Traditional Christmas Turkey Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 whole turkey (10–12 lbs)
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 1 lemon, halved
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 1 bulb garlic, halved
  • 100g (½ cup) unsalted butter, melted
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • Olive oil (for drizzling)

How-To: Preparation

  1. Preheat Oven: Set to 180°C (350°F).

  2. Season the Cavity: Stuff the turkey with onion, lemon, rosemary, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper.

  3. Prepare Butter Mixture: Brush melted butter all over the turkey, ensuring an even coating.

  4. Drizzle Olive Oil: Lightly drizzle olive oil over the buttered turkey for extra crispiness.

  5. Truss the Turkey (Optional): Tie the legs together for even cooking.

  6. Place in Roasting Pan: Lay the turkey breast-side up in a roasting pan. Add a splash of water or stock to the pan.

  7. Roast and Baste: Roast for ~2.5–3 hours, basting with pan juices every 30 minutes. Cover with foil if browning too quickly.

  8. Check Doneness: Internal temperature should read 75°C (165°F) in the thickest part of the breast.

  9. Rest Before Serving: Let the turkey rest for 30 minutes, covered with foil, before carving.

More Details 

Cooking Times by Weight:

      • 10–12 lbs: ~2.5–3 hours
      • 12–16 lbs: ~3.5–4 hours
      • 16–20 lbs: ~4–4.5 hours
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    1. Stuffing Tips: Avoid overstuffing; it can lead to uneven cooking. Bake extra stuffing in a separate dish.

    2. Gravy Suggestions: Use pan drippings to create a rich turkey gravy. Deglaze the pan with wine or stock, then simmer with flour or cornstarch.

    3. Resting Importance: Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist turkey slices.

    4. Sides Pairing Ideas: Classic sides include roasted potatoes, cranberry sauce, and green beans. Pair with a full-bodied white wine or light red.

    5. Crispy Skin Hack: Turn the oven to 220°C (425°F) for the last 10 minutes for extra crispy skin (watch closely to avoid burning).

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