Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and of course, food. And when it comes to the centerpiece of the holiday feast, nothing beats a perfectly cooked turkey. But how can you take your Thanksgiving turkey to the next level? The secret lies in the butter in the skin. By incorporating this simple but effective technique, you can elevate your turkey to a whole new level of deliciousness. In this article, we'll show you the best way to use butter in the skin to create a juicy and flavorful Thanksgiving turkey that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Spice up your Thanksgiving dinner with this Mexican-inspired turkey recipe. The turkey is marinated in a blend of chipotle peppers, cumin, and garlic for a smoky and savory flavor. And instead of roasting the turkey in the oven, it's cooked on the grill with a beer can inserted in the cavity for added moisture and flavor.
2of 20
Turkey Gumbo (with leftover Thanksgiving turkey)
Main Ingredients: Butter, All Purpose Flour, Bell Pepper, Celery, Onion
If you're looking for a way to use up your leftover Thanksgiving turkey, look no further than this delicious turkey gumbo recipe. This hearty stew is packed with spicy andouille sausage, okra, and a variety of vegetables, and is the perfect way to warm up on a cold Thanksgiving evening.
For a classic and foolproof Thanksgiving turkey recipe, look no further than this traditional roasted turkey. The turkey is seasoned with a simple blend of herbs and spices and roasted in the oven until golden and juicy. Serve it with your favorite sides for a delicious and comforting holiday meal.
4of 20
Garlic Butter Thanksgiving Turkey With Gravy
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Unsalted Butter, Salt, Smoked Paprika, Dried
This Thanksgiving turkey is all about the flavors of garlic and butter. The turkey is basted with a rich and flavorful garlic butter sauce as it roasts in the oven. And the pan drippings are used to make a delicious and creamy gravy to serve alongside the turkey.
Transform your leftover Thanksgiving turkey into a delicious and comforting pot pie. This recipe calls for flaky puff pastry on top and a creamy and savory filling made with leftover turkey, vegetables, and a rich gravy. It's the perfect way to use up all of those Thanksgiving leftovers.
6of 20
How to Roast a Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Butter, Fresh Parsley, Fresh Rosemary, Fresh
If you're new to roasting a turkey, this recipe is for you. It breaks down the steps and gives you tips and tricks for a perfectly roasted turkey. From preparing the turkey to carving and serving, this recipe has got you covered.
7of 20
Juicy Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Johnny S Seasoning Salt, Unsalted Butter, Fresh
This recipe promises a juicy and flavorful turkey every time. The secret? Brining the turkey in a mixture of water, salt, and spices before roasting. This helps to keep the turkey moist and infuses it with delicious flavor.
If you're looking for a simple and stress-free Thanksgiving turkey recipe, this one is for you. It requires just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, but still results in a delicious and perfectly cooked turkey. And the best part? It's easy enough for even the most novice cook to tackle.
9of 20
Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Water, Brown Sugar, Hot Sauce, Worcestershire
If you're a purist when it comes to Thanksgiving turkey, this recipe is for you. It's a classic and no-frills recipe that lets the turkey shine. Simply seasoned with salt, pepper, and a little bit of butter, this turkey is all about the flavor of the meat itself.
10of 20
How to Cook Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Unsalted Butter, Yellow Onions, Garlic Cloves
Not sure how to cook a turkey? This recipe has all the answers. From preparing the turkey to carving and serving, this recipe will guide you through the entire process. And with helpful tips and tricks along the way, you'll have a delicious and perfectly cooked turkey in no time.
11of 20
Smoked Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Garlic Cloves, Fresh Parsley, Sprigs Fresh
For a unique and flavorful twist on traditional Thanksgiving turkey, try smoking it instead of roasting. This recipe uses a homemade dry rub to add delicious flavor to the turkey, and it's cooked in a smoker for rich and smoky flavor. Your guests will be begging for the recipe.
Everyone has their own special way of preparing a Thanksgiving turkey, and this recipe is a tribute to those family traditions. Passed down from generation to generation, this turkey recipe is sure to make you feel right at home. And with simple and familiar flavors, it's perfect for a cozy and family-oriented holiday celebration.
13of 20
Easy Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Butter, Fresh Rosemary, Fresh Thyme, Fresh Sage
If you're short on time but still want to impress your guests with a delicious Thanksgiving turkey, this recipe is for you. It requires just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, but still results in a flavorful and juicy turkey. And with easy-to-follow instructions, even the busiest cook can pull it off.
14of 20
Herb-Citrus Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Rub, Italian Seasoning, Dry Mustard, Garlic
For a bright and flavorful Thanksgiving turkey, try this recipe that incorporates fresh herbs and citrus. The turkey is rubbed with a mixture of fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon zest for a burst of flavor. And the citrus is also used to make a light and tangy gravy to serve alongside the turkey.
15of 20
Thanksgiving Turkey Hot Dish.
Main Ingredients: Croissants, Butter, Turkey, Leftover Gravy, Shredded
If you're looking for a new and different way to serve turkey on Thanksgiving, try this hot dish recipe. It's a comforting and hearty casserole made with layers of turkey, vegetables, stuffing, and gravy. It's like a deconstructed Thanksgiving dinner in one dish.
16of 20
Garlic Bacon Butter Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Turkey, Butter, Garlic, Thyme, Basil, Oregano
For a truly indulgent Thanksgiving turkey, try this recipe that incorporates garlic, bacon, and butter. The turkey is basted with a rich and flavorful mixture of garlic, butter, and bacon drippings for a decadent and indulgent flavor. It's sure to be a hit with your guests.
17of 20
Open-Face Thanksgiving Turkey Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Wheat Bread, Stuffing, Gravy, Cranberry Sauce
If you're looking for a quick and easy way to enjoy Thanksgiving flavors, try this open-face sandwich recipe. It's made with thick slices of turkey, cranberry sauce, and stuffing on top of a slice of bread, and is quick and easy to make with any leftover Thanksgiving ingredients you have on hand.
18of 20
Cheesy Thanksgiving Turkey Leftover Skillet
Main Ingredients: Stuffing, Butter, Turkey, Cheddar Cheese Soup, Colby
For a fun and creative way to use up your Thanksgiving leftovers, try this skillet recipe. It's made with layers of leftover turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce, all topped with melty cheese. It's like a Thanksgiving casserole in one pan.
19of 20
Roast Thanksgiving Turkey Wayside Inn
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Chicken Meat, Cooked Ham, Salt, Pepper
This recipe is inspired by the historic Wayside Inn in Massachusetts, where traditional and hearty New England cuisine is celebrated. The turkey is roasted with sage, thyme, and garlic for a classic and comforting flavor. It's the perfect recipe for a traditional and nostalgic Thanksgiving.
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Salt, Sugar, Mandarin Oranges, Fresh Sage
For a foolproof and juicy Thanksgiving turkey, try this recipe that incorporates a simple brine. Brining the turkey in a mixture of salt, sugar, and spices helps to keep the meat moist and infuses it with delicious flavor. And it's easy to do with this step-by-step recipe.
Why Use Butter in the Skin?
There are many reasons why butter in the skin is the key to a perfect Thanksgiving turkey. First and foremost, butter is a rich source of fat, which helps to keep the meat moist during the long cooking process. This means you'll end up with a juicy and succulent bird, rather than a dry and flavorless one. Additionally, the butter adds a rich and delicious flavor to the turkey, making it even more satisfying for your taste buds.
But it's not just about the moisture and flavor. By using butter in the skin, you also create a crispy and golden brown skin that is irresistible. The butter helps to crisp up the skin, giving it a beautiful texture and adding another layer of flavor to the turkey. Plus, let's be honest, who doesn't love a good crispy skin on their turkey?
The Best Way to Use Butter in the Skin
Now that you know why butter in the skin is a game-changer for your Thanksgiving turkey, let's talk about the best way to incorporate it. The key is to create a compound butter, which is a mixture of butter and herbs or spices. This not only adds flavor to the turkey, but also helps to evenly distribute the butter under the skin.
To make a compound butter, simply mix softened butter with your choice of herbs and spices. Some popular options include rosemary, thyme, sage, and garlic. Gently loosen the skin of the turkey and spread the compound butter underneath, making sure to cover as much of the meat as possible. This will ensure that the butter infuses the turkey with flavor and moisture while it cooks.
Once you have your compound butter under the skin, you can also rub some on top of the skin for an extra crispy and flavorful finish. And don't forget to baste the turkey with the pan drippings, which will also contain the flavorful butter.
In conclusion, butter in the skin is a simple but effective way to take your Thanksgiving turkey to the next level. By using compound butter, you can create a juicy, flavorful, and crispy turkey that will be the star of your holiday feast. So this Thanksgiving, don't forget to incorporate butter in the skin for a truly unforgettable turkey experience.
