Christmas Turkey Recipes for the Holidays

Well, with Christmas around the corner, there are so many things to be taken care of! From small to big, everything must be on your shoulders and we understand the essence of the responsibility! And amidst all the preparations, if you are wondering how to deal with the meal, we have got you covered there! Have you made a turkey before? Because if you haven't, this is the right place for you to check out Christmas turkey recipes for the holidays. It is no big deal as long as you follow a couple of steps.

Tips to making the whole turkey at home_ everything at your fingertip

There is no need to worry if you are sitting on a bench in the kitchen glaring at a whole turkey! We understand the guests will pour in soon, so without beating about the bush, let us get started with what you exactly need to know! Ah, huh! How to make the best turkey in the world! Believe us, with these tips, your cooking skills will be at the top of the work. Just have faith in us and do what we ask you to do! So let's get going!

1. First begin with the right size of turkey:

There are some general estimates one needs to make at the shop while you buy the turkey! Now as we say, cooking turkey does not begin in the kitchen but in the market! If you are buying a whole turkey with flesh and bones, then one pound should be estimated for one person, however, if you opt for a boneless version then you need to go for ½ a pound for each individual.

If you have to feed a large crowd then do not opt for a large bird because it will be difficult to fit in the oven at the same time and retain the moisture so that the meat does not dry off. So what can you do? You can rather opt for two small birds and segregate the meat. This way you can even make the meat in turns and can avoid any blunder with the second.

2. Thaw the turkey well:

Of course, you do not go to buy the turkey the moment before the party! So you need to wait for the turkey to thaw in the refrigerator for a while! This is to be noted that you need one day for four pounds each. Thawing turkey meat is very crucial to ensure that the meat tastes good and the texture is maintained well. Twelve pounds of bird requires three days and twenty pounds for about five days.

3. Then you need to dry brine or bust:

Turkey is something we look up to the whole year! The entire festive season is all about the hype for the whole turkey on the table. And yet, most of the time it turns out to be too dry and flavorful! However dry brining or busting is the only method to ensure that the meat turns succulent and the spices not only adhere to the surface but are also absorbed in the interiors as well. If you haven't tried dry brining before then you must now!

And you will instantly observe the difference. Dry brining requires salt which you need to rub on the surface of the meat all over and then you can cover it with a plastic and leave it in the refrigerator for about two days. Kosher salt is the commonly used option for bringing meat, especially turkey.

4. If you can, skip the stuffing:

If you fill the turkey with bread stuffing then they are most likely to turn soggy! And the stuffing will also come in contact with the raw meat in most cases! This way you will never be able to enjoy the authentic taste and the crispy texture of the stuffing! So to do the best, you can serve stuffing in another bowl so the meat and the stuffing never come in contact but you can enjoy the taste of both thoroughly. This way even the texture of the stuffing will remain crumbly and crispy at the same time.

5. Aroma leaves an impact:

There is also another thing that you need to bring to your notice! Flavoring and aroma of the same play a vital factor to lure one to consume any dish. You must make sure there are plenty of such reasons for the guests to be attracted to the dinner table as well if you are organizing a meal for them. Salt is helpful in bringing out the real taste of turkey but if you wish to add some more essence to the dish then you need herbs as well like figs, rosemary, and thyme!

6. You need a roasting rack-

Roasting racks are highly essential for you to ensure that the meat does not stick to the bottom of the pan! This prevents the meat from getting burnt or sticking at the bottom. In other words, it is safe to say that in the absence of the rack you simply can not roast as the stakes are high and one might end up with dry and chewy may.

In case you forgot to buy racks or do not wish to invest now, then all you need are some onions! Cut in sections of three-forth and arrange them in two rows. Now place the bird on top and the meat will stay intact.

7. Let us forget about basting then:

Basting is the technique which is used for turning the meat brown but it hardly helps in retaining the moisture of the meat. It although increases the time of roasting, prolonged exposure to heat can destroy the texture of the meat completely. You can cut short the excess time with some butter and olive oil that you can rub on the surface of the meat before you send it off into the oven for roasting. This way you can even get the crisp and golden brown skin but at the same time retain the moisture of the meat.

8. Always focus on the temperature of the meat when you are roasting turkey-

The internal temperature of the meat should be around 165°F and that is when you shall know that the turkey is ready! In other words,  more than the duration of meat inside the oven it is important to note the temperature mostly. You must keep a meat thermometer handy whenever you are working with meat!

Now, let us find out about some wonderful Christmas turkey recipes!

Delicious Christmas Turkey Recipes: Get Festive with Our Top Tips!

1. Best roasted turkey recipe

How can you celebrate Christmas without some meat on the table? Nothing is as good as a whole turkey roast on the table. Shall we try it then?

2. Best Thanksgiving turkey recipe

The recipe is indeed the best and if you are in the mood for some meaty delight for the season then you must try out this recipe at once. Delectable and juicy, you are certainly going to fall in love with the idea!

3. Simple roasted spatchcock turkey

Served with roasted veggies, the roasted turkey tastes so succulent and fantastic! Easy to make,  the roasted spatchcock turkey is one of its kind. So let's get started with the preps already as the guests will come home any time for your grand dinner.

4. Garlic, butter, and herb turkey

The combination of butter and herbs was a match made in heaven! Drizzled with roasted garlic, there is no way you resist yourself indulging in this treat. So what are you waiting for?

5.  The herb-roasted turkey

Well, there is nothing as good as compared to the herb roasted Turkey so if you haven't prepared it yet, then you must! The infusion of herbs renders the soupy gravy at the bottom with a fascinating flavor we must admit.

6. Juicy lemon butter roasted turkey

Ah, finally something soothing and comforting for the season! The juicy lemon butter roasted turkey is exciting and cozy simultaneously! If you did not make it yet, then you should before the holidays run out! Let's get started then!

7. Red wine turkey brine

The red wine turkey brine is an amazing idea we must admit! So if you are preparing turkey and wondering how to flavor it then all your answers lie here. This is a brilliant idea that you should definitely try out!

8. Garlic butter turkey

Well, the garlic butter turkey is an excellent choice which you will soon find out from the guests as they praise you at the table. Such a wonderful idea that renders one simply speechless at the very first bite. Buttery smoothness enriched with garlicky essence!

9. Cajun roasted turkey

Well, how could we miss out on the cajun-roasted turkey? This idea is excellent and loaded with great flavors. Smooth and savory, the roasted turkey is exciting and flooded with great taste. So when are you planning to make it?

10. Slow cooker whole turkey

The slow cooker whole turkey is another wonderful idea that we must take into account. The recipe is so easy to follow that even the beginners will shine so well. With Christmas around the corner, you know what to do!

11. Butter herb turkey breast

The duo of butter and herb is back with the turkey breast recipe that is exclusive and gorgeous. Fascinating and goofy, the succulent meat is so comforting that you can not stop yourself from grabbing more and more in every bite.

12. Roasted turkey legs

The roasted turkey legs are super easy to make and remain so moist as you serve them as appetizers on the table! Seasoned with an abundance of herbs and spices, you are definitely going to fall in love with the meaty treat!

13. Juicy bacon-roasted Thanksgiving turkey

Recipes like these make us remember that life is beautiful! The juicy and succulent bacon-filled center and the turkey meat outside are indeed a treat of the season. There is nothing that will ever be able to beat its taste.

14. Slow cooker turkey

If you are planning to make turkey in a slow cooker then that is the best idea to indulge in! Delicious and succulent, the meat turns out to be so gorgeous and good in no time. The sight of the roasted turkey will bring water to your mouth.

15. Oven-roasted turkey breast

The oven-roasted turkey breast is another outstanding idea that you must take into account. Ready in no time, the guests will surely be impressed with your creation. And the best part is, you do not have to spend much time in the kitchen! This way you can enjoy the party as well.

16. Dutch oven turkey breast

Here is a brand new recipe for turkey lovers to indulge in! If you haven't decided yet how to roast your turkey, then don't miss out on this one. Pretty easy to handle as a beginner.

17. The herb-roasted turkey

The herb roasted turkey is another exciting treat for meat lovers especially with Christmas around the corner. So if you haven't explored the best flavors of herbed turkey yet then you should now!

18. Marmalade glazed roasted turkey

The marmalade glazed roasted turkey is another brilliant idea that we are sure you would hate to miss out on! And hence we know it had to make it to the list right away!

19. Cajun butter-roasted turkey

The spicy cajun roasted turkey is a dream come true for the ones who want to experience the heat of the spices and the seasonings. Smothered with butter, you are definitely going to reach out for more and more on the plate.

20. Citrus herb turkey breast

The smooth and rich citrus herb turkey is what you must try out this season! No wonder we decided to end the list with their amazing idea and you are definitely going to thank us later. Let's get started then?

Frequently asked questions associated with making whole turkey for Christmas

1. What is the secret to making your turkey juicy and delicious?

The turkey shall taste delicious and juicy if you remember to brine the meat well! Dry brining and wet brining are both essential for the process.

2. How can you keep your turkey moist while cooking?

It might happen that the turkey will get dry and chewy as you cook the meat for a long time! But that can be avoided with the aid of some systematic technique! The legs with bones can be cooked longer than the breast which needs to be removed earlier from the oven or you will end up with very dry meat.

3. Which is better for turkey, butter or oil?

If you are making turkey, then rub with either fat like butter or oil! Either can do the job well with turkey meat!

4. What are common cooking methods when it comes to making turkey?

If you want to turn your turkey juicy and flavorful then you must either roast it or grill it in the oven. You can even opt for braising on the stovetop. All the methods are pretty feasible and quick.

5. Should you soak turkey before cooking?

Turkey can be soaked in saline water for a while before you cook the meat so that the flavor of the flesh is enhanced. This technique is known as brining.

6. Which is the best liquid to add to turkey?

You must use the stock for cooking meat, especially in the case of turkey!

Bottom Line -

When it comes to Christmas, turkey is the perfect dish to celebrate with! Whether you're looking for a traditional recipe with all the trimmings, or something a bit more adventurous, there's a turkey recipe out there for everyone. The key to selecting the right one is to consider the occasion, the audience, and the time you have available. With these tips in mind, you can create a delicious turkey dinner that will be remembered long after the holiday season ends. So go ahead, and let your taste buds take the lead -- it’s time to get cooking! As the saying goes, “Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without a turkey dinner.”

In conclusion, Christmas turkey recipes are a great way to bring friends and family together during the holidays. With a little thought and preparation, you can create a delicious and memorable meal. As Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "One's philosophy is not best expressed in words; it is expressed in the choices one makes.” So go ahead, and make the choice to enjoy a special Christmas turkey this year!

Read also:

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• 10 Delicious Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes