Best Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe: A Savory Delight
Are you looking for a turkey recipe that will take your Thanksgiving dinner to the next level? Look no further than this juicy Champagne Thanksgiving Day Turkey Recipe. This recipe makes juicy and succulent turkey that will be the talk of the table.
The secret to this mouth-watering recipe is the use of champagne basting, which adds a unique flavor and helps to keep the turkey moist. The turkey is also rubbed with a blend of dried herbs and citrus flavors that perfectly compliment the bubbly champagne.
And don’t worry, this recipe is easy to follow and perfect for novice cooks. So why not switch things up this year and try this delicious recipe for the best Thanksgiving yet?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and if you’re anything like me, you’re starting to plan out the perfect menu. If you’re searching for the ultimate Thanksgiving turkey recipe that’s going to leave your guests talking about it for years to come, look no further than this juicy champagne Thanksgiving Day Turkey Recipe.
The recipe makes a succulent turkey that will be the centerpiece of your holiday meal. The secret to making this turkey so flavorful and moist is in the rubbing of dried herbs before baking it with Champagne. The result is a juicy delicious turkey that is garnished beautifully with orange, onion, celery, and carrot.
Not only does this recipe make a wholly satisfying meal, but it is also extremely versatile. The turkey can be paired with an array of side dishes like creamy mashed potatoes and green beans for a traditional pairing or even go bold and try it with spiced cornbread stuffing or roasted acorn squash.
Besides, this recipe makes the best turkey ever without having to brine it. It saves a lot of time and ensures that your favorite Thanksgiving bird comes out tender, juicy, and golden brown every time. So if you’re looking for the perfect recipe for your holiday turkey, look no further than our champagne Thanksgiving Day turkey recipe!
Ingredient List
Here is a complete list of the ingredients you will need to make this juicy champagne Thanksgiving turkey recipe:
- 1 whole turkey, giblets removed
- 1 cup butter
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon dried rosemary, ground
- 1 tablespoon rubbed dried sage
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups of champagne
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- 4 celery stalks, coarsely chopped
- 4 carrots, coarsely chopped
- 2 onions, quartered
- 1 orange, quartered
Optional:
– Brine mixture (see “Tips for Perfect Results”)
– Roasting bag
These herbs and ingredients are enough to make a juicy and delicious turkey that will be the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving feast. The combination of champagne, chicken broth, and vegetables add moisture and flavor to the meat. Don’t forget to include the orange, as it adds a delightful citrusy aroma and taste to the dish. You can also use a brine mixture or roasting bag to keep the turkey moist during cooking.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we’ve discussed why this Juicy Champagne Thanksgiving Day Turkey Recipe is the best turkey recipe out there, let’s get to the main event – the recipe itself. This recipe is an excellent option if you want to cook a juicy, succulent, and flavorful turkey for this Thanksgiving or any other special occasion.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make this fantastic dish:
- One whole turkey (about 12-14 pounds)
- 2 cups of champagne
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1 onion
- 2 carrots
- 2 celery sticks
- 1 orange
- Salt and Lemon Pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of pepper
- 2 tablespoons of dried thyme leaves
- 2 tablespoons of dried sage
- 2 tablespoons of dried rosemary
- 2 tablespoons of dried parsley
- 1 cup (2 sticks) of melted butter
- Roasting pan
Preparation
- Start by preheating your oven at 325ºF (160ºC).
- Remove the neck and giblets from the turkey and set them aside (you can use them for gravy later). Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water and pat it dry with a paper towel.
- Rub the inside of the turkey with salt and lemon pepper.
- In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add some olive oil and rub it all over the turkey.
- Combine dried herbs (thyme leaves, sage, rosemary, and parsley). Rub your turkey rubbed with dried herbs inside and out with the herb mix.
- Cut an onion in half and place it into the turkey cavity. Cut an orange into quarters, and do the same. Finish stuffing the cavity with 2 carrots and 2 celery sticks.
- Melt one cup (2 sticks) of butter, and pour it all over the turkey.
- Get a bottle of champagne and pour champagne and chicken broth over the turkey.
- Make sure that the breast side keeps up, while placing your turkey in the roasting pan. Use foil to tent it loosely but do not wrap it tight.
Baking
- Bake your turkey covered with the foil for the first hour and forty-five minutes.
- Remove foil and allow the turkey to cook uncovered for at least forty-five minutes, or until its internal temperature reaches 165ºF (75ºC).
- Every fifteen minutes, baste your turkey with some juices from the roasting pan to keep it moist and juicy.
Serving
Once your turkey has finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving – this is key to ensure a juicy delicious result! You can serve it with some
Substitutions and Variations
There are several substitutions and variations you can make with this juicy champagne Thanksgiving Day turkey recipe to cater to your taste and preference.
Firstly, if you prefer a brined turkey, you can substitute the champagne basting with a brine solution. Combine 2 cups of kosher salt, 1 cup of sugar, 4 bay leaves, 1 tablespoon of black peppercorns, and 1 tablespoon of dried thyme in a large pot with 2 quarts of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring to dissolve the salt and sugar. Remove from heat and add cold water to cool down the solution before placing the whole turkey in the brine for at least 8 hours or overnight in the fridge. Rinse off the brine before roasting as per the recipe instructions.
For a variation on the herbs used in this recipe, you could try substituting dried herbs with fresh ones such as rosemary or thyme. Alternatively, you could also experiment with different herb combinations for added flavor complexity.
If you prefer cooking the turkey without using a roasting bag or champagne basting altogether, you can still achieve a great-tasting juicy turkey by using melted butter alone or diluted with white wine instead.
Finally, if you have particular dietary restrictions or preferences such as using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth or using celery seed instead of celery stalks for flavoring, feel free to make those substitutions. With some creativity and imagination, this recipe is adaptable to suit your needs while still delivering a juicy and delicious Thanksgiving Day turkey.
Serving and Pairing
Juicy and succulent, this Champagne Thanksgiving Day Turkey Recipe deserves a perfect pairing that complements its rich flavors. The fruity flavor of champagne basted turkey pairs well with autumnal side dishes, such as cranberry sauce, butternut squash casserole, and creamy mashed potatoes. For an elevated dining experience, opt for a buttery Chardonnay or a light-bodied Pinot Noir to balance the sharpness of cranberry sauce.
If you prefer a sweeter wine, try a Gewurztraminer or Riesling that can hold its own with the turkey’s robust flavors. If you’re feeling even more adventurous, serve the turkey with mimosa cocktails; their effervescence can help cleanse the palate after every bite.
When it comes down to serving, carve the Champagne turkey into thin slices and let your guests help themselves to the succulent meat. Garnish the platter with fresh sage and orange zest to elevate presentation and add an aromatic burst of flavor. Your juicy delicious Champagne Thanksgiving turkey will surely be the centerpiece of your holiday feast – enjoy every bite!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about this juicy Champagne Thanksgiving turkey recipe is that you can make it ahead of time and store it for later. If you’re planning to serve this turkey at a big family gathering, making it ahead of time can be a lifesaver!
To make-ahead, prepare the turkey as directed in the recipe, but don’t bake it yet. Instead, cover the seasoned turkey with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to one day before baking.
When it comes time to cook, simply take the chilled turkey out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature for an hour. Then, place the turkey in a preheated oven and bake according to the recipe instructions.
If you have leftovers (which is highly unlikely because this juicy delicious bird will fly off your serving platter!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat slices in a oven set to 350°F (180°C) or microwave on medium power until heated through.
Pro-tip: Use leftover turkey to create amazing sandwiches, soups, salads and rice bowls. Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to cooking a turkey, you want to make sure that it’s perfect in every way. Here are some tips to achieve the perfect Juicy Champagne Thanksgiving Day Turkey Recipe:
1. Brine your turkey before cooking
If you have time, brining your turkey can help it stay extra moist and flavorful. Dissolve 1 cup of salt in 1 gallon of water, and mix in any extra herbs or spices you desire. Submerge the turkey in the mixture for 12-24 hours before cooking.
2. Baste with champagne and butter
To make sure the turkey stays juicy, baste it often with a mixture of melted butter and dry champagne. It adds both flavor and moisture, ensuring that your bird is succulent and delicious.
3. Keep the breast meat moist
Because breast meat can dry out faster than other parts of the turkey, tent it with foil after about an hour or so of cooking time. This will help keep it moist while allowing the rest of the bird to brown nicely.
4. Roasting bag method
Use a roasting bag to trap moisture and heat around the turkey for a juicy result. You can also prepare more complex suits with specialized equipment such as carving knives or thermometers.
5. Rest before carving
It may be tempting to start carving right away, but letting the turkey rest for at least 20 minutes after removing it from the oven will help lock in moisture and ensure optimal tenderness.
By following these tips, you’re sure to end up with the best Thanksgiving turkey ever – one that is juicy and succulent with all the flavors and aromas of a classic holiday meal.
FAQ
As we hope you’re excited to prepare this juicy champagne Thanksgiving Day turkey recipe, you might still have some questions or concerns about the recipe. Here are some of the most common questions we’ve received, along with our answers to help guide you through preparing this delicious and succulent turkey.
What is the secret to a moist turkey?
According to Tommy, a crucial trick to roast a whole bird to perfection is to cook the legs for a longer time than the breast. To prevent the breast from becoming dry, one should remove the bird once the breast is cooked, detach the legs, and then return the legs for further cooking.
How do you make a turkey juicy and not dry?
If you want your turkey breast to remain succulent, let me share a handy trick with you. First, take a square foil sheet and fold it into a triangle. Then, rub olive oil on one side of the triangle and drape the foil, with the oiled side on the meat, over the turkey breast. This will act as a shield to protect it from becoming dry. And voila! Your turkey breast will retain its juiciness.
What kind of champagne for turkey?
When it comes to pairing wine with turkey, a Brut Champagne is a great choice. This particular style has medium levels of sweetness which complements the dish well. Since turkey is not as greasy as other meats, a lesser acidity is required from the wine to cleanse the palate. Additionally, the fruity and sweet flavors present in a Brut Champagne will balance out the savory notes of the meal, resulting in a delicious combination.
How do you keep a turkey moist if you cook it the day before Thanksgiving?
For optimal turkey cooking, it is recommended to maintain the oven temperature above 325°F. To ensure the turkey is tender and juicy, a small amount of broth or water can be added and covered during the reheating process. It is important to confirm that the turkey has reached an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Juicy Champagne Thanksgiving Day Turkey Recipe is a must-try for all turkey lovers. This recipe makes a juicy and succulent turkey that will make your Thanksgiving dinner unforgettable. The champagne baste adds a touch of elegance to a classic dish, making it perfect for holiday celebrations.
Whether you are an experienced cook or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and will result in a perfect turkey. With simple ingredients like dried herbs, garlic powder, and chicken broth, this recipe can be prepared ahead of time and cooked on the day of your feast.
To achieve the best results, be sure to keep the turkey moist by basting it with champagne and melted butter throughout the cooking process. Remember to let the turkey rest before carving to allow the juices to distribute evenly.
In summary, this Juicy Champagne Thanksgiving Day Turkey Recipe is the best way to ensure that your holiday dinner is delicious and memorable. So put on your apron, grab your roasting pan, and get ready to create the most succulent turkey you have ever tasted. Your guests will be impressed with your culinary skills and will be asking for the recipe. Happy cooking!
Juicy Champagne Thanksgiving Day Turkey Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley
- 2 tablespoons ground dried rosemary
- 2 tablespoons rubbed dried sage
- 2 tablespoons dried thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon lemon pepper
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 (15 lb) whole turkey, neck and giblets removed
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 orange, cut into wedges
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can chicken broth
- 1 (750 ml) bottle champagne
Instructions
- Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Line a turkey roaster with long sheets of aluminum foil that will be long enough to wrap over the turkey.
- Stir together the parsley, rosemary, sage, thyme, lemon pepper, and salt in a small bowl.
- Rub the herb mixture into the cavity of the turkey, then stuff with the celery, orange, onion, and carrot.
- Truss if desired, and place the turkey into the roasting pan.
- Pour the chicken broth and champagne over the turkey, making sure to get some champagne in the cavity.
- Bring the aluminum foil over the top of the turkey, and seal. Try to keep the foil from touching the skin of the turkey breast or legs.
- Bake the turkey in the preheated oven for 2 1/2 to 3 hours until no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear.
- Uncover the turkey, and continue baking until the skin turns golden brown, 30 minutes to 1 hour longer.
- An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, near the bone should read 180 degrees F (82 degrees C).
- Remove the turkey from the oven, cover with a doubled sheet of aluminum foil, and allow to rest in a warm area 10 to 15 minutes before slicing.