Thanksgiving dinner wouldn’t be complete without a succulent and flavorful roasted turkey at the center of the table. But finding the perfect roasted turkey recipe can be challenging. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered with the Best Roasted Turkey Recipe Ever. In this article, we’ll share our tips and tricks for a perfect Thanksgiving feast.
Choosing the Right Turkey
Before we dive into the recipe, it’s essential to choose the right turkey. A fresh, organic, and hormone-free turkey is the best choice for a flavorful and juicy bird. Be sure to select a turkey that is the right size for your gathering. A general rule of thumb is to purchase 1 to 1.5 pounds of turkey per person.
Preparing the Turkey
Once you’ve selected your turkey, it’s time to prepare it for roasting. Start by removing the giblets and neck from the turkey’s cavity and rinse the bird inside and out with cold water. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels, and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before roasting.
Brining the Turkey
Brining is an excellent technique to ensure a juicy and flavorful turkey. To brine your turkey, dissolve one cup of kosher salt and one cup of brown sugar in two gallons of cold water in a large container. Add your turkey, making sure it’s entirely submerged, and refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours.
Preparing the Stuffing
Stuffing is a classic Thanksgiving side dish that pairs perfectly with roasted turkey. To prepare the stuffing, sauté onions, celery, and garlic in butter until softened. Add breadcrumbs, chicken stock, and your favorite herbs and spices, such as sage, thyme, and rosemary. Mix well and set aside.
Roasting the Turkey
Preheat your oven to 325┬░F. Place the turkey in a roasting pan, breast-side up, and brush the skin with melted butter. Tent the turkey with foil and place it in the oven. Cook for approximately 15 minutes per pound, basting the turkey every 30 minutes with pan drippings. Remove the foil during the last hour of cooking to brown the skin. The turkey is done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165┬░F.
Resting the Turkey
Once your turkey is cooked, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for 30 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicy and tender bird.
Serving the Turkey
Carve your turkey and serve it with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, and cranberry sauce. Don’t forget the gravy, which you can make using the pan drippings and a bit of flour and chicken stock.
Conclusion
Roasting a turkey can be intimidating, but with the right recipe and technique, it can be a breeze. Our best roasted turkey recipe ever combines brining, stuffing, and roasting to create a juicy and flavorful bird that is sure to impress your guests. Follow our tips and tricks, and you’ll have a perfect Thanksgiving feast that everyone will enjoy.
