The holiday season is here and it's time to start planning your Christmas dinner. The star of the show is often the turkey, but many people struggle with finding a recipe that is easy to follow and produces a delicious, juicy bird. Look no further, as we have a simple Christmas turkey recipe that is sure to impress your family and friends. With just a few ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a mouth-watering centerpiece for your holiday table.
Main Ingredients: Kosher Salt, Light Brown Sugar, Peppercorns, Water, Ice
This roasted turkey recipe is a holiday favorite for a reason. The brown sugar brine adds a touch of sweetness and keeps the turkey moist and flavorful. Plus, the aroma of this dish cooking will have your whole house smelling like Thanksgiving.
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Pomegranate-Brined Roast Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Brine, Lemon, Orange, Yellow Onion, Rosemary
Want to add a unique twist to your holiday turkey? This recipe calls for a pomegranate brine, which adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the turkey. The result is a juicy and flavorful turkey that will be the star of your holiday meal.
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The World's Best Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Butter, Apples, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper
Looking for a simple and foolproof turkey recipe? Look no further! This recipe uses a simple brine and herb butter to create a perfectly seasoned and juicy turkey. It's so good, it might just become your go-to recipe for every holiday.
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Christmas Dinner Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Wheat Bread, White Cheddar Cheese, Ham, Turkey
Don't know what to do with all those holiday leftovers? Turn them into a delicious sandwich! Layer sliced turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and gravy between two slices of bread for the ultimate comfort food sandwich.
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Leftover Turkey and Stuffing Casserole
Main Ingredients: Stuffing, Condensed Cream Of Chicken Soup, Milk
Another great way to use up those holiday leftovers is by making a casserole. This recipe combines leftover turkey, stuffing, and vegetables in a creamy sauce and is topped with crunchy fried onions. It's a delicious and easy way to enjoy the flavors of your holiday meal all over again.
No holiday meal is complete without some delicious rolls. This recipe uses a beer can to create a moist and flavorful roll that will be a hit with your guests. Plus, the beer adds a unique twist to a classic side dish.
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Christmas Turkey Crown
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Butter, Salt, Peppers, Celery, Onion, Carrots
Want to switch things up this holiday season? Try making a turkey crown instead of a whole turkey. This recipe uses a beer can to keep the turkey moist and adds a flavorful herb butter for a delicious and impressive main dish.
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Your Best Christmas Turkey Guide and OXO Digital...
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Sage, Garlic Cloves, Lemons, Lemon, Olive Oil
If you're a beginner when it comes to cooking a holiday turkey, this recipe is for you. It includes a step-by-step guide and tips for creating the perfect turkey. Plus, it uses the OXO Digital Leave-In Thermometer to ensure your turkey is cooked to perfection.
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Herb Garlic & Butter Roasted Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Sage Leaves, Thyme Sprigs, Fresh Rosemary
This recipe takes a classic roasted turkey to the next level by adding a flavorful herb and garlic butter. The result is a juicy and flavorful turkey that will have your guests coming back for seconds.
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Gordon Ramsay’s Christmas Turkey with Gravy
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Smoked Streaky Bacon, Butter, Lemons, Garlic
This recipe is inspired by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay and is sure to impress your guests. The turkey is brined in a flavorful mixture of herbs and spices and then roasted to perfection. And of course, no holiday meal is complete without a delicious gravy.
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Herb Roasted Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Unsalted Butter, Lemon, Fresh Flat Leaf
If you're looking for a simple and flavorful turkey recipe, this one is for you. It uses a combination of herbs and spices to create a perfectly seasoned and juicy turkey. Plus, it's easy to make and will be a hit with your guests.
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Maple Bacon Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Maple Syrup, Fresh Sage, Bacon, Chicken Stock
This recipe takes a classic roasted turkey and adds a unique twist with a maple bacon glaze. The result is a deliciously sweet and savory turkey that will have your guests raving. Plus, it's easy to make and will be a showstopper on your holiday table.
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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, this recipe is for you. It uses a turkey breast instead of a whole turkey and adds a flavorful parmesan and sage crust. And of course, no turkey is complete without a delicious gravy.
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Roast Turkey, Stuffing and Gravy
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Bread Cubes, Stuffing Mix, Chopped Celery
Can't decide between a roasted turkey or a stuffed turkey? Why not have both? This recipe combines a flavorful roasted turkey with a delicious stuffing and a homemade gravy. It's the best of both worlds!
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Christmas Cranberry Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Turkey Meatballs, Heinz Chili Sauce, Jellied Cranberry
If you're looking for a holiday appetizer that's not your typical cheese platter, try these Christmas cranberry meatballs. They're sweet, savory, and have a festive red color that's perfect for the holiday season.
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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. It uses a flavorful herb and spice rub to create a perfectly seasoned and juicy turkey. Plus, the recipe includes tips on how to carve the turkey for a picture-perfect presentation.
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Christmas Morning Sandwiches
Main Ingredients: Bread, Deli Ham, Smoked Turkey, Provolone Cheese
Need a quick and easy breakfast for Christmas morning? These sandwiches are the perfect solution. They're made with deli turkey, eggs, and cheese and can be customized with your favorite toppings. Plus, they're easy to make and will keep you full until your holiday meal.
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Turkey Pockets – Deli Turkey for Holidays
Main Ingredients: Turkey Gravy, Turkey, Stuffing, Parsley
If you're looking for a unique way to use deli turkey for the holidays, try these turkey pockets. They're made with puff pastry, cranberry sauce, and deli turkey for a delicious and easy appetizer that will impress your guests.
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Fresh Green Beans and Brussels Sprouts
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Root Vegetables, Dry White Wine, Chicken Broth
No holiday meal is complete without some delicious and healthy vegetables. This recipe combines fresh green beans and brussels sprouts with a flavorful bacon and onion seasoning. It's the perfect side dish to balance out all the indulgent holiday dishes.
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Hashbrown Sausage Casserole {Christmas Brunch}
Main Ingredients: Hashbrowns, Turkey Sausage, Eggs, Cream, Shredded
Need a hearty and delicious brunch dish for Christmas morning? This hashbrown sausage casserole is perfect. It's made with potatoes, sausage, eggs, and cheese and is sure to please everyone at the table.
Preparing the Turkey
Choosing the Right Turkey
When it comes to choosing a turkey, it's important to select one that will provide enough meat for your guests. The general rule is to plan for about 1 pound of turkey per person. You also want to make sure your turkey is completely thawed before cooking. This can take several days, so be sure to plan ahead. Butterball turkeys are a popular choice for their high quality and are readily available at most grocery stores.
Cleaning and Seasoning
Once your turkey is thawed, it's time to clean it and remove any giblets or neck that may be inside. Rinse the turkey with cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Then, season the turkey with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices of your choice. Some popular options include rosemary, thyme, and garlic powder. Rub the seasoning all over the turkey, including under the skin for extra flavor.
Cooking the Turkey
Preparation and Roasting
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a roasting pan. Brush the turkey with melted butter or olive oil to help keep it moist during cooking. Cover the turkey loosely with foil and cook for about 20 minutes per pound. Halfway through cooking, remove the foil to allow the skin to brown. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey, which should reach 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
Resting and Serving
Once the turkey is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes for a more tender and flavorful bird. Carve the turkey and serve with your favorite holiday side dishes. Don't forget to save the leftover turkey for sandwiches and casseroles!
Conclusion
With this simple Christmas turkey recipe, you can create a delicious and impressive centerpiece for your holiday feast. By following these easy steps, you can cook a perfectly seasoned and juicy turkey that will leave your guests asking for seconds. So, don't stress about your Christmas dinner preparations, just follow this recipe and enjoy a stress-free holiday meal. Happy cooking and happy holidays!
