Turkey Dinner Recipe
A turkey dinner is the ultimate centerpiece for family gatherings, holidays, or any special occasion. With the right preparation and attention to detail, you can create a feast that is not only delicious but also memorable. Here’s how to make the perfect turkey dinner, complete with all the trimmings.
Ingredients
For the Turkey
- 1 whole turkey (12-15 pounds)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups chicken or turkey broth
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
For the Gravy
- Turkey drippings
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken or turkey broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Sides
- Mashed potatoes
- Green bean casserole
- Cranberry sauce
- Dinner rolls
Preparation
1. Thawing the Turkey
- If frozen, thaw the turkey in the refrigerator. Allow 24 hours of thawing time per 5 pounds of turkey.
- Pro Tip: Place the turkey on a tray to catch any drips.
2. Preparing the Turkey
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Remove the turkey giblets and pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper.
- Carefully loosen the skin over the turkey breast and rub half of the butter mixture underneath the skin. Rub the remaining butter mixture all over the turkey.
- Stuff the turkey cavity with lemon halves, onion quarters, celery, and carrots.
- Tie the turkey legs together with kitchen t and tuck the wings under the body.
Roasting the Turkey
- Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan and pour 2 cups of chicken or turkey broth into the pan.
- Cover the turkey loosely with aluminum foil and roast for 13-15 minutes per pound.
- For a 12-pound turkey, roast for approximately 3 hours.
- Remove the foil during the last 45 minutes of cooking to allow the skin to brown.
Pro Tip: Use a meat thermometer to check the turkey’s internal temperature. It should read 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast and 180°F (82°C) in the thigh.
Making the Gravy
- After removing the turkey from the oven, let it rest for 30 minutes before carving.
- Pour the turkey drippings into a saucepan, discarding any excess fat.
- Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook over medium heat for 2 minutes.
- Gradually add 1 cup of broth while whisking continuously. Simmer until the gravy thickens.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Pro Tip: For a smoother gravy, strain it through a fine mesh sieve before serving.
Serving Your Turkey Dinner
- Carve the turkey: Start with the legs, followed by the breast, slicing against the grain for tender pieces.
- Arrange sides: Place mashed potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, and dinner rolls in separate serving dishes.
- Pour the gravy into a gravy boat and serve it alongside the turkey.
Tips for a Flawless Turkey Dinner
- Don’t skip resting the turkey! This step ensures the juices redistribute for moist, flavorful meat.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor, but dried herbs work in a pinch—just reduce the amount by half.
- Prep ahead: Make sides like cranberry sauce and dinner rolls a day before to save time.
With this step-by-step guide, your turkey dinner will be the highlight of any gathering. Enjoy the process and the compliments from your guests as they savor this incredible meal!
