Brined And Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey With Simple Gravy Recipe

Unlock the secret to the juiciest, most flavorful Thanksgiving turkey! This recipe features a simple brine that transforms your bird from dry and disappointing to incredibly succulent and moist. Skip the constant basting – brining ensures a perfectly tender turkey every time. Learn how to perfectly roast your turkey and create a rich, flavorful gravy to complete your unforgettable Thanksgiving feast.

Prep Time 60 mins

Cook Time 270 mins

Calories 1265.8 kcal

Protein 281g

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Brined And Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey With Simple Gravy

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The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Brined And Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey With Simple Gravy

Onion
Celery
Carrot
Garlic Cloves
4 bay leaves
1/4 cup black peppercorns
Fresh Rosemary
Fresh Thyme
Fresh Sage
Fresh Italian Parsley
Iodized Salt
Cold Water
Whole Turkey
salt and pepper to taste
Carrots
Celery Ribs
Apple
Orange
Unsalted Butter
Chicken Stock

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How to Make Brined And Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey With Simple Gravy

**Brining (Add 24 hours before cooking):**
In a large container (at least large enough to hold the turkey), combine 1 gallon of water, 1 cup kosher salt, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup black peppercorns, 1/4 cup fresh thyme sprigs, 4 bay leaves, and 2 oranges (quartered).
Submerge the turkey completely in the brine. Cover and refrigerate for at least 24 hours (or up to 48 hours).
Remove the turkey from the brine and rinse thoroughly under cold water. Pat it completely dry with paper towels.
**Roasting:**
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan.
Rub the turkey skin with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
Roast the turkey for approximately 270 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F (74°C). Basting is not required due to brining. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking!
Let the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird.
**Simple Gravy:**
While the turkey rests, make the gravy. Skim off excess fat from the roasting pan.
Place the pan over medium heat on the stovetop. Whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden.
Gradually whisk in 4 cups of turkey broth, stirring constantly until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

324 g

Sugar

33g

Fat

114g

Carbs

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

Main Courses Main Dish / Dinner Poultry Turkey Recipes The Americas American Fall Recipes Holiday Recipes Baking

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

Course Main Ingredient Cuisine Occasion North American Main Dish Poultry Vegetables American Holiday Event Turkey Christmas Thanksgiving Passover Meat Whole Turkey Carrots Onions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Brined And Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey With Simple Gravy?

Brined And Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey With Simple Gravy takes about 330 minutes from start to finish — roughly 60 minutes to prepare and 270 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Brined And Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey With Simple Gravy?

Brined And Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey With Simple Gravy has approximately 1265.8 calories per serving, with about 281 g protein, 5 g carbohydrates and 102 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Brined And Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey With Simple Gravy?

The key ingredients for Brined And Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey With Simple Gravy are Onion, Celery, Carrot, Garlic Cloves, Bay Leaves, Black Peppercorns. See the full list with measurements above.