Rosemary
This herb garlic and butter roasted turkey is a classic and flavorful option for your holiday dinner. The turkey is rubbed with a mixture of herbs, garlic, and butter before being roasted to perfection. The result is a juicy and tender turkey with a deliciously crispy skin.
13of 20
Leftover Turkey and Stuffing Casserole
Main Ingredients: Stuffing, Condensed Cream Of Chicken Soup, Milk
Don't let your leftover turkey go to waste! This leftover turkey and stuffing casserole is a delicious way to use up any extra meat and stuffing from your holiday meal. Topped with cheese and baked until golden and bubbly, it's a comforting and tasty dish that will have you looking forward to those leftovers.
14of 20
Herb Roasted Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Unsalted Butter, Lemon, Fresh Flat Leaf
This herb roasted turkey recipe is a simple yet delicious way to prepare your holiday bird. The turkey is rubbed with a mixture of herbs, lemon, and garlic, giving it a bright and fresh flavor. And since it's roasted in the oven, you'll have plenty of time to focus on making the perfect side dishes.
15of 20
Maple Bacon Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Maple Syrup, Fresh Sage, Bacon, Chicken Stock
This maple bacon roasted turkey is a unique and tasty twist on the classic holiday dish. The turkey is basted with a mixture of maple syrup, butter, and bacon, resulting in a sweet and savory flavor that is sure to be a hit at your Thanksgiving dinner.
16of 20
Parmesan-sage Roasted Turkey Breast With Sage Gravy
Main Ingredients: Turkey, I Can T Believe It S Not Butter R Spread
If you don't want to cook a whole turkey, this Parmesan-sage roasted turkey breast recipe is a great alternative. The turkey breast is coated in a flavorful mixture of Parmesan, sage, and butter, creating a crispy and delicious exterior. And the homemade sage gravy is the perfect finishing touch.
17of 20
Roast Turkey, Stuffing and Gravy
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Bread Cubes, Stuffing Mix, Chopped Celery
This recipe for roast turkey, stuffing, and gravy is a one-pan wonder. The turkey is roasted on top of a bed of stuffing, infusing it with even more flavor. And since everything cooks together, you'll have a complete holiday meal ready to serve in no time.
18of 20
The Ultimate Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Onion, Garlic, Cloves, Lemon, Orange, Rub
For a truly impressive and flavorful holiday turkey, try this ultimate roast turkey recipe. The turkey is brined in a mixture of herbs, spices, and citrus before being coated in a delicious butter and herb rub. The result is a tender and juicy turkey with a crispy and flavorful skin.
19of 20
Perfect Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Cold Water, Kosher Salt, Granulated Sugar, Onions
This recipe for perfect roast turkey is a must-try for any holiday dinner. The turkey is brined in a mixture of salt and herbs, ensuring a juicy and flavorful final product. And the addition of a homemade herb butter takes this dish to the next level.
20of 20
Citrus Herb-roasted Turkey & Port Gravy
Main Ingredients: Knorr Homestyle Stock Chicken, Sprigs Fresh Rosemary
If you want a turkey with a unique and refreshing flavor, this citrus herb-roasted turkey is the perfect choice. The turkey is stuffed with a citrus and herb mixture and basted with a tangy and flavorful port gravy. It's a delicious twist on a classic holiday dish.
Brine, the secret to a juicy turkey
The science behind brining
Brining is the process of soaking meat in a saltwater solution to enhance its flavor and retain moisture during cooking. The salt in the brine breaks down the muscle fibers, allowing the turkey to absorb more liquid, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful bird. So, before you start cooking, brine your turkey for at least 12 hours, or overnight, for the best results.
Making the perfect brine
To make the brine, combine 1 cup of kosher salt, 1 cup of brown sugar, and a gallon of water in a large pot. Heat the mixture until the sugar and salt have dissolved, then add in your choice of herbs and spices. You can get creative here and use rosemary, thyme, sage, garlic, and peppercorns for a classic and flavorful brine. Let the brine cool before submerging your turkey in it.
Cooking methods for a moist turkey
The traditional oven-roasted method
The most common way to cook a turkey is by roasting it in the oven. To ensure a moist and evenly cooked bird, start by preheating your oven to 325°F. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and cover it with foil. This will keep the moisture in and prevent the skin from burning. Roast for about 15 minutes per pound, basting every 45 minutes with melted butter or oil. Remove the foil for the last 30 minutes to allow the skin to crisp up.
The flavorful slow-cooker method
For a more hands-off approach, you can also cook your turkey in a slow cooker. This method takes longer, but the result is a perfectly tender and juicy turkey. Place the turkey in the slow cooker with some chicken broth and your choice of herbs and spices. Cook on low for 8-10 hours, depending on the size of your bird. You can also broil the turkey in the oven for a few minutes after it's done cooking to get that crispy skin.
Let it rest
After your turkey is fully cooked, it's essential to let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful turkey.
In conclusion, brining your turkey and choosing the right cooking method are the keys to a moist Christmas turkey that will impress your family and friends. So, follow these tips, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and stress-free holiday dinner!
