Christmas is a time for gathering with loved ones and indulging in delicious food, and nothing says festive feast like a traditional roast turkey. But for many, the thought of preparing a whole turkey can seem daunting and overwhelming. However, with this simple Christmas roast turkey recipe, you'll be able to serve up a mouth-watering masterpiece without breaking a sweat. So put on your apron and get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy and delicious holiday favorite.
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Brine, Lemon, Orange, Yellow Onion, Rosemary
This succulent roast turkey is brined in a flavorful mixture of pomegranate juice, herbs, and spices, resulting in a tender and juicy meat with a hint of sweetness. The beautiful deep red color from the pomegranate juice makes for a stunning addition to your holiday table.
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Brined Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Brine, Turkey, Unsalted Butter, Fresh Thyme, Flat Leaf
Brining is the secret to a perfectly moist and flavorful roast turkey. This recipe uses a simple brine of salt, sugar, and herbs to infuse the meat with flavor and keep it juicy during the roasting process. Don't skip this step if you want a truly delicious turkey!
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Chile-Rubbed Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Orange Juice, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Honey
For a twist on the traditional roast turkey, try this recipe that uses a rub of dried chiles and spices. The result is a spicy and flavorful turkey with a beautiful golden color. Serve with a side of spicy cranberry sauce for a perfect pairing.
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Glazed Roast Turkey with Shallot Gravy
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Brine, Bourbon, Unsalted Butter, Shallots
This recipe takes the classic roast turkey and adds a delicious glaze of honey, soy sauce, and ginger for a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor. The shallot gravy adds a rich and savory element that will have your guests coming back for seconds.
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Roast Turkey with Madeira Truffle Butter
Main Ingredients: Kidneys, Turkey, Giblets, Sweet Paprika, Ground Black
If you really want to impress your guests, try this decadent roast turkey recipe. The turkey is rubbed with a mixture of butter, truffles, and herbs and then basted with a flavorful Madeira wine and chicken broth mixture. The result is a luxurious and flavorful turkey that will be the star of your holiday feast.
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Roast Turkey with Root Vegetables and Gravy
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Leaf Parsley, Ground Cumin, Sweet
This one-pan roast turkey recipe is perfect for a busy holiday meal. The turkey is cooked alongside a variety of root vegetables, creating a delicious and savory side dish. The pan drippings are then used to make a flavorful gravy that ties everything together.
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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, try this recipe for a tender and juicy roast turkey breast. The meat is rubbed with a mixture of herbs and spices and then slow-roasted for maximum flavor. Serve alongside your favorite side dishes for a delicious and hassle-free holiday meal.
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Roast Turkey, Stuffing and Gravy
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Bread Cubes, Stuffing Mix, Chopped Celery
Why have just one delicious dish when you can have three? This recipe combines a perfectly roasted turkey with a flavorful stuffing and savory gravy made from the pan drippings. It's a complete holiday meal in one dish!
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Perfect Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Cold Water, Kosher Salt, Granulated Sugar, Onions
If you're looking for a classic and foolproof roast turkey recipe, this is it. The turkey is simply seasoned with salt and pepper and roasted to perfection. Serve with your favorite sides and homemade cranberry sauce for a traditional and delicious holiday meal.
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Easy Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Salt, Pepper, Unsalted Butter, Fresh Sage
This recipe is perfect for those who want a delicious roast turkey without all the fuss. The turkey is seasoned with a simple rub of herbs and spices and then roasted until golden and crispy. It's a no-fail recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.
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Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Chopped Fresh Thyme
If you're short on time but still want a flavorful and juicy turkey, try this quick and easy roast turkey recipe. The turkey is seasoned with a simple rub and then roasted in the oven until perfectly cooked. It's a no-fuss recipe that will still impress your guests.
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Spiced Herb Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Fresh Flat Leaf Parsley, Fresh Rosemary
This recipe takes the traditional roast turkey and kicks it up a notch with a flavorful spice and herb rub. The result is a delicious and fragrant turkey that will make your whole house smell amazing. Serve with your favorite side dishes for a complete holiday feast.
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Never-Dry Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Fresh Thyme Sprigs, Fresh Sage, Fresh Rosemary Sprigs
We've all had those disappointing dry roast turkeys, but with this recipe, that will never be a problem. The turkey is brined and then slow-roasted to perfection, resulting in a tender and juicy meat every time. Serve with your favorite sides and gravy for a delicious and moist holiday meal.
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Roast Turkey With Fresh Sage
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Butter, Kosher Salt, Freshly Ground Black
If you love the flavor of fresh herbs, this is the perfect roast turkey recipe for you. The turkey is rubbed with a mixture of fresh sage, garlic, and butter, giving it a delicious and herby flavor. Serve with your favorite sides and cranberry sauce for a holiday meal that will impress your guests.
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The Ultimate Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Onion, Garlic, Cloves, Lemon, Orange, Rub
This recipe truly lives up to its name. The turkey is brined, rubbed with a flavorful mixture of herbs and spices, and then slow-roasted to perfection. The result is a tender and juicy turkey with a beautiful golden color. Serve with all the classic holiday side dishes for the ultimate feast.
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A Simply Perfect Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Unsalted Butter, Salt, Freshly Ground Black
If you're looking for a simple and reliable roast turkey recipe, this is it. The turkey is seasoned with a simple rub and roasted in the oven until perfectly cooked. It's a no-fail recipe that will give you a delicious and juicy turkey every time.
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Perfect Garlic and Herb Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Kosher Salt, Baking Powder, Granulated Sugar
This flavorful roast turkey is rubbed with a mixture of garlic, herbs, and butter, giving it a delicious and savory flavor. The turkey is then slow-roasted until perfectly cooked and golden. Serve with your favorite sides and cranberry sauce for a complete holiday meal.
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Roast Turkey and Cranberry Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potatoes, Turkey, Turkey Breast, Sea Salt, Ground
This unique recipe combines two holiday favorites – roast turkey and sweet potatoes. The turkey is stuffed with a delicious cranberry and sweet potato mixture, resulting in a flavorful and sweet and savory turkey. Serve with your favorite side dishes for a holiday meal that is sure to impress.
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Quick Butterflied Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Nonstick Cooking Spray, Turkey, Extra Virgin Olive Oil
If you're short on time, try this quick and easy roast turkey recipe. The turkey is butterflied and then roasted in the oven, resulting in a perfectly cooked and flavorful meat in a fraction of the time. Serve with your favorite sides and gravy for a delicious holiday meal.
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Dry-Brined Roast Turkey with Garlic Sage Butter
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Kosher Salt, Sugar, Dried Sage, Black Pepper
This recipe takes the traditional brining method a step further by dry-brining the turkey with a mixture of herbs and spices. The result is a tender and flavorful meat with a beautiful crispy skin. The garlic sage butter adds a delicious and savory element that will have your guests raving.
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Pomegranate-Brined Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Brine, Lemon, Orange, Yellow Onion, Rosemary
If you want to impress your guests with a unique and flavorful twist on the traditional roast turkey, this pomegranate-brined recipe is a must-try. The sweet and tangy flavors of the pomegranate perfectly complement the savory turkey, creating a delicious and juicy main dish for your holiday feast.
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Brined Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Brine, Turkey, Unsalted Butter, Fresh Thyme, Flat Leaf
Brining is a popular technique for achieving a moist and flavorful turkey. This brined roast turkey recipe uses a simple and classic brine solution of water, salt, and sugar, enhanced with fragrant herbs and spices. Your turkey will come out of the oven perfectly seasoned and juicy, with crispy golden skin.
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Chile-Rubbed Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Orange Juice, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Honey
If you're a fan of spicy food, this chile-rubbed roast turkey recipe is sure to be a hit. The combination of ancho, chipotle, and cayenne peppers creates a flavorful rub that gives the turkey a delicious kick. Serve it with some cooling cilantro-lime aioli for a perfect balance of heat and freshness.
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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 show-stopping main dish that will wow your guests. The turkey is glazed with a mixture of honey, soy sauce, and orange juice, giving it a beautiful caramelized and shiny exterior. The rich and flavorful shallot gravy is the perfect finishing touch for this impressive dish.
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Roast Turkey with Madeira Truffle Butter
Main Ingredients: Kidneys, Turkey, Giblets, Sweet Paprika, Ground Black
Madeira and truffles are a match made in heaven, and this roast turkey with Madeira truffle butter takes your holiday meal to a whole new level. The butter is infused with the luxurious flavors of Madeira wine and truffles, giving the turkey a rich and decadent taste that will leave your guests wanting more.
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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 wonder that makes for an easy and delicious holiday meal. The turkey is roasted on a bed of carrots, parsnips, and onions, infusing it with the sweet and savory flavors of the vegetables. The pan drippings are then used to make a flavorful pan gravy that ties the whole dish together.
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Roast Turkey Breast
Main Ingredients: Turkey Breast, Onion, Unsalted Butter, Kosher Salt, Red
If you're not hosting a big holiday gathering, a whole turkey might be too much. This roast turkey breast recipe is the perfect solution for a smaller group. The turkey breast is brined and then roasted with a honey and herb glaze, resulting in a tender and flavorful main course that's just the right size.
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Roast Turkey, Stuffing and Gravy
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Bread Cubes, Stuffing Mix, Chopped Celery
This classic roast turkey, stuffing, and gravy recipe is a Thanksgiving staple that never gets old. The turkey is roasted with a sage and butter rub and served with a traditional bread stuffing and a rich and savory pan gravy. It's a timeless and delicious combination that will never disappoint.
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Perfect Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Cold Water, Kosher Salt, Granulated Sugar, Onions
If you're looking for a foolproof way to cook the perfect roast turkey, this recipe is for you. The turkey is brined for 24 hours, then roasted with a garlic and herb butter, resulting in a juicy and flavorful bird with crispy skin. This recipe takes the guesswork out of roasting a turkey and guarantees a delicious and impressive result.
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Easy Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Salt, Pepper, Unsalted Butter, Fresh Sage
For those who prefer a simpler approach to roasting turkey, this easy roast turkey recipe is a game-changer. The turkey is rubbed with a garlic and herb paste and roasted with lemons and onions, creating a flavorful and juicy bird without the extra steps of brining or basting. It's the perfect 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
This classic roast turkey recipe is a tried and true method for a delicious and juicy turkey every time. The turkey is rubbed with a sage and thyme butter and roasted with carrots, celery, and onions for added flavor. It's a straightforward and reliable recipe that never fails to impress.
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Spiced Herb Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Fresh Flat Leaf Parsley, Fresh Rosemary
If you're looking for a unique and flavorful twist on traditional roast turkey, this spiced herb recipe is a must-try. The turkey is rubbed with a spice blend including cumin, coriander, and cinnamon, and roasted with fresh rosemary and thyme. The result is a fragrant and delicious turkey that's sure to be a hit.
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Never-Dry Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Fresh Thyme Sprigs, Fresh Sage, Fresh Rosemary Sprigs
One of the biggest challenges of cooking a roast turkey is preventing it from drying out. This never-dry roast turkey recipe solves that problem by using a brine solution with apple cider and brown sugar to keep the turkey juicy and flavorful. The result is a perfectly cooked and moist turkey that will impress even the toughest critics.
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Roast Turkey With Fresh Sage
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Butter, Kosher Salt, Freshly Ground Black
This roast turkey with fresh sage recipe is a simple and delicious way to elevate your holiday meal. The turkey is rubbed with a mixture of sage, thyme, and garlic, giving it a fragrant and savory flavor. The addition of white wine in the roasting pan creates a delicious and flavorful gravy to serve alongside the turkey.
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The Ultimate Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Onion, Garlic, Cloves, Lemon, Orange, Rub
If you want to pull out all the stops for your holiday meal, this ultimate roast turkey recipe is the way to go. The turkey is brined for 48 hours, then rubbed with a herb and citrus butter and roasted with apples, onions, and fennel. The result is a succulent and flavorful turkey that will impress even the most discerning palates.
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A Simply Perfect Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Unsalted Butter, Salt, Freshly Ground Black
This simply perfect roast turkey recipe is a no-fail method for achieving a delicious and juicy bird every time. The turkey is brined and then roasted with a garlic and herb butter, resulting in a flavorful and tender main dish. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a straightforward and reliable method for cooking a roast turkey.
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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 with roast turkey, and this perfect garlic and herb recipe takes it to the next level. The turkey is rubbed with a garlic and herb paste and roasted with lemons, onions, and fresh herbs, creating a flavorful and aromatic main dish that will have your guests coming back for seconds.
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Roast Turkey and Cranberry Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potatoes, Turkey, Turkey Breast, Sea Salt, Ground
If you want to add some color and variety to your holiday meal, try this roast turkey and cranberry stuffed sweet potatoes recipe. The sweet and tangy cranberry stuffing pairs perfectly with the savory turkey, and the roasted sweet potatoes add a delicious and nutritious side dish to your holiday spread.
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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 delicious and impressive turkey, this quick butterflied roast turkey recipe is the way to go. Butterflying the turkey allows it to cook faster and more evenly, resulting in a juicy and flavorful bird in a fraction of the time. It's the perfect recipe for busy holiday cooks.
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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 becoming a popular alternative to traditional wet-brining because it results in a flavorful and tender turkey without the mess and hassle. This dry-brined roast turkey with garlic sage butter is a delicious and easy way to achieve a perfectly seasoned and juicy bird. The butter adds a delicious and aromatic finish to this already mouth-watering dish.
Preparation and Ingredients
Ingredients:
12-14 pound turkey
1 stick of unsalted butter, softened
1 tablespoon of dried rosemary
1 tablespoon of dried thyme
1 tablespoon of dried sage
1 teaspoon of garlic powder
1 teaspoon of onion powder
1 teaspoon of paprika
1 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of black pepper
1 onion, cut into wedges
1 lemon, cut into wedges
3-4 sprigs of fresh rosemary
3-4 sprigs of fresh thyme
3-4 sprigs of fresh sage
To begin, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Rinse the turkey and pat dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, dried herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Separate the skin from the breast and rub the herb butter mixture under the skin and all over the turkey, making sure to cover every inch. This will add flavor and keep the meat moist as it cooks.
Next, stuff the cavity of the turkey with the onion and lemon wedges, along with the fresh herbs. This will infuse the turkey with even more flavor. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wings under the bird. Place the turkey breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan.
Cooking and Serving
Cooking Time:
Roast the turkey in the preheated oven for 3 to 3 1/2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) when checked with a meat thermometer. Baste the turkey with pan juices every 30 minutes to ensure a juicy and flavorful bird. Once done, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 20 minutes before carving.
This simple Christmas roast turkey recipe is perfect for beginners, as it requires minimal ingredients and is easy to follow. The result is a beautifully golden and succulent turkey that will be the star of your holiday table. Serve it with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and cranberry sauce for a complete and satisfying meal.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have a simple and delicious Christmas roast turkey recipe in your arsenal, there's no need to stress about cooking the perfect holiday meal. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you'll have a show-stopping centerpiece for your festive feast. So go ahead and give this recipe a try, and enjoy a stress-free and delicious Christmas with your loved ones.