Celebrate the festive season with a standout centerpiece that promises both flavor and tenderness. This Holiday Turkey recipe, enhanced with the rich and aromatic Basil Lemon Butter, ensures a memorable dining experience for you and your guests. Perfectly seasoned and beautifully roasted, this turkey will be the highlight of your holiday table, leaving everyone eager for seconds.
Ingredients for Holiday Turkey
- 1 large (approximately 5 to 12 kilograms) turkey, neck and giblets reserved
- 1/2 cup (120 grams) red onions, roughly chopped
- 4 large sprigs rosemary
- 1/2 tablespoon (8 grams) poultry seasoning
- 1/2 tablespoon (8 grams) ground sage
- 1/2 tablespoon (8 grams) freshly ground black pepper, or more to taste (I always use mixed peppercorns)
- 1/4 cup (60 grams) basil lemon butter, room temperature
- 1/4 cup (60 grams) butter, room temperature
- 1/2 teaspoon (1.5 gram) smoked paprika, or as needed
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) low-sodium chicken broth
How to Make Holiday Turkey
- Preheat and Prepare the Turkey: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the neck and giblets from the turkey; set them aside for another use if desired. Thoroughly rinse the turkey under cold water and drain well.
- Stuff the Cavity: Transfer the turkey to a cutting board and tuck the wings under the body. Add the roughly chopped red onions, sprigs of rosemary, and freshly ground black pepper into the bird’s cavity.
- Apply Basil Lemon Butter: Using a rubber spatula, gently slide it between the skin and the meat of each breast half to create a separation without piercing or breaking the skin. Place about 2 tablespoons (30 grams) of basil lemon butter per breast, sliding it under the skin and spreading it evenly. Rub the remaining 1/4 cup (60 grams) of regular butter all over the exterior of the turkey. Transfer the prepared turkey to a roasting pan.
- Season and Roast: Generously season the turkey with smoked paprika and additional freshly ground black pepper to taste. Pour the 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) of low-sodium chicken broth around the outside of the roasting pan to help create flavorful pan juices. Cover the turkey legs with foil and loosely place a sheet of foil over the breast to prevent over-browning. Insert a probe thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. Transfer the roasting pan to the preheated oven and cook the turkey until the internal temperature reaches 170°F (80°C), basting frequently. This should take approximately 3 ½ hours, depending on the size of the turkey.
- Finalize the Roasting: During the last hour of cooking, remove the foil covering the turkey. Continue to baste the turkey with the pan juices to promote a golden, crispy skin. If you desire an extra crispy exterior, increase the oven temperature to broil for the final minutes. Once the turkey reaches the desired temperature and the skin is beautifully browned, remove it from the oven.
- Rest and Serve: Transfer the roasted turkey to a serving platter and pour any remaining broth from the roasting pan over the top. Cover the turkey loosely with a doubled sheet of aluminum foil and allow it to rest in a warm area for 10 to 15 minutes before carving. This resting period ensures the juices redistribute, resulting in a moist and flavorful turkey. Slice and serve your irresistibly juicy Holiday Turkey, enhanced with the rich flavors of Basil Lemon Butter. Enjoy!
This Holiday Turkey recipe is a perfect blend of traditional flavors and innovative techniques, ensuring a succulent and aromatic centerpiece for your festive meals. The combination of basil lemon butter and classic seasonings infuses the turkey with a unique depth of flavor, while the careful roasting process guarantees tenderness and juiciness. Whether you’re hosting a large family gathering or an intimate celebration, this turkey will impress your guests and elevate your holiday dining experience. Embrace the joy of cooking and the warmth of the season with this exceptional turkey recipe. Happy Holidays!
