The Best Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe
Learn how to make the best Thanksgiving turkey recipe with simple ingredients for a tender, juicy turkey every time you bake!
Servings: 10 servings
Equipment
- 1 Oven Bag
Ingredients
Dry Rub
- 1 large yellow onion
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
- 3 bay leaves
- 10 pound turkey
Wet Rub
- 1/2 cup softened salted butter melted and slightly cooled
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley
- 3 Tablespoons fresh thyme
- 3 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 3 cloves grated garlic
To Stuff the Turkey
- Unsalted butter to taste
- Aromatics: quartered medium onion thyme, rosemary, sage, celery stalk cut into thirds, and large carrot cut into thirds.
- 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine the yellow onion(s), smoked paprika, garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, black pepper, cardamom powder, and bay leaves. Blend until a smooth consistency is achieved.1 large yellow onion, 4 cloves garlic, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 2 teaspoons onion powder, 1 tablespoon sea salt, 1 1/2 teaspoons ground black pepper, 3/4 teaspoon cardamom powder, 3 bay leaves
- Prepare the fresh turkey by removing the neck and giblets from the cavity. Pat it dry with clean paper towels.10 pound turkey
- Carefully lift the skin of the breasts and legs, and rub some of the marinade underneath, massaging it in thoroughly. Spread a bit of the marinade inside the turkey cavity and all around the exterior.
- In a bowl, whisk the melted butter, salt, black pepper, paprika, parsley, thyme, lemon juice, lemon zest, and garlic together. Brush the mixture all over the outside of the turkey.1/2 cup softened salted butter, 1 teaspoon sea salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/3 cup fresh parsley, 3 Tablespoons fresh thyme, Zest of 1 lemon, 3 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 3 cloves grated garlic
- Cut a stick of cold butter into 1 tablespoon slices. Slide the butter pieces under the skin of the breasts and legs, distributing it evenly.Unsalted butter to taste
- Stuff the turkey cavity with aromatic ingredients: a quartered medium onion, thyme, rosemary, sage, celery stalk cut into thirds, and large carrot cut into thirds.Aromatics: quartered medium onion
- Take an oven bag and sprinkle 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour inside. Place the seasoned turkey into the oven bag and seal it, ensuring there's no air trapped inside. Cut six slits in the bag.2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Refrigerate the prepared turkey overnight to allow the flavors to permeate and marinate the meat thoroughly.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the turkey in the oven and bake for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahreneheit.
Notes
Note: Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the turkey. Ensure the turkey reaches a safe internal temperature before serving. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Baking times when cooking with an oven bag:
- 8 to 12 pounds: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
- 12 to 16 pounds: 2 to 2.5 hours
- 16 to 20 pounds: 2.5 to 3 hours
- 20 to 24 pounds: 3 to 3.5 hours
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 728kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 75g | Fat: 44g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 316mg | Sodium: 1358mg | Potassium: 1118mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1063IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 94mg | Iron: 7mg
