Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones and sharing a delicious meal together. And what better centerpiece for this special occasion than a perfectly cooked 20-pound Thanksgiving turkey? Preparing a turkey of this size may seem daunting, but with the right recipe and technique, you can create a mouth-watering masterpiece that will impress your guests and have them coming back for seconds. In this article, we'll walk you through a professional and well-organized recipe for cooking a 20-pound Thanksgiving turkey that will surely be the star of your holiday feast.
If you want to add some spice to your traditional Thanksgiving dinner, try this delicious Mexican Thanksgiving Turkey recipe. The turkey is marinated in a flavorful blend of spices and cooked to perfection, making it a unique and tasty addition to your holiday feast. Serve it with some homemade salsa and guacamole for a true Mexican-inspired meal.
For a classic Thanksgiving turkey that never disappoints, try this roasted Thanksgiving turkey recipe. The key to a perfectly roasted turkey is to baste it regularly to keep it moist and flavorful. Serve it with all the traditional side dishes like mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce for a meal that will satisfy everyone at the dinner table.
If you're looking for a creative way to use up your leftover Thanksgiving turkey, try making this delicious pot pie. The combination of tender turkey, vegetables, and flaky pastry creates the ultimate comfort food. Plus, it's a great way to use up any extra turkey you may have after the holiday.
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Juicy Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Johnny S Seasoning Salt, Unsalted Butter, Fresh
No one likes a dry turkey, which is why this juicy Thanksgiving turkey recipe is a must-try. The secret to a juicy turkey is to brine it before cooking, which helps to infuse it with flavor and keep it moist. Trust us, your guests will be asking for seconds!
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Salt, Sugar, Mandarin Oranges, Fresh Sage
If you're short on time but still want a juicy and delicious Thanksgiving turkey, try this easy oven-roasted brined turkey recipe. The brine is made with a simple combination of salt, sugar, and spices, and the turkey is roasted to perfection in the oven. It's a no-fuss recipe that will impress your guests.
Don't want to spend hours in the kitchen on Thanksgiving? This easy, no-fuss turkey recipe is perfect for you. It requires minimal prep and cooking time, but still results in a delicious and flavorful turkey that will satisfy all your holiday cravings. Serve it with your favorite stuffing and gravy for a complete meal.
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Maple Bacon Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Maple Syrup, Fresh Sage, Bacon, Chicken Stock
If you love the combination of sweet and savory flavors, try this maple bacon roasted turkey recipe for Thanksgiving. The maple and bacon glaze gives the turkey a delicious caramelized crust, and the bacon adds a smoky and salty flavor. It's a show-stopping turkey that will impress your guests.
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Garlic Butter Thanksgiving Turkey With Gravy
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Unsalted Butter, Salt, Smoked Paprika, Dried
Garlic butter makes everything better, including your Thanksgiving turkey. This recipe combines the flavors of garlic and butter to create a savory and delicious turkey that is sure to be a hit at your holiday dinner. Don't forget to save some of the drippings to make a flavorful gravy to serve on top.
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How to Roast a Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Butter, Fresh Parsley, Fresh Rosemary, Fresh
If you're a first-time turkey roaster, don't worry, we've got you covered. This step-by-step guide on how to roast a Thanksgiving turkey will walk you through the process and ensure that your turkey comes out perfectly every time. From seasoning to basting to carving, we've got all the tips and tricks you need.
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How to Cook Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Unsalted Butter, Yellow Onions, Garlic Cloves
There are many different ways to cook a Thanksgiving turkey, but this recipe will teach you how to cook a turkey in the oven. It's a simple and straightforward method that results in a tender and flavorful turkey that will be the star of your holiday meal. Don't forget to let the turkey rest before carving to ensure maximum juiciness.
Looking for a unique way to use up your leftover Thanksgiving turkey? Try making this delicious gumbo. The combination of spices, vegetables, and shrimp creates a flavorful and hearty soup that will warm you up on a cold fall day. Plus, it's a great way to switch up your usual turkey leftovers.
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Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Water, Brown Sugar, Hot Sauce, Worcestershire
Of course, we couldn't have a list of Thanksgiving turkey recipes without including a classic and traditional recipe. This Thanksgiving turkey is brined in a flavorful mixture of herbs and spices before being roasted to perfection in the oven. Serve it with all your favorite holiday side dishes for a meal that will make everyone feel at home.
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Easy Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Onion, Lemon, Fresh Rosemary, Fresh Thyme
If you're short on time but still want to impress your guests with a delicious Thanksgiving turkey, try this easy recipe. The turkey is seasoned with a simple blend of herbs and spices and roasted in the oven, resulting in a flavorful and juicy bird. It's a great recipe for beginners or anyone looking to simplify their holiday meal prep.
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Bacon Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Kosher Salt, Light Brown Sugar, Smoked Paprika
Bacon lovers, this one's for you. This bacon roasted turkey recipe combines two of everyone's favorite things - bacon and turkey. The bacon adds a delicious smoky and salty flavor to the turkey, making it a unique and tasty addition to your holiday feast. Just make sure to save some extra bacon for snacking while you wait for the turkey to cook.
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Best Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Unsalted Butter, Yellow Onion, Garlic Cloves
If you're on the hunt for the best Thanksgiving turkey recipe, look no further. This recipe has been tried and tested and always results in a delicious and flavorful turkey that will have your guests raving. The key is to inject the turkey with a flavorful mixture of butter and spices before roasting it in the oven. Trust us, this will be your go-to turkey recipe from now on.
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Dry Brine your Thanksgiving Turkey this Year
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Kosher Salt, Dried Thyme, Marjoram, Smoked
If you've never tried dry brining your turkey before, this is the year to do it. Dry brining involves rubbing the turkey with a mixture of salt, sugar, and spices and letting it sit in the fridge for a few days before cooking. This method results in a flavorful and juicy turkey that is sure to impress your guests.
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Smoked Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Garlic Cloves, Fresh Parsley, Sprigs Fresh
If you have a smoker, why not try smoking your Thanksgiving turkey this year? The smoky flavor adds a unique and delicious twist to the traditional holiday meal. Just make sure to plan ahead as smoking a turkey takes a bit longer than roasting it in the oven. But trust us, the end result is worth the wait.
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No-Fail Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Olive Oil, Sea Salt, Ground Black Pepper
If you're worried about messing up your Thanksgiving turkey, try this no-fail recipe. It's a foolproof method that always results in a juicy and delicious turkey. The key is to brine the turkey beforehand and then roast it in the oven. It's a simple and easy recipe that will give you the confidence to cook a turkey like a pro.
There's nothing quite like mom's cooking, and this Thanksgiving turkey recipe is no exception. This traditional recipe has been passed down for generations and always results in a tender and flavorful turkey. It's a tried and true method that will make you feel like you're back at your childhood dinner table.
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Spatchcocked Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Kosher Salt, Softened Butter, Fresh Herb
If you're looking for a unique way to cook your Thanksgiving turkey, try spatchcocking it. This method involves removing the backbone of the turkey and flattening it before roasting, resulting in a turkey that cooks more evenly and in less time. Plus, it's a great conversation starter at the dinner table.
Preparing the Turkey
Before we dive into the recipe, it's important to know how to properly prepare your 20-pound Thanksgiving turkey for cooking. Start by thawing your turkey in the refrigerator for three to four days, depending on its size. Make sure to remove the giblets and neck from the cavity and rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels and let it sit at room temperature for about an hour before cooking.
Seasoning the Turkey
Now it's time to add flavor to your Thanksgiving turkey. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with a variety of herbs and spices. One popular seasoning blend for turkey includes sage, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix these herbs with softened butter and rub it all over the turkey, including under the skin for maximum flavor.
Stuffing the Turkey
Stuffing is a classic side dish for Thanksgiving, and many people like to stuff their turkey with it for added flavor. However, it's important to note that stuffing can affect the cooking time and temperature of your turkey. If you choose to stuff your 20-pound Thanksgiving turkey, make sure to do so just before cooking and use a meat thermometer to ensure the stuffing reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Cooking the Turkey
Now that your turkey is seasoned and stuffed, it's time to cook it. Preheat your oven to 325°F and place your turkey on a roasting rack inside a roasting pan. Cover the turkey with foil and place it in the oven, basting every 30 minutes with the pan's juices. Remove the foil during the last 45 minutes of cooking to allow the skin to brown.
Checking for Doneness
The best way to determine if your Thanksgiving turkey is fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey's thigh, making sure not to touch the bone. The turkey is done when the thermometer reads 165°F. If you don't have a meat thermometer, you can also check for doneness by piercing the turkey's thigh with a fork. If the juices run clear, it's ready to be taken out of the oven.
Serving and Enjoying
Once your 20-pound Thanksgiving turkey is done cooking, let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful turkey. Serve your turkey with your favorite side dishes and enjoy a delicious and satisfying Thanksgiving meal with your loved ones.
In conclusion, cooking a 20-pound Thanksgiving turkey may seem intimidating, but with this professional and well-organized recipe, you can create a mouth-watering masterpiece that will impress your guests and have them coming back for more. So, follow these steps, and you'll have a perfectly cooked and delicious turkey that will make your Thanksgiving feast truly unforgettable. Happy cooking!
