Grandma’s Been Hiding This Turkey Recipe for Years

Ever wondered about that mouthwatering roasted turkey that grandma used to prepare for Thanksgiving? The golden-brown crust, the tender, juicy meat, and the unforgettable aroma that filled the house? Well, we’re about to unlock a family secret. Today, we’re revealing grandma’s hidden roasted turkey recipe that she’s been guarding for years!

Unearthing the Secret Roasted Turkey Recipe

Grandma was always a bit coy about her roasted turkey recipe. She’d laugh off the inquiries and hide the recipe card in her ancient recipe box. But today, we’ve finally got our mitts on it, and boy, it’s worth the wait.

First things first, the secret to a great roasted turkey lies in the quality of the bird. Always opt for a fresh, organic turkey. You can get a high-quality turkey from here. Trust us, it’s a game-changer.

Tip: Make sure to thaw your turkey thoroughly if it’s frozen. A rule of thumb is to allow 24 hours of thawing for every 4-5 pounds of turkey.

Prepping the Turkey

Once you’ve got your turkey, it’s time for some prep work. Grandma’s secret was her simple but flavorful marinade. A mixture of melted butter, herbs, salt, and pepper rubbed all over and under the skin of the turkey. She also filled the cavity with aromatics like onions, celery, and carrots.

For the perfect blend of herbs, you can’t go wrong with this. It’s a delicious blend that will make your turkey taste just like grandma’s.

Tip: Don’t forget to remove the giblets and neck before you start preparing the turkey.

The Roasting Process

Roasting the turkey is where the magic truly happens. Grandma always started roasting at a high temperature to get a nice brown crust. She then lowered the heat to cook the turkey slowly and evenly.

A reliable roasting pan is essential for a perfect roasted turkey. We recommend this roasting pan. It’s sturdy, spacious, and excellent for even roasting.

Tip: Basting the turkey every 30 minutes with its own juices helps keep it moist and flavorful.

In the end, it’s all about patience and love, the two ingredients that grandma always said were the most important. As you savor every bite of this delicious roasted turkey, remember to share the warmth and joy with others, just like grandma did.

Grandma’s Roasted Turkey

Course: Main CourseCuisine: American

Servings

8

servings

A traditional family recipe for a deliciously juicy and flavorful roasted turkey.

Ingredients

• 1 12-14 lb whole turkey

• 1 cup melted butter

• 1 tablespoon salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 onion, quartered

• 2 stalks celery, cut into chunks

• 1 carrot, cut into chunks

Directions

• Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Rinse the turkey inside and out, then pat dry with paper towels.
• In a small bowl, mix melted butter, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the turkey, under the skin, and inside the cavity.
• Fill the turkey cavity with onion, celery, and carrot. Place the turkey in a roasting pan.
• Roast the turkey in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue roasting, basting every 30 minutes, for about 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Notes

• Always let your turkey rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the turkey, making it more moist and flavorful.
• The total roasting time will depend on the size of your turkey. As a general rule, you should allow about 15 minutes of roasting time per pound of turkey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I know when the turkey is done roasting?
A: The best way to ensure your turkey is cooked is by using a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (74°C) when inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, not touching bone.

Q: Can I stuff the turkey before roasting?
A: Yes, you can, but it might increase the cooking time. It’s also crucial to check the temperature of the stuffing—it should be 165°F (74°C).

Q: What can I do to make the turkey skin crispy?
A: Roasting at a high temperature initially will help the skin get nice and crispy. Also, basting the turkey with melted butter will give you a golden, crispy skin.

Q: What should I do with the leftover turkey?
A: Leftover turkey can be used in a variety of dishes like soups, salads, sandwiches or casseroles. Make sure to store it in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking.