Ah, Thanksgiving. It's the one time of year when all the family comes together to enjoy a feast, topped off with a perfectly cooked turkey. But you know what isn't so great? When the turkey is done too early!
Cooking the turkey too early can lead to dry, overcooked meat. It can also cause the bird to cool off too quickly, leading to a loss of flavor. But don’t worry, there are a few ways to prevent this from happening. Here’s a simple recipe for a delicious, perfectly cooked turkey.
Ingredients
- 1 (14-16 pound) turkey
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
- Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey cavity and discard.
- Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, olive oil, thyme, rosemary, sage, garlic, salt and pepper. Rub the mixture all over the turkey, making sure to get under the skin.
- Place the turkey in a roasting pan, breast side up. Place in preheated oven and cook for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165 degrees F.
- Once done, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your turkey will come out of the oven perfectly cooked and juicy. Now, all you need to do is sit back and enjoy your Thanksgiving feast!
People Also Ask
How long do you cook a turkey for?
For a 14-16 pound turkey, you should cook it for 2 1/2 to 3 hours at 325 degrees F. You can check the internal temperature of the turkey with a meat thermometer to make sure it has reached 165 degrees F.
How do you keep a turkey moist?
The best way to keep a turkey moist is to make sure it's well seasoned and to baste it regularly with a mixture of butter and herbs. You can also cover the turkey with foil during the last 30 minutes of cooking to help keep it moist.
What temperature should a turkey be cooked to?
The internal temperature of the turkey should be 165 degrees F when it's done cooking. You can check the temperature with a meat thermometer to make sure it's cooked through.
