This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to prepare and cook the ultimate Thanksgiving turkey recipe. The ingredients required for the recipe include one turkey, butter, garlic powder, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, black pepper, garlic cloves, onion, celery, and chicken broth. The instructions cover preparing the turkey, making herb butter, seasoning the turkey, stuffing it, roasting it, and letting it rest before carving. With these instructions, readers can create a delicious family favorite that will impress guests and make for a memorable Thanksgiving meal.
The Ultimate Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe: A Family Favorite
Introduction
Thanksgiving is a time for friends and family to come together and give thanks for all of the blessings in their lives. One of the many traditions associated with this holiday is the Thanksgiving feast, and at the center of that feast is usually a delicious roasted turkey. Below, you will find a step-by-step guide to help you prepare and cook the ultimate Thanksgiving turkey recipe that is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- One turkey, thawed
- One cup of unsalted butter
- One tablespoon of garlic powder
- One tablespoon of dried thyme
- One tablespoon of dried rosemary
- One tablespoon of salt
- One teaspoon of black pepper
- Two cloves of garlic, minced
- One onion, chopped
- Four stalks of celery, chopped
- Four cups of chicken broth
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Turkey
Begin by removing the turkey from its packaging and removing the neck and giblets from the cavity. Rinse the turkey under cool running water and pat it dry with paper towels. Let it sit at room temperature for one hour.
Step 2: Make the Herb Butter
In a small mixing bowl, combine one cup of softened unsalted butter with one tablespoon of garlic powder, one tablespoon of dried thyme, one tablespoon of dried rosemary, one tablespoon of salt, and one teaspoon of black pepper. Mix the ingredients together until they are well blended.
Step 3: Season the Turkey
Using your hands, carefully loosen the skin from the turkey breast and smear the herb butter underneath the skin. Be gentle, so as not to tear the skin. Rub the remaining herb butter over the entire surface of the turkey, including the legs and wings.
Step 4: Stuff the Turkey
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped onion, celery, and minced garlic. Stuff this mixture into the turkey’s cavity.
Step 5: Roast the Turkey
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the turkey, breast-side up, in a roasting pan. Pour four cups of chicken broth into the bottom of the pan.
Cover the turkey with foil and roast it for about two and a half hours. Then, remove the foil and continue roasting the turkey for another hour, or until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part of the thigh.
Step 6: Let it Rest
Once the turkey is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes before carving.
Conclusion
Preparing a Thanksgiving turkey can seem like a daunting task, but with these step-by-step instructions, you’ll be able to create a delicious family favorite that will impress your guests. Remember to plan ahead by allowing enough time for your turkey to thaw and come to room temperature before cooking. With a little patience and some basic kitchen skills, you’ll be able to create a Thanksgiving meal that your family will remember for years to come.