Mouthwatering Turkey
why make this recipe
Making a Mouthwatering Turkey is a delightful way to celebrate special occasions or family gatherings. This recipe is not only simple but also guarantees a juicy and flavorful turkey that everyone will love. Roasting a turkey can be a rewarding experience, filling your home with wonderful aromas and creating lasting memories. Plus, the leftovers are just as tasty!
how to make Mouthwatering Turkey
Ingredients:
- 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 onion, quartered
- 1 lemon, halved
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Remove the turkey giblets and pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Rub the butter mixture all over the turkey, including under the skin.
- Stuff the cavity with onion, lemon, and thyme.
- Place the turkey in a roasting pan and add chicken broth to the bottom of the pan.
- Roast the turkey for about 13-15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Baste the turkey every 30 minutes with the pan juices.
- Let the turkey rest for at least 20 minutes before carving and serving.
how to serve Mouthwatering Turkey
Serve your Mouthwatering Turkey with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. Arrange the slices on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs to make it look more inviting. Don’t forget to offer some of the gravy made from the pan drippings!
how to store Mouthwatering Turkey
If you have leftovers, let the turkey cool down and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within 3-4 days to ensure freshness. You can also freeze leftover turkey for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to slice it before freezing for easier serving later.
tips to make Mouthwatering Turkey
- Make sure to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for perfect doneness.
- Basting the turkey is key to keeping it moist, so don’t skip this step!
- Letting the turkey rest before carving helps retain its juices.
variation
For a twist, you can add your favorite spices or herbs to the butter mixture. Consider using rosemary, sage, or even a touch of spicy paprika for different flavors. You can also experiment by adding fruits like apple or orange into the cavity for a unique taste.
FAQs
Q: How long should I cook a turkey?
A: Roast your turkey for about 13-15 minutes per pound at 325°F (165°C).
Q: Can I prepare the turkey in advance?
A: Yes! You can prep the turkey a day before and store it in the refrigerator. Just rub the butter mixture and stuff it, then cover it until you’re ready to cook.
Q: How do I know when the turkey is done?
A: The turkey is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the thigh. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Mouthwatering Turkey
- Total Time: 225 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A simple and flavorful turkey recipe perfect for celebrations and family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 whole turkey (12–14 pounds)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 onion, quartered
- 1 lemon, halved
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Remove the turkey giblets and pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Rub the butter mixture all over the turkey, including under the skin.
- Stuff the cavity with onion, lemon, and thyme.
- Place the turkey in a roasting pan and add chicken broth to the bottom of the pan.
- Roast the turkey for about 13-15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Baste the turkey every 30 minutes with the pan juices.
- Let the turkey rest for at least 20 minutes before carving and serving.
Notes
Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness. Basting is key to keeping the turkey moist.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 195 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 50g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Turkey, Thanksgiving, Roasting, Holiday recipe, Family gathering
