This article provides an easy-to-follow recipe for a perfect Christmas turkey, with ingredients including butter, olive oil, garlic, herbs, and chicken broth or water. The instructions include preparing the turkey, creating a herb butter mixture, stuffing the bird, tying its legs, roasting it in the oven, and letting it rest before carving. Helpful tips and tricks include thawing the turkey, adjusting the oven temperature, basting the bird, and using a meat thermometer. Finally, readers are reminded to save the turkey carcass to make stock. A delicious Christmas turkey will make the perfect centerpiece for any holiday feast.

The Ultimate Christmas Turkey Recipe: A Perfect Spread for the Holidays

Overview

The Christmas season is all about love, care, and joy. Christmas comes with so many fun things, and one of the most important things is the food. A perfect Christmas spread is incomplete without a delicious turkey. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and will make your turkey the star of the show at your Christmas dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 whole turkey, thawed if frozen
• 1 stick of unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for sprinkling
• 1 onion, peeled and quartered
• 1 lemon, quartered
• 2 cups chicken broth or water

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Remove the turkey giblets and neck from the cavity and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, combine the butter, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, sage, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt to create a herb butter mixture.
4. Starting at the neck of the turkey, carefully separate the skin from the meat of the turkey, creating pockets all over the bird. Be careful not to tear the skin.
5. Rub the herb butter mixture all over the turkey, under the skin as well as on the outside, making sure to cover all surfaces with the mixture.
6. Stuff the cavity of the turkey with the onion and lemon.
7. Tie the legs together using kitchen twine.
8. Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan breast side up.
9. Pour the broth or water into the bottom of the pan.
10. Sprinkle the turkey with more kosher salt over the top and place in the oven.
11. Cook the turkey for approximately 15 minutes per pound or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat reads 165°F (74°C).
12. Remove the turkey from the oven and allow it to rest for at least 20 minutes before carving.

Tips and Tricks

• Thaw the turkey in the refrigerator, allowing one day of thawing time for every 4 pounds of bird.
• If you have a convection oven, reduce the oven temperature by 25°F (14°C).
• Baste the turkey every 30 minutes with the juices at the bottom of the pan to ensure the meat stays moist.
• If the turkey is browning too quickly, cover it with foil to prevent it from burning.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is fully cooked.
• Save the turkey carcass to make a delicious homemade turkey stock.

Conclusion

This Christmas turkey recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. The preparation is easy, and the end result is a perfectly cooked turkey with flavors and aromas that will make your mouth water. Serve this delicious bird with your favorite sides and enjoy your perfect Christmas spread.