Apple and Herb Roast Turkey
Ingredients
- 14 lbwhole turkey
- 2 capple cider
- ½ cbutter
softened
- 5 tbspkosher salt
- ¼ csage
chopped
- ¼ crosemary
chopped
- 2 tbspthyme
- 1 tbsppeppercorns
ground
- ½ capple
chopped
- ½ conion
chopped
- ½ ccelery
chopped
- 2 tbspgarlic
chopped
Directions
Brining the turkey – at least 24 hours in advance
- 1
In a mixing bowl combine the salt, pepper, sage, rosemary and thyme together. Separate the skin from the breast and apply the dry brine between the skin and turkey meat, inside the cavity, and then any remainder on the skin.
- 2
Place on a sheet pan with a baking rack and refrigerate for at least 24 hours and up to 3 days.
Roasting the turkey
- 1
Bring the turkey out of the refrigerator and allow to come to room temperature for an hour.
- 2
About 15 minutes before you are ready to bake preheat the oven to 350°F, 177°C or gas mark 4.
- 3
While the oven is preheating fill the cavity of the turkey with the garlic, apple, celery, and onion. Take the butter and place it between the skin and breast meat. Get it as far under the turkey skin as possible.
- 4
Bake covered for 1 hour. Remove the cover and pour the apple cider over the turkey and baste every 25-30 minutes.
- 5
At the two hour mark check the internal temp every 15 minutes until the temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C.
Making gravy (optional)
- 1
In a skillet cook the turkey organs and neck, if included, with ¼ cup butter until browned. Add ¼ cup flour and cook for 2 minutes or until the raw smell disappears. Add the drippings from the turkey and water until the desired thickness is reached.
Apple and Herb Roast Turkey
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 4 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Prepare for the ultimate Thanksgiving centerpiece with this Apple and Herb Roast Turkey recipe. You'll achieve a show-stopping main course that's perfectly seasoned and aromatic, ideal for your holiday feast.
The magic of this turkey lies in its approach to flavor and moisture. A generous dry brine, hinted at by the ample 5 tablespoons of kosher salt, helps tenderize the meat and infuse it with seasoning from within. Combined with fresh aromatic herbs like sage, rosemary, and thyme, plus the sweetness of apples, it ensures every bite is savory and delicious, roasted to perfection.
Imagine a beautifully golden-brown turkey, its skin crisp and its meat incredibly juicy and flavorful. As it roasts, the chopped apples, onions, celery, and garlic tucked inside gently perfume the bird, adding subtle layers of sweetness and pungency. The addition of apple cider further enhances the overall aroma and contributes to a moist environment. The result is a deeply savory dish with hints of fresh herbs and a touch of fruitiness, promising a truly memorable holiday meal. This robust main course provides a satisfying 475 calories per serving, making it a hearty centerpiece.
While sage and rosemary are classic holiday pairings, feel free to experiment with other sturdy herbs like marjoram or a bay leaf for a slightly different aromatic profile. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a few orange slices to the apple and herb stuffing for a bright, citrusy note.
This Apple and Herb Roast Turkey is undeniably the star of any Thanksgiving table. Serve it proudly as the main course, accompanied by your favorite festive sides.