This recipe transforms a whole turkey into a holiday centerpiece with deeply infused flavors and a beautifully browned skin. The secret is an overnight brine, a simple yet impactful blend of water, salt, aromatics like fresh garlic, peppercorns, and rosemary. This brine not only seasons the turkey from the inside out but also helps to keep it incredibly moist throughout the roasting process.
Feel free to customize the brine with your own preferred herbs, spices, or citrus for a unique twist. The turkey roasts on a v-shaped rack set within a roasting pan. Initially, it's positioned breast-side down, allowing the flavorful broth in the pan to gently steam the meat and promote rendered fat.
After a period, the turkey is flipped to breast-side up, promising an evenly cooked bird. During the final stretch, a luscious butter mixture is generously brushed over the skin, encouraging a rich, golden-brown hue and an irresistible depth of flavor. The result is a turkey with moist, tender meat and a crispy, flavorful skin that's sure to impress.
This recipe is based on a 15-pound turkey, but it can easily accommodate a range of sizes. A general guideline is to plan for approximately 15 minutes of cooking time per pound. However, for optimal results, rely on a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh and breast.
Aim for an internal temperature of 160-165°F to ensure the turkey is cooked through but remains juicy. For this recipe, ensure you have a large pot, big enough to submerge the entire turkey in the brine. A meat thermometer, especially one with a probe for continuous temperature monitoring, is essential for perfectly cooked turkey.
This turkey is delicious served with your favorite sides for a complete holiday meal.
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