Thanksgiving Turkey

I made my first thanksgiving turkey by myself this year and I have to say I was quite impressed! I figured I would share in case anyone else needs a little help this year.

What You’ll Need:

Metal roasting pan with rack

Meat thermometer

A baster

Chicken broth

Butter (1-3 sticks)

Seasonings (I used a total seasoning, sage, thyme, parsley, & minced garlic)

Fruits/vegetables to stuff inside the turkey (I used an orange, lemon, onion, and garlic)

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1. Thaw turkey several days prior. If turkey is bought frozen, they say thaw 24 hours for every 5lbs. I had a 10lb turkey, so I just thawed it a day ahead of time.

2. Preheat oven to 425°

3. Unwrap turkey and remove neck and other insides. Pat turkey dry.

4. Slice your orange, lemon, and onion into 2-4 slices each. Put them on the inside of the turkey (this adds more flavor and moisture).

5. If butter is not already softened, heat in microwave for 20-30 seconds until softened (some completely melted is okay). I only used one stick.

6. Add seasonings to butter and mix. I didn’t measure the seasonings, just kept shaking until it looked good.

7. Place turkey on roaster rack and use a spatula or brush to coat the whole turkey with the herb butter. Also be sure to get some butter in between the top layer of skin and the turkey breast.

8. If any liquid butter is left, pour over top of the turkey.

9. Pour 4 cups of chicken broth into the bottom of the roaster.

10. Cook turkey at 425° for the first 45 mins.

11. Remove turkey from the oven, baste with chicken broth, turn the oven down to 350°.

12. Continue to cook the turkey at 350° in 30-minute increments, taking out to baste in between.

13. You should cook it for 15 mins per pound (including the first 45 mins). Since I had a 10lb turkey, I cooked mine at 425° for 45 mins and then 350° for 105 mins total).

14. When you get to the last 30 mins of cooking, use your thermometer to check the temperature under the wing or in the breast. It should be between 160-180° F. (A lot of store-bought turkeys will also have a red pin that will pop when it’s done cooking).

15. When done, cut up and serve! Enjoy!

- Jess