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Perfect Roast Turkey

Perfect Roast Turkey

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If you’re searching for a show-stopping centerpiece that brings comfort and joy to your holiday gatherings, look no further than this Perfect Roast Turkey. Juicy, flavorful, and beautifully golden-brown, this turkey recipe combines simplicity with mouthwatering results. Passed down through generations, it’s the ideal dish for family feasts or cozy evenings with friends. With a blend of aromatic herbs and spices, every bite is a delightful experience that will impress guests of all ages.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 turkey (12-14 pounds)
  • 1 cup kosher salt
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
  • 1 teaspoon whole allspice berries
  • 1 teaspoon juniper berries
  • 1 large or two small fresh rosemary sprigs
  • 6 whole large fresh sage leaves
  • 2 good sized sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 whole bay leaves
  • 3 whole medium garlic cloves, crushed
  • Peel of one large naval orange
  • 1 large apple chopped or crushed fine, core and all
  • 2 quarts vegetable stock
  • 1 gallon of ice water, or more as needed to cover turkey during the brining process
  • 2 stalks of celery with leaves roughly cut
  • 2 large carrots cleaned but not peeled with tops trimmed off, roughly cut
  • 1 medium onion, peeled and roughly cut
  • 2 quarts chicken stock
  • 1 bunch parsley with stems
  • 3 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the brine: In a large pot, combine kosher salt, brown sugar, black peppercorns, allspice berries, juniper berries, fresh herbs, garlic cloves, orange peel, apple pieces, and vegetable stock. Heat until dissolved.
  2. Cool the brine completely and add ice water to ensure it's safe for brining.
  3. Submerge the turkey in the cooled brine for at least 12 hours in the refrigerator.
  4. After brining, rinse the turkey under cold water and pat dry.
  5. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Stuff the cavity with vegetables and brush the exterior with melted butter before roasting.
  6. Roast the turkey for approximately 13 minutes per pound until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving.

Nutrition