Perfect Turkey Recipe

Unlock the secret to a juicy, flavorful holiday turkey! This recipe, perfected by Shelly White, features an overnight brine for unparalleled moisture and tender meat. Impress your guests with a show-stopping centerpiece that's bursting with savory goodness. Get ready for the most delicious turkey you've ever tasted!

Prep Time 60 mins
Cook Time 1020 mins
Calories 14332.8 kcal
Protein 3351g
Rating Be the first
Perfect Turkey 58

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Forktionary editorial kitchen team

The Forktionary Kitchen Team

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

Ingredients for Perfect Turkey

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How to Make Perfect Turkey

  1. Pat a 12-14 pound turkey dry with paper towels. Rub the turkey inside and out with 2 tablespoons kosher salt.
  2. Place the turkey in a large stock pot and cover with 8 cups cold water.
  3. Place in the refrigerator and allow the turkey to brine for 12-18 hours, or overnight.
  4. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  5. Thoroughly rinse the turkey and discard the brine mixture.
  6. Melt 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter. Brush the turkey with 1/2 cup of the melted butter.
  7. Place the turkey breast side down on a roasting rack in a shallow roasting pan.
  8. Stuff the turkey cavity with 1 large onion (quartered), 1/2 cup chopped carrots, 1/2 cup chopped celery, 1 sprig fresh thyme, and 1 bay leaf.
  9. Scatter the remaining 1/2 cup chopped carrots, 1/2 cup chopped celery, and 1 sprig of fresh thyme around the bottom of the roasting pan. Pour 1 cup of dry white wine into the pan.
  10. Roast uncovered for 3 1/2 to 4 hours in the preheated oven, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 180°F (82°C).
  11. Carefully turn the turkey breast side up about 2/3 through the roasting time and brush with the remaining 1/2 cup melted butter.
  12. Allow the turkey to rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

9692 g

Sugar

116g

Fat

1216g

Carbs

21g

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Perfect Turkey?

Perfect Turkey takes about 1080 minutes from start to finish — roughly 60 minutes to prepare and 1020 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Perfect Turkey?

Perfect Turkey has approximately 14332.8 calories per serving, with about 3351 g protein, 21 g carbohydrates and 1151 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Perfect Turkey?

The key ingredients for Perfect Turkey are Turkey, Kosher Salt, Butter, Onions, Carrots, Celery. See the full list with measurements above.

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