Roasted Turkey
Naturally, I’m busy today being Thanksgiving Eve, so this post will be brief.
Roasted Turkey
- Organic Turkey
- Water
- Sage
- Thyme
- 6 Bay Leaves
- 5 Oranges,
- 5 Lemon
- Grapefruit or Limes, optional
- 10 Large Garlic Cloves
- Salt
- Rosemary
- Oregano
- 1 Medium Red Onion
- Black and Pink Peppercorns
Follow my foolproof recipe for Roasted Turkey and you will surely be the heroine of any event you will be hosting. I highly recommend brining your turkey for at least 24 hours on each side, with the breast side down being the priority. I will let mine brine for 12 hours breast down, and 8 hours thigh side immersed in the liquid. Use an equal amount of cups of water to pounds of turkey.
I bought a small turkey this year, 10.37 lbs. so I added 10 1/3 cups of water to a brining bag along with all the seasonings, citrus fruit, garlic and onion. I placed some of the seasonings in the cavity. TASTE THE BRINE BEFORE PLACING THE TURKEY IN THE BAG – IT SHOULD TASTE SALTY. ALSO BE SURE TO REMOVE THE NECK, LIVER AND GIBLETS FROM THE INSIDE OF THE TURKEY AND REFRIGERATE THEM SEPARATELY IN A ZIPLOC. I use the giblets, liver and neck to make a stock for cornbread dressing. Seal the bag and refrigerate for 24 or more hours.
On the day you are ready to cook the bird, discard all seasonings and liquid, and cook at 350 degrees according to instructions. The turkey is ready when the juices run clear and the legs move loosely in their sockets. The estimate for cooking time is 30 minutes per pound. Make my Southern Cornbread Dressing to go along with your perfect Roasted Turkey this holiday season! My gluten free Macaroni and Cheese is also mandatory. You will never stray once you taste these gems.
This is a new favorite dish for my mom. She loved it and demanded the recipe. lol She is a major turkey lover and felt like this version has more flavor and can be made during any time of year.
I loved the use of citrus in this turkey recipe. I did a test run for Turkey Day and the bag made a huge difference. Thanks for another recipe.
Every year I am looking for Thanksgiving turkey recipe and I have finally found the perfect one! The citrus flavors adds such as new feel to the turkey.
I’ve been looking for a new turkey recipe to try this year and I am so happy I found this one! I made it for Friendsgiving a few weeks ago and everyone raved about it. I’ll be making it again on Thanksgiving!
I love the addition of citrus in the brine! The turkey was so flavorful and cooked perfectly! Thanks for the recipe!
This is surely a foolproof recipe for Roasted Turkey! Perfect thanksgiving, christmas or anytime turkey recipe! Thanks so much!!
This turkey was a huge hit at Friendsgiving tonight! I brined it just like you said for 24 hours, most of that time with the breast side down. Perfectly flavorful and juicy!
The citrus fruits added so much flavor and made the Turkey meat so tender. We will be using this recipe for many thanksgivings to come!!
We aren’t big turkey fans in my family but everyone commented on how flavorful this one came out–and juicy!