Herb Roasted Turkey

Herb Roasted Turkey is a classic dish that fills our homes with warmth and flavors, especially during the holiday season. If you’re anything like me, you cherish those moments spent with family gathered around a beautifully roasted turkey, a feast that brings everyone together. The aroma of rich herbs and spices wafts through the air, and the anticipation builds as the turkey slowly roasts. Trust me, this recipe is a labor of love that yields delicious results without being overly complicated. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to impress your loved ones with perfectly juicy and tender turkey. Let’s embark on this culinary adventure where tradition and flavor unite!

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Why This Recipe Works

Brining is a game changer when it comes to roasting turkey. The process involves soaking the bird in a seasoned solution, enhancing both flavor and moisture. This means juicy, tender meat every single time. The salt and sugar in the brine help the turkey retain moisture during roasting while infusing it with savory goodness. It’s that simple!

Fresh herbs and butter are your secret weapons in this recipe. They create a rich flavor profile that makes every bite unforgettable. A mix of rosemary, sage, thyme, and parsley adds not just flavor but also a fragrant aroma. When the butter melts, it seeps into the meat, resulting in a beautifully seasoned and succulent turkey.

Why You’ll Love This Herb Roasted Turkey

This Herb Roasted Turkey isn’t just a meal; it’s a part of your family traditions. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or a festive holiday dinner, this dish connects us to cherished moments and shared laughter around the table. Everyone gathers to express gratitude and enjoy each other’s company while diving into this delicious feast.

What’s even better? The simplicity of this recipe! The preparation is fairly easy, which means you can focus more on enjoying the day with your loved ones. The impressive results, on the other hand, will leave everyone raving about your culinary skills. With this herb roasted turkey, you’re sure to create lasting memories and delicious moments.

Ingredients

To whip up this delightful recipe, gather the following:

• 1 & 1/2 gallons water (24 cups)
• 1 cup kosher salt
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 & 1/2 tablespoons peppercorns
• 3 bay leaves
• 3 cloves garlic, mashed and roughly chopped
• 3 tablespoons fresh rosemary, roughly chopped
• 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, roughly chopped
• 3 tablespoons fresh sage, roughly chopped
• 3 tablespoons fresh thyme, roughly chopped
• 1 cup salted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 large bunch of sage, chopped fine
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed and minced
• 1 & 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 12-14 pound fresh or frozen turkey, thawed
• 5-7 carrots, peeled and roughly chopped
• 1 large stalk celery, roughly chopped
• 1 apple, quartered
• 1 onion, quartered
• 2-3 sprigs thyme
• 2-3 sprigs rosemary
• 2-3 sprigs sage
• Meat thermometer
• Large pot to boil the brine
• Large pot/bucket for brining
• Paper towels
• Turkey oven bag
• Large roasting pan with roasting rack
• Kitchen twine (if turkey is not trussed)

Now that you have everything ready, let’s jump into preparing this glorious bird!

Preparing the Turkey

Thaw and Prepare the Turkey

To kick things off, ensure your turkey is fully thawed before brining it. A good rule of thumb is to allow one day for every five pounds of turkey. Once that’s sorted, cook the brine ahead of time. This will give it plenty of time to cool down before it meets your turkey!

Create the Brine

In a sizable pot, combine the water, kosher salt, brown sugar, peppercorns, bay leaves, mashed garlic, and fresh herbs. Heat this mixture over medium heat, stirring until the salt and sugar fully dissolve. Once it’s dissolved, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool completely.

Brine the Turkey

Next, remove any giblets and the neck from the turkey’s cavity. Give the turkey a quick rinse under cold water and then submerge it in the cooled brine. If your bucket is large enough, you can just pop it right in. But if you face a tight space, flip the turkey halfway through refrigerating it. Keep it in the brine for 18-24 hours.

Rinse and Dry

Once brining is complete, be sure to rinse the turkey thoroughly to remove any excess salt. Pat it dry with paper towels, as this is essential for achieving crispy skin during roasting.

Making the Herb Butter

Prepare Sage Butter

Let’s amp up that flavor with herb butter! Grab a bowl and mix together the softened butter, finely chopped sage, minced garlic, and salt. Smash everything together. This will ensure the flavors meld nicely!

Apply Herb Butter

Gently separate the skin from the turkey breast. Now, rub half of that scrumptious herb butter beneath the skin, making sure to spread it evenly. Use the remaining butter on the outside of the turkey. Make sure to cover it well for tasty, golden skin.

Stuffing and Roasting the Turkey

Stuff the Turkey

Next, we stuff the turkey cavity with delightful aromatics. Toss in the carrots, celery, apple, onion, and any remaining herbs. For the finishing touch, tie the legs together or retie if your turkey is already trussed.

Prepare for Roasting

In your roasting pan, place a bed of chopped carrots and some water. Set the turkey on the rack inside, ideally in a sealed oven bag to keep it moist. It’s a good idea to make a few slits at the top of the bag to allow steam to escape.

Roast the Turkey

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Now, roast your turkey for about 2 hours and 15 minutes. But keep a close eye on that internal temperature; you’re aiming for 165°F to know it’s fully cooked. When done, your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Serving Suggestions

This Herb Roasted Turkey pairs perfectly with traditional sides like creamy mashed potatoes and crispy green bean casserole. To elevate the flavor even more, whip up some homemade gravy using those flavorful turkey drippings!

Tips for Success

For that coveted crispy skin, ensure the turkey is dry before roasting. A digital meat thermometer is your best friend for accurate cooking. It takes all the guesswork out of knowing when your turkey is perfectly finished.

Variations

Feeling adventurous? Why not infuse your turkey with some citrus fruits like oranges for a fresh twist? Experimenting with different herbs can also transform the flavor profile based on what you love.

Storage Tips

After the feast, store any leftovers in airtight containers, and they’ll last for up to 4 days. For longer-term storage, freezing the turkey is a great option; use it within three months for the best quality.

FAQs

1. Can I use a frozen turkey for this recipe?
It’s essential to thaw the turkey completely before starting the brining process for the best results.

2. How long should I brine the turkey?
Aim for 18-24 hours, but don’t exceed that to avoid a mushy texture.

3. What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
While dried herbs can substitute, fresh ones truly elevate the flavor.

4. Can I make this recipe in advance?
You can absolutely prep the brine and butter a day beforehand, but brining and roasting the turkey should ideally be done on the day of serving.

5. How do I know when the turkey is done?
A meat thermometer will indicate when the breast has reached 165°F, ensuring it’s perfect and safe to eat.

By using this Herb Roasted Turkey recipe, you’re setting the stage for delightful memories at your dinner table. The combination of tender, juicy meat and fragrant herbs will undoubtedly warm hearts and bellies alike. Whether it’s family holidays or special celebrations, this dish is meant to inspire joy and create delicious experiences together. Enjoy every moment and each bite!

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