Christmas Turkey Roast

Name: Christmas Turkey Roast
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 180 min
Total time: 230 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Quebecois
Ingredients: 1 whole turkey (about 5 kg (11 lbs), thawed); 4 litres water; 1 cup salt (kosher); 1/2 cup sugar; 2 tbsp peppercorns (crushed); 4 bay leaves; 1 orange (sliced); 1 lemon (sliced); 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened); 2 tbsp fresh rosemary (chopped); 2 tbsp fresh thyme (chopped); 2 tbsp fresh sage (chopped); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 2 carrots (chopped); 2 celery stalks (chopped); 1 onion (quartered); 2 cups chicken broth

230 min 8 servings Medium

All Recipes

Delight in the succulent and flavourful Christmas turkey roast that will be the centrepiece of your festive table.

Prep

30 min

Cook

180 min

Total

230 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Bringing a golden, succulent turkey roast to your Christmas table is a tradition cherished by many. The aroma of a perfectly roasted turkey wafting through the house instantly evokes the warmth and joy of the festive season. Preparing a turkey roast may seem daunting, but with the right approach, it can be a straightforward and rewarding experience. This recipe guides you step-by-step to ensure your Christmas turkey is juicy, flavourful, and cooked to perfection, making it the standout dish of your holiday feast.

Instructions

Prepare the brine

In a large pot, combine water, salt, sugar, peppercorns, bay leaves, orange, and lemon slices. Stir until the salt and sugar dissolve. Submerge the turkey in the brine, cover, and refrigerate overnight.

Pro tip: Ensure turkey is fully submerged in the brine for even seasoning.

Prepare the herb butter

In a bowl, mix softened butter with chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, and minced garlic. Blend until well combined.

Preheat and prep the turkey

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the turkey from the brine, pat dry with paper towels, and place on a roasting rack set inside a large roasting pan.

Pro tip: Drying the turkey helps achieve crispy skin.

Apply herb butter

Gently separate the turkey skin from the breast meat with your fingers and apply the herb butter evenly under the skin. Rub any remaining butter over the outside of the turkey.

Pro tip: This ensures the turkey breast remains moist and flavourful.

Stuff and arrange

Stuff the cavity with chopped carrots, celery, and onion. Pour chicken broth into the bottom of the pan to keep the turkey moist during roasting.

Roast the turkey

Roast the turkey in the preheated oven for approximately 3 hours, or until an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached in the thickest part of the breast and thighs. Baste occasionally with pan juices.

Pro tip: Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature for food safety.

Rest the turkey

Once done, remove the turkey from the oven, tent with foil, and let it rest for 20 minutes before carving.

Pro tip: This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat juicier.

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Tips & Tricks

Brining the turkey overnight ensures it remains juicy and tender.
For a crisp skin, ensure the turkey skin is dry before roasting.
Resting the turkey after roasting allows the juices to redistribute.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is safely cooked.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you make a juicy turkey roast?

Brining the turkey overnight and using herb butter under the skin ensure it stays juicy.

What temperature should a turkey be cooked to?

The turkey should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast and thighs.

How long does it take to roast a turkey?

Roast the turkey for approximately 3 hours at 325°F (165°C), depending on its size.

What are some good side dishes for roast turkey?

Cranberry sauce, stuffing, and roasted vegetables complement the flavours of roast turkey.

How do you store leftover turkey?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze for up to two months.

Serving Suggestions

Once your turkey is beautifully roasted, let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. This resting period is crucial as it allows the juices to settle, ensuring each slice is moist and tender. Pair this roast turkey with traditional sides like cranberry sauce, stuffing, and roasted vegetables. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for up to two months, making it perfect for sandwiches and salads post-Christmas.