18+ Perfect Christmas Roast Turkey Recipe Get Ready To Indulge!
Published on: Apr 13, 2024
If you're looking to impress your guests this holiday season, there's no better main course than a perfectly cooked roast turkey. It's a classic and timeless dish that is sure to please the whole family. While it may seem daunting to cook such a large bird, with the right recipe and tips, you can create a delicious and succulent roast turkey that will be the star of your Christmas dinner. Follow these simple steps and enjoy the perfect Christmas roast turkey recipe.
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Brine, Lemon, Orange, Yellow Onion, Rosemary
Pomegranate-Brined Roast Turkey is a unique and flavorful twist on the classic Thanksgiving dish. The brine, made with pomegranate juice, adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the turkey, while also keeping it moist and tender. This is a recipe that is sure to impress your guests and become a new holiday favorite.
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Brined Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Brine, Turkey, Unsalted Butter, Fresh Thyme, Flat Leaf
Brining a turkey is a great way to ensure a juicy and flavorful bird. This recipe uses a simple brine of water, salt, and sugar, along with some herbs and spices to infuse the turkey with delicious flavors. The result is a tender and succulent roast turkey that is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
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Chile-Rubbed Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Orange Juice, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Honey
If you're looking for a little heat in your Thanksgiving feast, this chile-rubbed roast turkey is the perfect choice. The rub, made with a combination of dried chiles, garlic, and spices, gives the turkey a spicy kick and a beautiful color. Serve it with a side of spicy cranberry sauce for the ultimate flavor combination.
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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 is a showstopper on any holiday table. The glaze, made with a combination of honey, soy sauce, and mustard, gives the turkey a beautiful golden color and a sweet and savory flavor. The shallot gravy adds a delicious depth of flavor to the dish, making it a standout among traditional roast turkey recipes.
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Roast Turkey with Madeira Truffle Butter
Main Ingredients: Kidneys, Turkey, Giblets, Sweet Paprika, Ground Black
For a truly indulgent Thanksgiving turkey, try this recipe for roast turkey with Madeira truffle butter. The butter, made with luxurious truffle oil and rich Madeira wine, is rubbed under the turkey's skin before roasting, infusing it with a decadent and earthy flavor. This is a dish 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 with root vegetables and gravy is a one-pan meal that is perfect for a busy holiday gathering. The turkey is roasted on top of a bed of root vegetables, adding a delicious depth of flavor to both the bird and the accompanying gravy. Plus, it's a great way to sneak some extra veggies into your holiday meal.
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Christmas Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Young Turkey, Salt, Freshly Ground Pepper, Veal, Pork
Looking for a festive twist on your Thanksgiving turkey? This Christmas roast turkey is sure to be a hit with its festive flavors. The turkey is stuffed with a delicious stuffing made with dried cranberries, apricots, and chestnuts, giving it a sweet and savory flavor. Serve it with a side of cranberry-orange sauce for a truly Christmas-inspired meal.
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Roast Turkey, Stuffing and Gravy
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Bread Cubes, Stuffing Mix, Chopped Celery
For a classic and no-fuss Thanksgiving meal, look no further than this roast turkey, stuffing, and gravy recipe. The turkey is roasted to perfection, while the stuffing and gravy add delicious flavors to the dish. This is a recipe that is sure to become a family favorite and a go-to for holiday meals.
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Perfect Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Cold Water, Kosher Salt, Granulated Sugar, Onions
This recipe for perfect roast turkey lives up to its name. The turkey is brined in a flavorful mixture of herbs, garlic, and lemon, giving it a delicious and well-seasoned flavor. The result is a moist and succulent bird that is sure to impress your guests and become a staple on 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 for you. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a flavorful and tender turkey on the table in no time. This is a great recipe for beginners or anyone looking for a hassle-free holiday meal.
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Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Chopped Fresh Thyme
For a basic and foolproof roast turkey recipe, look no further than this tried and true recipe. With a simple rub of butter, salt, and pepper, this turkey is roasted to perfection, resulting in a juicy and flavorful bird. Serve it with your favorite side dishes for a classic and delicious Thanksgiving meal.
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Spiced Herb Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Fresh Flat Leaf Parsley, Fresh Rosemary
If you're looking for a flavorful and aromatic turkey, this spiced herb roast turkey is the way to go. The turkey is rubbed with a fragrant mixture of herbs, spices, and garlic, giving it a beautiful golden color and a delicious flavor. This is a recipe that will make your house smell amazing and your taste buds happy.
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Never-Dry Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Fresh Thyme Sprigs, Fresh Sage, Fresh Rosemary Sprigs
Worried about serving a dry turkey? This recipe for never-dry roast turkey will put your fears to rest. The turkey is brined in a mixture of water, salt, and sugar, ensuring a moist and flavorful bird. Plus, the addition of honey in the basting mixture adds a touch of sweetness to the dish.
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Roast Turkey Breast
Main Ingredients: Turkey Breast, Onion, Unsalted Butter, Kosher Salt, Red
If you're not a fan of dark meat, this roast turkey breast recipe is for you. The turkey breast is brined and then roasted to perfection, resulting in a tender and juicy meat that is full of flavor. This is a great option for smaller gatherings or anyone looking for a lighter meal.
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Roast Turkey With Fresh Sage
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Butter, Kosher Salt, Freshly Ground Black
This roast turkey with fresh sage is a simple and delicious recipe that puts the herb front and center. The turkey is rubbed with a mixture of fresh sage, butter, and lemon zest, giving it a bright and flavorful taste. This is a great way to elevate a traditional roast turkey and add a little extra flavor to the dish.
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A Simply Perfect Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Unsalted Butter, Salt, Freshly Ground Black
If you're looking for a straightforward and no-fuss recipe for roast turkey, this simply perfect version is for you. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious and tender turkey on the table in no time. This is a great option for anyone who wants to keep things simple and let the turkey shine.
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The Ultimate Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Onion, Garlic, Cloves, Lemon, Orange, Rub
For a truly impressive and flavorful roast turkey, try this ultimate recipe. The turkey is brined in a mixture of herbs, spices, and apple cider, giving it a delicious and well-seasoned flavor. Plus, the addition of a garlic herb butter under the skin adds an extra layer of flavor and helps keep the turkey moist and tender.
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Perfect Garlic and Herb Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Kosher Salt, Baking Powder, Granulated Sugar
Garlic and herbs are a classic combination that is always a hit, and this perfect roast turkey recipe takes full advantage of that. The turkey is rubbed with a flavorful mixture of garlic, herbs, and butter, resulting in a delicious and aromatic bird. This is a great option for anyone looking to add a little extra flavor to their Thanksgiving 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 to serve a beautiful and delicious roast turkey, this quick butterflied version is a great choice. Butterflying the turkey helps it cook faster and more evenly, resulting in a tender and juicy bird in a fraction of the time. Plus, it's a great option for anyone who wants to save oven space for other dishes.
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Dry-Brined Roast Turkey with Garlic Sage Butter
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Kosher Salt, Sugar, Dried Sage, Black Pepper
Dry-brining is a great alternative to wet brining, as it still results in a juicy and flavorful turkey without the hassle of a wet brine. This recipe for dry-brined roast turkey takes things a step further by adding a delicious garlic sage butter under the skin, giving the turkey a rich and savory flavor. This is a recipe that is sure to impress your guests and become a favorite at future holiday meals.
Choosing the Right Turkey
When it comes to creating the perfect roast turkey, it all starts with choosing the right bird. Look for a fresh or thawed frozen turkey that is around 12-15 pounds, which is the perfect size for a family of 8-10 people. If you're expecting a larger crowd, you can always opt for a bigger turkey or cook two smaller ones. Make sure the turkey is not pre-brined or injected with any marinades, as this can affect the flavor and texture of the meat.
Preparing the Turkey
Once you have your turkey, it's time to prepare it for roasting. Start by removing the giblets and neck from the cavity of the turkey. These can be saved for making gravy or discarded. Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Next, season the turkey generously with salt and pepper, both inside and out. You can also add some herbs or spices for extra flavor, such as rosemary, thyme, or garlic.
Trussing and Stuffing
Trussing the turkey, or tying the legs and wings to the body, helps the turkey cook evenly and prevents the stuffing from falling out. You can use kitchen twine or metal skewers to truss the turkey. As for stuffing, it's a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer to stuff the cavity of the turkey with traditional stuffing, while others prefer to cook the stuffing separately. If you choose to stuff the turkey, make sure to do so loosely as the stuffing will expand during cooking.
Roasting the Turkey
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the turkey in a roasting pan and brush it with melted butter or olive oil to help it brown and keep it moist. You can also add some broth or wine to the bottom of the pan for extra moisture. Cover the turkey loosely with foil and place it in the oven. As a general rule, cook the turkey for 13 minutes per pound, so a 12-pound turkey will take approximately 2.5 hours to cook.
Checking for Doneness
To make sure your turkey is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The thickest part of the thigh should reach 165°F (74°C), and the stuffing should be at least 165°F (74°C) as well. Once the turkey is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy and flavorful turkey.
Now that you have the perfect Christmas roast turkey recipe, you can confidently impress your guests and enjoy a delicious holiday meal. Follow these steps, and you'll have a beautifully browned and succulent turkey that will be the centerpiece of your Christmas dinner. Happy cooking!
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