HAPPY THANKSGIVING !!!! It is with a very warm heart and much happiness that I wish everyone reading this a wonderful holiday season. Pop open the bubbly and put on your spandex- tis the season of EATING. Today we will be discussing the best and most straight forward way for you to successfully cook a Thanksgiving turkey. This recipe can be used any time during the year, but for some reason it just tastes SO damn good served next to some cranberry sauce and mashed potatoes. YUMMY!
Save Money, Serve Turkey
Also, as we continue to see sky high pricing at the grocery store- turkey remains (along with pork) one of the lower priced meats for purchase. At the time I am writing this (Fall, 2022), turkey is still a cheaper cut of meat to buy compared to other cuts. Christmas right around the corner, I would implore you to try this recipe and serve up a warm feast of turkey paired with lemon zested brussel sprouts and an apple, feta & walnut salad (balsamic dressing- similar recipe here. It’s truly that EASY.
Turkey on Thanksgiving: A History
According the the history books, serving a turkey on Thanksgiving became a US tradition in 1930. It was first served at the White House by President Herbert Hoover, who had been born in Iowa and raised on a farm. The first president to serve a turkey on Thanksgiving Day was Calvin Coolidge, who was also from Iowa.
The first known recipe for a Thanksgiving meal included a roasted turkey with cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie. This is believed to have originated in 1621, when the first English settlers arrived on Roanoke Island. The name was given by the Native Americans because of its location at the mouth of a river that emptied into Chesapeake Bay.
The original town site was located about 3 miles from the present-day city limits. It was named after Sir Walter Raleigh, who had been granted land there by Queen Elizabeth I.
Fresh or Frozen Turkey?
I typically purchase a frozen turkey and then store it in my freezer until the week of Thanksgiving. As a best practice, you want to thaw a whole turkey over the course of a few days in a cooler prior to cooking (24-48 hours depending on size). This will allow your bird to defrost slowly and evenly without having to worry about unevenly thawed parts.
The next step is to remove the giblets from inside the cavity. You can do this by using a sharp knife or a pair of poultry shears. I prefer to use a pair of poultry sheers as they are easier to clean up after. Once your bird is thawed, you can begin seasoning and get ready to cook.
You may also purchase a fresh turkey and skip the thawing all together. This recipe will work for either.
How long does it take to cook a whole turkey?
It depends on how many pounds of turkey you plan to serve. For this recipe I will be using am 8-12 pound turkey. Cooking times may vary depending on your oven, baking tray or roaster, so be sure to cook confidently with a meat thermometer. As a reminder, poultry is “done” when it has been cooked to at least 165 degrees fahrenheit.
Should a turkey be cooked covered or uncovered?
As a first part of this recipe, I highly recommend that you use a roasting bag- it helps with keeping a whole turkey moist while cooking.
Ingredients
1 whole turkey (8-12 lb)
1 roasting bag
1 onion
2 carrots
2 ribs of celery
salt
pepper
poultry seasoning
fresh herbs
2-4 tablespoons unsalted butter (salted butter may be used)
Recipe
Start by pre-heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Most turkeys between 8-12lbs will need between 2.5-3.5 hours in a hot oven or until the internal temp reaches 165 degrees & the juices run clear. Ovens and bird size may vary so be sure to use a thermometer. Start by using a fresh bird or a bird that is thawed with giblets removed.
Gently start by massaging the butter in between the turkey skin and breast until the entire bird has been covered. Next, take a healthy amount of poultry seasoning, salt and pepper and sprinkle over the outside skin of the turkey. Remember to salt and pepper the inside cavity of the bird as well. Next, chop the onion, carrot and celery into large chunks. Place the bird inside of the roasting bag along with the carrot, onion and celery around the bird. Seal up the bag and then place entire turkey, breast side up, on a roasting rack and roasting pan. Place in hot oven and cook for 2.5-3.5 hrs. Serve hot and reserve juices in bottom of pan/bag for homemade gravy. Enjoy!
Turkey Recipes for Inspiration
- Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe : Food Network Recipe – Rather than roast an entire bird, try Ina Garten’s Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast for a flavorful alternative. Rosemary, sage and thyme star in this recipe. (foodnetwork.com)
- Simple Oven Roasted Turkey Breast – thestayathomechef.com – Simple Oven Roasted Turkey Breast is the perfect alternative to a full size turkey for small families. With its crispy skin and tender, juicy meat, your whole family is going to love this one! (thestayathomechef.com)
- Oven-Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe – A turkey breast is roasted with a flavorful combination of butter and seasonings and served with homemade pan gravy in this easy, family-friendly recipe. (allrecipes.com)
- Roasted Turkey Breast with Garlic and Herbs – Dinner at the Zoo – This roasted turkey breast is coated in a savory garlic and herb butter, then baked to golden brown perfection. (dinneratthezoo.com)
- Roasted Turkey Breast – Damn Delicious – Roasted Turkey Breast – Yields the most tender, juicy meat with the crispiest skin! 15-20 min prep time. That’s it! So simple yet SO GOOD. (damndelicious.net)
- Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe [VIDEO] – Dinner, then Dessert – Roasted Turkey Breast made with butter, herbs, salt, and pepper has tender juicy meat and CRISPY skin, and roasts in only 90 minutes! A fast way to make Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter extra special. (dinnerthendessert.com)
GOBBLE, GOBBLE, HAPPY EATING!!!
