20+ 12 Pound Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe Cook Up Something Special!
Published on: Mar 4, 2024
For many people, Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with family and friends and enjoying a delicious feast. One of the main stars of this feast is the turkey, and there are many different ways to prepare this beloved bird. While some may opt for a smaller turkey, others may prefer a larger one to feed a larger crowd. If you're looking to impress your guests this Thanksgiving, look no further than this mouth-watering 12 pound turkey recipe. With a perfect balance of flavors and a juicy and tender texture, this recipe is sure to be a hit at your holiday table.
If you're tired of the traditional Thanksgiving turkey, why not give it a Mexican twist? This recipe calls for marinating the turkey in a flavorful mixture of lime juice, tequila, and spices before roasting it to juicy perfection. Serve it with some spicy salsa and guacamole for a delicious and unique Thanksgiving meal.
If you're a traditionalist at heart, you can't go wrong with a classic roasted Thanksgiving turkey. This recipe uses a simple yet flavorful combination of herbs, butter, and garlic to create a juicy and tender turkey that will be the star of your Thanksgiving table. Serve it with some homemade gravy and cranberry sauce for a comforting and delicious meal.
Got some leftover turkey from Thanksgiving dinner? Don't let it go to waste! Turn it into a delicious and hearty pot pie that will warm your soul. This recipe calls for flaky puff pastry and a creamy filling made with leftover turkey, vegetables, and a tasty white wine sauce. It's the perfect way to use up those Thanksgiving leftovers!
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Salt, Sugar, Mandarin Oranges, Fresh Sage
Want to ensure that your Thanksgiving turkey is juicy and flavorful? Brining is the way to go. This recipe calls for a simple brine made with salt, brown sugar, and spices, which will infuse the turkey with flavor and keep it juicy while roasting in the oven. It's an easy and foolproof way to make a delicious Thanksgiving turkey.
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Juicy Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Johnny S Seasoning Salt, Unsalted Butter, Fresh
Looking for the secret to a perfectly juicy Thanksgiving turkey? This recipe has got you covered. It calls for a beer can to be inserted into the turkey before roasting, which helps keep the meat moist and adds a delicious beer flavor to the turkey. It's a simple but effective way to take your Thanksgiving dinner to the next level.
Don't want to spend all day in the kitchen cooking a Thanksgiving turkey? This easy and no-fuss recipe is the answer. It uses a few simple ingredients like garlic, herbs, and butter to create a flavorful and juicy turkey without all the hassle. It's perfect for those who want a stress-free Thanksgiving dinner.
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Garlic Butter Thanksgiving Turkey With Gravy
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Unsalted Butter, Salt, Smoked Paprika, Dried
For garlic lovers, this Thanksgiving turkey recipe is a dream come true. It calls for a generous amount of garlic butter to be slathered all over the turkey before roasting, creating a flavorful and crispy skin. Serve it with some homemade gravy made with the drippings for a mouth-watering Thanksgiving feast.
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Maple Bacon Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Maple Syrup, Fresh Sage, Bacon, Chicken Stock
Everything is better with bacon, including Thanksgiving turkey. This recipe calls for a delicious maple bacon glaze that is brushed over the turkey while roasting, creating a sweet and savory flavor that will have your taste buds dancing. It's a unique and indulgent twist on the classic Thanksgiving turkey.
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How to Roast a Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Butter, Fresh Parsley, Fresh Rosemary, Fresh
If you're a beginner when it comes to roasting a Thanksgiving turkey, this recipe is for you. It guides you through the process step by step, from how to properly prepare the turkey to how to achieve a juicy and flavorful result. It's a must-try for those who want to master the art of roasting a Thanksgiving turkey.
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How to Cook Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Unsalted Butter, Yellow Onions, Garlic Cloves
Not a fan of traditional oven-roasted turkey? Why not try cooking your Thanksgiving turkey on the grill? This recipe shows you how to grill a turkey to perfection, infusing it with a delicious smoky flavor and creating a crispy skin. It's a unique and flavorful way to enjoy your Thanksgiving turkey.
If you want to switch things up this Thanksgiving, why not serve a gumbo instead of a traditional turkey? This recipe calls for using leftover turkey and creating a flavorful gumbo with sausage, okra, and spices. It's a delicious and comforting way to enjoy your Thanksgiving leftovers.
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Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Water, Brown Sugar, Hot Sauce, Worcestershire
Looking for a simple and classic Thanksgiving turkey recipe? This one is for you. It uses a basic combination of herbs, butter, and garlic to create a tasty and traditional turkey that will please everyone at the dinner table. Serve it with your favorite Thanksgiving sides for a delicious holiday meal.
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Easy Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Onion, Lemon, Fresh Rosemary, Fresh Thyme
If you're short on time but still want to impress your Thanksgiving guests, this easy turkey recipe is the perfect solution. It uses a few simple ingredients like lemon, herbs, and butter, and can be ready in just a couple of hours. It's a no-fuss and delicious way to make a Thanksgiving turkey.
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Bacon Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Kosher Salt, Light Brown Sugar, Smoked Paprika
For all the bacon lovers out there, this recipe is a must-try. It calls for wrapping the turkey in slices of bacon before roasting, creating a crispy and flavorful skin and infusing the meat with a delicious bacon flavor. Serve it with some bacon-studded stuffing for the ultimate Thanksgiving indulgence.
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Best Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Unsalted Butter, Yellow Onion, Garlic Cloves
Looking for the best Thanksgiving turkey recipe? Look no further. This recipe has been tried and tested and is guaranteed to give you a delicious and juicy turkey every time. It uses a flavorful herb butter to baste the turkey while roasting, creating a delicious and crispy skin. It's a winner for any Thanksgiving dinner.
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Dry Brine your Thanksgiving Turkey this Year
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Kosher Salt, Dried Thyme, Marjoram, Smoked
Forget about wet brining, dry brining is the way to go when it comes to creating a flavorful and juicy Thanksgiving turkey. This recipe calls for a simple mixture of salt, sugar, and spices to be rubbed all over the turkey and left to sit overnight, infusing it with flavor and keeping the meat tender and juicy. It's a game-changer for your Thanksgiving dinner.
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Smoked Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Garlic Cloves, Fresh Parsley, Sprigs Fresh
For a unique and flavorful Thanksgiving turkey, try smoking it instead of roasting it. This recipe uses a beer can to keep the turkey moist and a smoky dry rub to infuse it with delicious flavor. It's a great way to add a twist to your Thanksgiving dinner and impress your guests.
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No-Fail Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Olive Oil, Sea Salt, Ground Black Pepper
If you're worried about messing up your Thanksgiving turkey, this recipe is for you. It includes tips and tricks on how to prepare and roast a turkey to perfection, ensuring that even novice cooks can achieve a delicious and juicy result. It's a no-fail recipe for a stress-free Thanksgiving dinner.
For many, Thanksgiving is all about tradition, and this recipe will give you a taste of nostalgia. It's a recipe passed down from a mother to her daughter and includes a secret ingredient that gives the turkey a unique and delicious flavor. It's a must-try for those who want to recreate their childhood Thanksgiving memories.
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Spatchcocked Thanksgiving Turkey
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Kosher Salt, Softened Butter, Fresh Herb
Looking for a faster and more even way to roast your Thanksgiving turkey? Spatchcocking is the answer. This recipe guides you through the process of removing the backbone of the turkey and flattening it, resulting in a quicker and more evenly cooked turkey. It's a great technique for those who want to save time and still achieve a delicious turkey.
Preparing the Turkey
Brining
The key to a perfectly juicy and flavorful turkey is to brine it beforehand. Brining is a process of soaking the turkey in a saltwater solution, which helps to infuse the meat with moisture and flavor. To prepare the brine, start by heating 2 quarts of water in a large pot. Add in 1 cup of kosher salt, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, and a variety of aromatics such as herbs, spices, and citrus. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it cool completely before adding the turkey. Place the turkey in a large container and pour the brine over it, making sure it is fully submerged. Let the turkey brine in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours, or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.
Seasoning
Once the turkey has been brined, it's time to season it. For this recipe, we will be using a dry rub to add extra flavor to the turkey. In a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, 1 tablespoon of onion powder, 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Rub the mixture all over the turkey, making sure to get it under the skin as well. This will not only add flavor but also help to crisp up the skin during cooking.
Stuffing
While some may choose to stuff the turkey with traditional stuffing, this recipe opts for a fruit and herb stuffing for added flavor and moisture. In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of dried cranberries, 1 cup of chopped apples, 1/2 cup of chopped pecans, and 1 tablespoon of chopped rosemary. Stuff this mixture into the cavity of the turkey before roasting.
Cooking the Turkey
Roasting
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and cover it with foil. Roast for 12 minutes per pound, so for a 12 pound turkey, it will take approximately 2 hours and 24 minutes. Halfway through cooking, remove the foil and baste the turkey with the pan juices. This will help to keep the turkey moist and add more flavor. Once the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh, it is ready to be taken out of the oven.
Resting
It's important to let the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it juicier and more flavorful. Cover the turkey with foil and let it rest on the countertop. This also gives you time to finish up any last-minute dishes or prepare the gravy.
Serving the Turkey
Once the turkey has rested, it's time to carve and serve. Make sure to save the pan juices to make a delicious gravy to accompany the turkey. Serve the turkey with your favorite side dishes, and watch as your guests rave about the delicious and perfectly cooked 12 pound Thanksgiving turkey. This recipe is sure to become a family favorite and a go-to for years to come.
