17 Roasted Turkey Recipe Southern Living They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Apr 7, 2024
The holiday season wouldn't be complete without a delicious roasted turkey as the star of the dinner table. And when it comes to the perfect turkey recipe, Southern Living has got you covered. This mouthwatering recipe is sure to impress your family and friends and leave them begging for seconds.
Main Ingredients: Kosher Salt, Light Brown Sugar, Peppercorns, Water, Ice
If you're looking for a delicious and unique way to prepare your turkey this Thanksgiving, look no further than this roasted turkey with brown sugar brine recipe! The combination of savory and sweet flavors will have your taste buds dancing with joy. To make this mouthwatering dish, start by brining your turkey in a mixture of brown sugar, salt, and spices. This will infuse the turkey with flavor and keep it moist during the cooking process.
Once the turkey has been brined, it's time to roast it in the oven. The brown sugar in the brine will caramelize and create a beautiful golden crust on the outside of the turkey, while keeping the meat tender and juicy on the inside. This is truly a show-stopping dish that will impress your guests and leave them coming back for seconds.
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Oven Roasted Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Unsalted Butter, Lemon, Fresh Thyme Leaves
This classic oven roasted turkey recipe is a staple for any Thanksgiving or holiday meal. It's simple, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser. To make this dish, start by seasoning your turkey with a blend of herbs and spices, such as thyme, rosemary, and garlic powder. Then, place it in a roasting pan and cook in the oven until the skin is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
The key to a perfectly roasted turkey is to baste it with melted butter or turkey drippings every 30 minutes. This will keep the meat moist and add extra flavor to the skin. Once the turkey is fully cooked, let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. Serve with your favorite side dishes for a delicious and traditional Thanksgiving feast.
Black-eyed peas are a staple in Southern cuisine, especially on New Year's Day for good luck. But you don't have to wait for a special occasion to enjoy this delicious and hearty dish. This recipe for Southern black-eyed peas is simple to make and full of flavor. The peas are simmered in a savory broth with onions, garlic, and smoked turkey for a delicious smoky flavor.
To make this dish even more flavorful, add in some chopped tomatoes and jalapenos for a touch of spice. Serve with rice or cornbread for a hearty and satisfying meal. You can also make a big batch and freeze the leftovers for an easy weeknight dinner option.
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Southern Smothered Turkey Necks
Main Ingredients: Turkey Necks, Seasoning Salt, Kosher Salt, Cayenne
Smothered turkey necks are a Southern comfort food favorite. This recipe takes tender turkey necks and slow cooks them in a savory gravy until they are fall-off-the-bone delicious. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in or a Sunday family dinner. To make this dish, start by seasoning the turkey necks with a blend of herbs and spices and then sear them in a pan to lock in the flavor.
Next, add in onions, bell peppers, and celery to the pan and cook until they are softened. Then, pour in a mixture of chicken broth and seasonings and bring to a simmer. Finally, add the turkey necks back into the pan and let them cook in the gravy until they are tender and the flavors have melded together. Serve over rice or with your favorite side dishes for a comforting and flavorful meal.
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Herb Butter Roasted Turkey
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Olive Oil, Garlic Cloves, Sage
This herb butter roasted turkey recipe is a step up from the classic oven roasted turkey. The herb butter mixture adds an extra layer of flavor to the turkey, making it moist, tender, and oh-so-delicious. To make this dish, mix together softened butter with a variety of herbs, such as thyme, sage, and rosemary. Then, rub the butter all over the turkey, including under the skin for maximum flavor.
Roast the turkey in the oven until golden brown and fully cooked, basting with turkey drippings every 30 minutes. The herb butter will melt into the meat and create a flavorful and crispy skin. This is a perfect recipe for Thanksgiving or any special occasion.
Southern greens are a must-have side dish for any Southern-style meal. This recipe for classic Southern greens is simple and delicious. Collard greens are simmered in a flavorful broth made with smoked turkey, onions, garlic, and seasonings. The result is tender and flavorful greens that pair perfectly with any main dish.
To make this dish, start by sautéing onions and garlic in a large pot. Then, add in chopped collard greens and smoked turkey and cook until the greens are wilted. Pour in chicken broth and seasonings and let the greens simmer until they are tender and the flavors have melded together. Serve as a side dish or as a main course with some cornbread for a hearty and comforting meal.
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Southern-inspired Sweet Potato & Corn Muffins
Main Ingredients: Oat Flour, Cornmeal, Baking Powder, Baking Soda
If you're looking for a unique twist on classic cornbread, give these Southern-inspired sweet potato and corn muffins a try. The addition of sweet potatoes adds a touch of sweetness and makes these muffins moist and delicious. To make this dish, start by roasting sweet potatoes in the oven until they are tender and then mash them up.
In a separate bowl, mix together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and seasonings. Then, add in the mashed sweet potatoes, butter, and milk to create a batter. Pour the batter into a muffin tin and bake until golden brown. These muffins are perfect for breakfast, as a side dish, or as a snack.
Giblet gravy is a classic Southern gravy that is made with the giblets (heart, liver, and gizzard) of a turkey or chicken. This recipe for Southern giblet gravy is rich, flavorful, and the perfect addition to your holiday meal. To make this dish, start by cooking the giblets in a pot with onions, celery, and seasonings until they are fully cooked.
Then, remove the giblets and chop them into small pieces. In the same pot, create a roux with butter and flour and then slowly pour in chicken broth and the chopped giblets. Let the gravy simmer until it thickens and the flavors have melded together. Serve over roasted turkey or mashed potatoes for a delicious and comforting meal.
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Southern Green Beans with Smoked Turkey
Main Ingredients: Frozen Green Beans, Turkey Leg, Water, Minced Garlic
Green beans are a staple in Southern cuisine, and this recipe for Southern green beans with smoked turkey is a delicious way to enjoy them. The green beans are simmered in a savory broth with onions, garlic, and smoked turkey for added flavor. This dish is perfect as a side dish or as a main course with some rice.
To make this dish, start by sautéing onions and garlic in a large pot. Then, add in the green beans and smoked turkey and let them cook until the beans are tender. Pour in chicken broth and seasonings and let the green beans simmer until they are fully cooked and the flavors have melded together. This is a simple and flavorful dish that is sure to become a family favorite.
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Sweet Tea and Citrus Brined Turkey
Main Ingredients: Water, Tea Bags, Brown Sugar, Kosher Salt, Onion
This sweet tea and citrus brined turkey is a unique and flavorful twist on the classic brined turkey. The combination of sweet tea, orange juice, and spices creates a delicious and juicy turkey that is perfect for any special occasion. To make this dish, start by brining the turkey in a mixture of sweet tea, orange juice, and spices for at least 24 hours.
Then, roast the turkey in the oven until it's golden brown and fully cooked. The sweet tea and citrus flavors will infuse the meat and keep it moist and tender. This turkey is sure to be a hit at your next holiday gathering or Sunday dinner with the family.
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Herb Garlic & Butter Roasted Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Sage Leaves, Thyme Sprigs, Fresh Rosemary
This herb garlic and butter roasted turkey is packed with flavor and incredibly tender. The combination of herbs, garlic, and butter creates a delicious buttery crust on the outside of the turkey, while keeping the meat moist and flavorful. To make this dish, start by rubbing the turkey with a mixture of herbs, garlic, and butter.
Roast the turkey in the oven until it's fully cooked and baste it with melted butter every 30 minutes. This will keep the turkey moist and add extra flavor to the skin. Let the turkey rest before carving and serve with your favorite side dishes for a delicious and impressive meal.
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Southern Sweet Tea Brined Turkey Breast
Main Ingredients: Boneless Turkey Breast, Water, Lipton Tea Bags, Brown
If you're not a fan of cooking a whole turkey, this recipe for Southern sweet tea brined turkey breast is a great alternative. The brine, made with sweet tea, lemon, and spices, adds a unique and delicious flavor to the turkey breast. To make this dish, start by brining the turkey breast in the sweet tea mixture for at least 24 hours.
Then, roast the turkey breast in the oven until it's fully cooked and baste it with melted butter every 30 minutes. This will add extra flavor and keep the meat moist. Let the turkey rest before carving and serve with your favorite sides for a delicious and easy meal.
Turkey salad is a great way to use up leftover turkey from Thanksgiving or any other occasion. This Southern-style turkey salad is creamy, flavorful, and perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or as a dip for crackers. To make this dish, start by shredding cooked turkey and mixing it with mayonnaise, mustard, relish, and seasonings.
You can add in additional ingredients, such as chopped celery, onions, or cranberries, to customize the salad to your liking. Serve on bread for a classic turkey salad sandwich or as a dip with crackers for a tasty snack. This is also a great dish to make ahead of time for an easy and quick lunch option.
This roasted Thanksgiving turkey recipe is a no-fail, foolproof way to cook your turkey for the holiday. The combination of herbs and seasonings creates a flavorful and juicy turkey that will impress your guests. To make this dish, start by seasoning the turkey with a blend of herbs and spices, such as sage, thyme, and rosemary.
Roast the turkey in the oven until it's golden brown and fully cooked, basting with melted butter every 30 minutes. This will add extra flavor and keep the meat moist. Let the turkey rest before carving and serve with your favorite Thanksgiving sides for a delicious and traditional holiday meal.
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Herb-Roasted Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Unsalted Butter, Lemon, Fresh Flat Leaf
This herb-roasted turkey is another delicious and flavorful way to cook your Thanksgiving turkey. The combination of herbs, lemon, and garlic creates a delicious and aromatic flavor that will have your guests coming back for seconds. To make this dish, start by rubbing the turkey with a mixture of herbs, lemon juice, and garlic.
Roast the turkey in the oven until it's fully cooked and baste it with melted butter every 30 minutes. This will keep the turkey moist and add extra flavor to the skin. Let the turkey rest before carving and serve with your favorite Thanksgiving sides for a delicious and impressive meal.
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Spicy & Smoky Southern Black Eyed Peas
Main Ingredients: Chicken Stock, Turkey Wings, Black Eyed Peas, White
If you like a little heat in your food, you'll love these spicy and smoky Southern black eyed peas. The addition of spices, such as cayenne pepper and smoked paprika, gives these peas a delicious kick of flavor. To make this dish, start by cooking the black eyed peas in a pot with onions, garlic, and seasonings until they are tender.
Then, add in some chopped tomatoes and jalapenos for an extra dose of spice. Let the peas simmer until the flavors have melded together and serve as a side dish or as a main course with rice. These peas are perfect for a cold winter day or anytime you're craving a little heat.
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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
This Parmesan-sage roasted turkey breast with sage gravy is a mouthwatering and flavorful way to prepare your Thanksgiving turkey. The combination of Parmesan cheese, sage, and lemon creates a delicious and unique flavor that will have everyone at the table asking for more. To make this dish, start by rubbing the turkey breast with a mixture of Parmesan cheese, sage, and lemon juice.
Roast the turkey breast in the oven until it's fully cooked and baste it with melted butter every 30 minutes. This will keep the turkey moist and add extra flavor. Then, create a savory sage gravy with the pan drippings and serve over the sliced turkey breast. This is a perfect alternative to a whole turkey for a smaller Thanksgiving gathering.
Collard greens are a staple in Southern cuisine, and this recipe for Southern collard greens is a classic and delicious way to prepare them. The greens are simmered in a savory broth with onions, garlic, and smoked turkey for a delicious and smoky flavor. To make this dish, start by sautéing onions and garlic in a large pot.
Then, add in the collard greens and smoked turkey and let them cook until the greens are tender. Pour in chicken broth and seasonings and let the greens simmer until they are fully cooked and the flavors have melded together. Serve as a side dish or as a main course with rice for a hearty and comforting meal.
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Slow-Roasted Turkey Thighs
Main Ingredients: Turkey Thighs, Olive Oil, Coarse Salt, Ground Black
If you're not a fan of cooking a whole turkey, these slow-roasted turkey thighs are a great alternative. The thighs are cooked low and slow in the oven until they are fall-off-the-bone tender. To make this dish, start by seasoning the turkey thighs with a blend of herbs and spices, such as thyme, rosemary, and garlic powder.
Then, place them in a roasting pan and cook in the oven until they are fully cooked and the skin is crispy. The result is tender and flavorful turkey thighs that are perfect for a cozy night in or a Sunday family dinner. Serve with your favorite sides for a delicious and easy meal.
If you want a hands-off way to cook your collard greens, give this slow cooker Southern collard greens recipe a try. The greens are cooked low and slow in the crockpot until they are tender and full of flavor. To make this dish, start by sautéing onions and garlic in a pan and then transferring them to the slow cooker.
Add in the collard greens, smoked turkey, and seasonings and let them cook on low heat for 6-8 hours. The result is perfectly cooked and flavorful collard greens that are a great side dish for any meal. This is also a great dish to make ahead of time for a busy weeknight dinner option.
The Secret to a Perfectly Roasted Turkey
Seasoning is Key
One of the most important steps in achieving a perfectly roasted turkey is proper seasoning. The key is to use a blend of herbs and spices that will enhance the flavor of the turkey without overpowering it. A classic Southern seasoning blend includes sage, thyme, and rosemary, along with some salt and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the turkey, making sure to get it under the skin for maximum flavor.
Brining for Moisture
Another crucial step in this recipe is brining the turkey. This involves soaking the turkey in a saltwater solution for at least 12 hours before roasting. This helps to keep the turkey moist during the cooking process and infuses it with flavor. You can add additional ingredients to the brine, such as apple cider, brown sugar, and herbs, to enhance the flavor even more.
Cooking Time and Temperature
The key to a perfectly roasted turkey is cooking it at the right temperature for the right amount of time. For this recipe, preheat your oven to 325°F and cook the turkey for 12-15 minutes per pound. This ensures that the turkey cooks evenly and stays juicy. Basting the turkey with butter every hour also helps to add flavor and moisture.
Add Some Southern Flair
To give your roasted turkey that classic Southern touch, try adding some smoked paprika or Cajun seasoning to your seasoning blend. This will give the turkey a slightly spicy and smoky flavor that is sure to impress. You can also stuff the cavity with traditional Southern cornbread stuffing for a delicious twist on a classic side dish.
Get Creative with Leftovers
If you're lucky enough to have some leftover roasted turkey, don't let it go to waste. Southern Living has some creative and delicious ways to use up your leftovers. From hearty turkey pot pie to savory turkey and dumplings, there are endless possibilities for transforming your leftover turkey into a whole new meal.
In conclusion, this roasted turkey recipe from Southern Living is the perfect addition to your holiday menu. With its flavorful seasoning, moist brine, and classic Southern touches, it's sure to be a hit with your loved ones. So why wait? Start planning your holiday meal now and impress everyone with this mouthwatering roasted turkey.
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