holiday turkey

14 Pinches 1 Photo
Surrey South, BC
Updated on Oct 2, 2019

Juicy, flavorful and with the added Basil Lemon Butter, this is a Holiday Turkey you and your guests will not soon forget!

prep time 10 Min
cook time 3 Hr 30 Min
method Bake
yield 1 large turkey

Ingredients

  • 1 large turkey, neck and giblets reserved
  • 1/2 cup red onions, roughly chopped
  • 4 large sprigs rosemary
  • 1/2 tablespoon poultry seasoning
  • 1/2 tablespoon ground sage
  • 1/2 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper, or more to taste (i always use mixed peppercorns)
  • 1/4 cup basil lemon butter, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup butter, room temperature
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, or as needed
  • freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth

How To Make holiday turkey

  • Step 1
    Preheat oven at 325ºF. Remove neck and giblets; set aside. Thoroughly rinse the turkey under cold water and drain well.
  • Step 2
    Transfer it to a cutting board and tuck wings under. Add onions, rosemary sprigs and freshly ground black pepper to the bird’s cavity.
  • Step 3
    Using a rubber spatula, gently slide it between the skin and the meat of each breast half to separate it making sure not to pierce or break the skin. Take about 2 tbsp. of Basil Lemon Butter per breast, slide it under the skin and move it around to evenly distribute it. Rub regular butter all over the bird and transfer to a roasting pan.
  • Step 4
    Season the turkey generously with paprika and more freshly ground black pepper. Pour chicken broth around the outside to jump start the pan juice. Cover legs with foil and loosely place a sheet of foil on top of the breast. Insert a probe in the thickest part of the thigh and transfer the pan to the preheated oven. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 170ºF, basting often, about 3 ½ hours depending on the size of the turkey.
  • Step 5
    Remove the foil during the last hour of cooking. Baste the turkey with the pan juices. For brown crusty skin, increase temperature to broil. Remove turkey from oven, baste with broth from roasting pan, transfer to a serving plate and cover with a doubled sheet of aluminum foil; allow to rest in a warm area for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing.
  • Step 6
    To view this recipe on YouTube, click on this link >>>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcjjTUsRi6I

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