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Thanksgiving turkey

Perfectly Juicy Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe to Wow Your Guests

This Thanksgiving turkey recipe guarantees a juicy, flavorful centerpiece for your holiday feast, impressing guests with its aromatic stuffing and simple steps.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours
Servings: 8 people
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Turkey Ingredients
  • 1 whole Pasture-raised turkey Opt for maximum flavor and moisture
  • 1 cup Salt For brining
  • 1 gallon Cold water Needed for the brine
  • 1 bunch Fresh herbs Rosemary, thyme, or sage
  • 1/2 cup Butter For smothering the turkey
Stuffing Ingredients
  • 4 cups Bread cubes Hearty bread
  • 1 cup Onions Sautéed until translucent
  • 1 cup Celery Finely chopped
  • 2 cups Turkey broth For moistening the stuffing
  • To taste Seasonings Salt, pepper, and herbs
Gravy Ingredients
  • 1 cup Turkey drippings From roasting pan
  • 1/4 cup Cornstarch For thickening
  • 1 cup Broth Extra turkey or chicken broth

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Oven
  • Roasting pan with rack
  • Saucepan
  • meat thermometer
  • whisk

Method
 

Brining and Roasting
  1. In a large pot, combine 1 cup of salt with 1 gallon of cold water until dissolved. Add fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme. Submerge the turkey in the brine, cover it, and refrigerate overnight.
  2. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Remove the turkey from the brine, rinse it under cold water, and pat it dry. Arrange a roasting pan with a rack and place the turkey breast-side up.
  3. Smother the turkey with softened butter and season generously with salt and pepper. Tuck fresh herbs into the cavity.
  4. Roast the turkey for approximately 13-15 minutes per pound until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  5. Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 30 minutes, tented with foil.
  6. Pour drippings into a saucepan, add turkey broth, and simmer. Whisk in cornstarch mixed with water to thicken.
  7. Carve the turkey and serve with stuffing and gravy.

Nutrition

Serving: 100gramsCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 35gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, allow for brining time and ensure proper turkey thawing before starting the recipe.

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