Perfect Turkey

by Thea Miller

Cook the Perfect Turkey Every Time

How to Add Flavor to Your Turkey

Rub your turkey with butter or oil for a richer flavor and browner skin. Rub minced herbs or ground spices into (or beneath) the skin for more flavor, Place a few halved lemons or garlic cloves inside the cavity of the turkey.
Baste with stock or broth and then butter in the last 30 minutes of cooking. 

Thanksgiving Turkey

Whole Turkey

Instructions:
Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking. Remove neck and giblets from turkey. Place in roasting pan and season.
Preheat oven to 450°F. Place turkey in oven uncovered and reduce the oven temperature to 325°F.
Roast for 15-20 minutes per pound, if not stuffed. If stuffed, roast for 20-25 minutes per pound.
After 1st 30 minutes, baste turkey every 30 minutes.
An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, near the bone, should read at least 165°F when done.  Remove the turkey from the oven, tent with foil and allow to rest in a warm area 25-30 minutes before slicing.

 

Turkey Breast

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 450°F.
Place breast in a roasting dish and place in oven uncovered. Reduce oven temperature to 325°F. Roast for 20 minutes per pound, basting frequently.
Roast turkey until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the breast reaches 160°F. Remove from oven and tent with foil. Rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing.

Turkey 101 Printable Guide