The holiday season is upon us, and one of the most anticipated dishes for Christmas dinner is the classic turkey. This succulent bird has been a staple on most holiday tables for centuries, and for good reason. The tantalizing aroma of the Christmas turkey cooking in the oven is enough to make anyone's mouth water. But for those who have never cooked a turkey before, or for those looking to elevate their usual recipe, this recipe for Christmas turkey will surely impress your guests and make your holiday feast one to remember.
Main Ingredients: Kosher Salt, Light Brown Sugar, Peppercorns, Water, Ice
This recipe takes your traditional roasted turkey to the next level with a delicious brown sugar brine. The brine helps to keep the turkey moist and infuses it with a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the meat. This is sure to be a hit at your next holiday feast.
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Pomegranate-Brined Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Brine, Lemon, Orange, Yellow Onion, Rosemary
For a unique and flavorful twist on your usual roast turkey, try brining it in pomegranate juice. The tartness of the juice adds a bright and refreshing flavor to the turkey, while also helping to keep it juicy and tender. This is a great option for those looking for a non-traditional holiday meal.
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Brined Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Brine, Turkey, Unsalted Butter, Fresh Thyme, Flat Leaf
Brining your turkey is a great way to ensure a moist and flavorful bird. This recipe uses a simple brine solution of water, salt, sugar, and herbs to infuse the turkey with delicious flavors. The result is a tender and juicy turkey that is sure to impress your guests.
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Evil Turkey
Main Ingredients: Onion, Roasted Red Peppers, Drained, Whiskey, Minced
If you're feeling a bit mischievous this holiday season, try making this "evil" turkey. The turkey is coated in a spicy rub and stuffed with a flavorful mixture of sausage, apples, and cranberries. The combination of spicy and sweet flavors is sure to make your taste buds dance with delight.
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Christmas Turkey Crown
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Butter, Salt, Peppers, Celery, Onion, Carrots
A turkey crown is a great option for those looking for a smaller and easier-to-manage turkey for their holiday meal. This recipe takes it up a notch by adding a flavorful stuffing made with sausage, apples, and herbs. The result is a delicious and impressive dish that is perfect for a smaller gathering.
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Gordon Ramsay’s Christmas Turkey with Gravy
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Smoked Streaky Bacon, Butter, Lemons, Garlic
If you want to impress your guests with a truly gourmet holiday meal, look no further than this recipe from celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay. The turkey is brined in a flavorful mixture of herbs and spices, then roasted to perfection. The accompanying gravy is rich and delicious, making this a show-stopping dish.
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Your Best Christmas Turkey Guide and OXO Digital...
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Sage, Garlic Cloves, Lemons, Lemon, Olive Oil
For those looking for a comprehensive guide to cooking the perfect Christmas turkey, this recipe is for you. It includes tips for brining, roasting, and carving the turkey, as well as instructions for making a delicious gravy. The addition of the OXO Digital Thermometer ensures that your turkey will be cooked to perfection.
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Stuffed Christmas Turkey
Main Ingredients: Young Turkey, Salt, Pepper, Ground Veal, Ground Pork
This recipe takes your traditional roast turkey and kicks it up a notch with a flavorful stuffing made with sausage, apples, and herbs. The stuffing adds a delicious layer of flavor and texture to the turkey, making it a standout dish for your holiday feast.
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Christmas Turkey Burgers with Cranberry Relish and...
Main Ingredients: Cranberries, Orange, Caster Sugar, Red Onion, Juice
If you're looking for a fun and unique way to serve turkey this holiday season, try making these turkey burgers. The burgers are topped with a tangy cranberry relish and creamy goat cheese, making them a delicious and unconventional option for your holiday meal.
No holiday meal is complete without a basket of warm, freshly baked rolls. This recipe takes your traditional dinner rolls to the next level with the addition of cranberries, orange zest, and rosemary. The result is a sweet and savory roll that is perfect for sopping up gravy.
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Christmas Dinner Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Wheat Bread, White Cheddar Cheese, Ham, Turkey
Don't let any leftover turkey go to waste with this creative and delicious sandwich recipe. The sandwich is filled with turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and gravy, making it a complete and satisfying meal in itself. It's the perfect way to use up any leftover holiday ingredients.
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Herb Garlic & Butter Roasted Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Sage Leaves, Thyme Sprigs, Fresh Rosemary
If you're a fan of classic flavors, this recipe is for you. The turkey is rubbed with a mixture of herbs, garlic, and butter, infusing it with delicious flavors as it roasts. The result is a simple yet delicious turkey that is perfect for those who prefer a more traditional holiday meal.
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Leftover Turkey and Stuffing Casserole
Main Ingredients: Stuffing, Condensed Cream Of Chicken Soup, Milk
Don't let any of your holiday leftovers go to waste with this tasty casserole recipe. The casserole combines leftover turkey, stuffing, and vegetables, all topped with a creamy and flavorful gravy. It's a great way to use up any leftover ingredients and create a whole new meal.
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Herb-Roasted Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Unsalted Butter, Lemon, Fresh Flat Leaf
This recipe keeps things simple with a classic herb-roasted turkey. The turkey is rubbed with a mixture of herbs and olive oil, then roasted to golden perfection. The result is a flavorful and tender turkey that is perfect for any holiday gathering.
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Parmesan-sage Roasted Turkey Breast With Sage Gravy
Main Ingredients: Turkey, I Can T Believe It S Not Butter R Spread
If you're not a fan of dark meat, try this delicious recipe for roasted turkey breast. The breast is coated in a flavorful mixture of Parmesan cheese and sage, then roasted to perfection. The accompanying sage gravy is the perfect finishing touch.
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Maple Bacon Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Maple Syrup, Fresh Sage, Bacon, Chicken Stock
For a unique and indulgent twist on your traditional Thanksgiving turkey, try this recipe which includes a maple-bacon glaze. The glaze adds a sweet and savory flavor to the turkey, making it a standout dish for your holiday feast.
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Roast Turkey, Stuffing and Gravy
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Bread Cubes, Stuffing Mix, Chopped Celery
This recipe combines all the classic flavors of a holiday meal into one delicious dish. The turkey is roasted to perfection, then served with a flavorful stuffing and rich gravy. It's a complete and satisfying meal that is sure to please everyone at your dinner table.
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The Ultimate Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Onion, Garlic, Cloves, Lemon, Orange, Rub
This recipe lives up to its name with a turkey that is truly the ultimate. The turkey is brined in a flavorful mixture of herbs and spices, then roasted to perfection. The result is a tender and juicy turkey that is bursting with delicious flavors.
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Perfect Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Cold Water, Kosher Salt, Granulated Sugar, Onions
For those looking for a fail-proof recipe for a perfect roast turkey, this recipe is for you. It includes step-by-step instructions for brining, roasting, and carving the turkey, as well as tips for making a delicious gravy. This is a great option for those who are new to cooking a holiday turkey.
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Citrus Herb-roasted Turkey & Port Gravy
Main Ingredients: Knorr Homestyle Stock Chicken, Sprigs Fresh Rosemary
This recipe takes your traditional roast turkey and adds a bright and flavorful twist with the addition of citrus and herbs. The result is a tender and juicy turkey with a delicious tangy flavor. The accompanying port gravy is the perfect finishing touch.
The holiday season is upon us, and one of the most anticipated dishes for Christmas dinner is the classic turkey. This succulent bird has been a staple on most holiday tables for centuries, and for good reason. The tantalizing aroma of the Christmas turkey cooking in the oven is enough to make anyone's mouth water. But for those who have never cooked a turkey before, or for those looking to elevate their usual recipe, this recipe for Christmas turkey will surely impress your guests and make your holiday feast one to remember.
Preparing the Turkey
Choosing the Perfect Bird
The key to a perfect Christmas turkey starts with choosing the right bird. When selecting your turkey, it's important to consider the number of guests you will be serving. A good rule of thumb is to plan for about 1 pound of turkey per person. You also want to make sure the turkey is fresh, with no signs of discoloration or an unpleasant odor. When it comes to size, a 12-14 pound turkey is ideal for a family of 8-10 people. However, if you have a larger group, opt for a bigger turkey or consider cooking two smaller ones.
Cleaning and Brining
Once you have your turkey, it's time to clean and brine it. Cleaning the turkey involves removing any giblets, rinsing it under cold water, and patting it dry with paper towels. Brining the turkey helps to keep it moist and adds flavor. For this recipe, we recommend using a simple brine of water, salt, sugar, and Christmas spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Let the turkey soak in the brine for at least 8 hours, or overnight, in the refrigerator.
Cooking the Turkey
Prepping the Bird
Before putting the turkey in the oven, it's essential to prep it properly. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Next, rub softened butter all over the turkey's skin and season generously with herbs like rosemary and thyme. Stuffing the cavity with aromatics like onions, garlic, and citrus fruits will also add flavor to the meat. Finally, truss the turkey by tying its legs together with kitchen twine.
The Cooking Process
Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan and cover it with foil. The foil will prevent the turkey from drying out and will also help cook it evenly. Cook the turkey for about 15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, remove the foil to allow the skin to brown. Once the turkey is done, let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving.
Serving the Turkey
Carving and Plating
When it's time to carve the turkey, start by removing the twine and transferring it to a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to carve the turkey into slices, starting at the breast and working your way to the legs and wings. To add a festive touch, garnish the platter with fresh herbs and cranberries. Serve the turkey with traditional sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and gravy for the perfect Christmas dinner.
Leftover Ideas
If you have leftovers, don't worry, there are plenty of creative ways to use them. You can make turkey sandwiches, turkey pot pie, or even a hearty turkey soup. It's also a good idea to freeze any leftover turkey meat for future meals.
In conclusion, this Christmas turkey recipe is easy to follow and will result in a delicious and impressive centerpiece for your holiday table. By choosing the right bird, properly prepping and cooking it, and adding festive flavors and garnishes, you'll have a mouth-watering turkey that will leave your guests wanting more. So go ahead and give this recipe a try and make this Christmas one to remember.
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