4 Delicious Ways to Elevate Your Roast Turkey

Roast turkey is a beloved comfort food to many. There’s just something so satisfying about the smell of a golden-brown turkey roasting in the oven. Not to mention, the thought of sitting down to enjoy the juicy meat and crispy skin is enough to make your mouth water. But if you’re tired of the same old roast turkey recipe and looking for a few delicious ways to elevate it, then you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, we’ll share four delicious ways to take your roast turkey from good to great. So grab your spices and turkey fryer and get ready to make the best turkey you’ve ever tasted!

Brining

Overview of Brining

Brine is a mixture of water and salt that’s used to soak the turkey before roasting. This step will add delicious flavor and help the bird maintain its juiciness while cooking instead of drying out like so many roasted turkeys tend to do. The salt works to break down proteins on the exterior of the bird which helps create a tender yet juicy turkey after roasting has been completed.

Preparing the Brine

You can make a basic brine with salt, sugar, water, and aromatics such as garlic, peppercorns, juniper berries, bay leaves, etc. To make the brine, combine 1 cup of salt and 1 gallon of water with any desired aromatics in a large pot on the stove. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until all of the salt is dissolved. Let the brine cool completely before using it to soak the turkey.

Cooking Brined Turkey

Once you have prepared the brine, soak the turkey for at least 8 hours or up to 24 hours in a large container in your refrigerator or cooler. After soaking the turkey in the brine, pat it dry before roasting it in the oven according to your recipe instructions. The result will be juicy and flavorful meat!

Glazing

Overview of Glazing

Glazing is another great way to add flavor and moisture to your roasted turkey. This method involves basting the bird with a flavorful sauce or glaze during the roasting process. This helps keep the meat moist while also adding flavor as well as creating an appetizing color on the outside of the bird.

Preparing the Glaze

You can use store-bought glazes or make one yourself at home using melted butter and any other desired ingredients like herbs, spices, citrus zest, honey, etc. Simply mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined before brushing the glaze on your turkey during roasting.

Glazing the Turkey

When glazing your turkey, brush on a generous amount of the glaze every 20 minutes while cooking in the oven according to your recipe instructions until fully done. This will result in a moist and flavorful roasted turkey!

Stuffing

Overview of Stuffing

Traditional stuffing consists of bread crumbs or cubed bread, aromatics like celery and onion, butter, and spices all mixed together. Stuffing a whole roasted turkey is a great way to add texture, moisture, and flavor. Be sure you do not pack the stuffing too tight as it should be “light and fluffy” when cooked. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the insides are well done.

Preparing the Stuffing

Start by combining herbs such as sage, thyme, and rosemary as well as salt and pepper in a small bowl. Add the bread crumbs or cubes into a larger bowl along with other desired ingredients like onion, celery, diced apples, etc. A great thing to do for texture is to toast the bread beforehand. Finally, mix melted butter into the mixture until it’s lightly moistened (not overly wet).

Stuffing the Turkey

Now that everything has been prepared, you can stuff the turkey. Begin by spooning stuffing loosely into the cavity of the bird. Once stuffed, turn the wings back up into the bird and tuck them under the body. Place any extra stuffing into a greased baking dish. Finally, roast the bird according to your recipe instructions.

Spice Rubbing

Overview of Spice Rubbing

Spice rubbing is another fantastic way to season your roast turkey! You can create some amazing flavors with this method by simply rubbing spices directly onto your bird before roasting it in an oven—no marinating required. Not only does this method help create delicious flavors but it also helps create an attractive appearance on the outside of the bird once cooked.

Preparing the Spice Rub

Start by combining desired herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and oregano as well as spices such as cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, etc into a small bowl. You can even place the spices into a pestle and grind further if you wish. Then make the herbs and spices into a paste by adding oil/ broth.

Applying the Rub

Once the spice rub has been prepared, apply it to the bird beginning from the neck area and working your way down the legs. Make sure the entire surface area has been covered. Once rubbed, place the bird onto a greased roasting pan/rack. Pour the remaining spice rub over it in an even coat. Finally, roast the turkey according to your recipe instructions.

Conclusion

So, if you’re looking to take your roast turkey to the next level, give one of these four delicious methods a try. Whether you choose to brine, glaze, stuff, or rub spices on your turkey, you’re sure to create a flavorful final product. With just a little bit of extra effort, you can have a delicious, elevated roast turkey that is sure to be a hit at your next holiday meal. So, grab your ingredients and get started on your creation today!