Make Ahead Turkey
Make Ahead Turkey
Servings 6 people
Ingredients
- 1 12 lb turkey
- 1 stick butter unsalted, room temperature
- 2 tsp. kosher salt
- 2 tsp. black pepper plus more for cavity
- 2 tbsp. fresh rosemary plus more for cavity
- 2 tbsp. fresh thyme
- 2 tbsp. lemon zest save lemon for the turkey cavity
- 2-4 onions quarted
Dry Brine
- 2 tbsp. kosher salt
- 1 tbsp. pepper
- 2 tbsp minced rosemary
- 2 tbsp. minced thyme
- 2 tbsp. baking powder
- 1 lemon zested
Instructions
- Prepare to brine your turkey 24 -48 hours before you are ready to cook your turkey.Prepare the dry brine mix and set aside. Prepare the turkey as if you were going to cook it. Remove the neck and giblets. Rinse the turkey and pat dry it very well. Apply the dry brine to the turkey. Put a little in the cavity, and rub the rest all over the turkey. Wrap with plastic wrap and place in the fridge over night.Two or more hours before you are ready to cook, remove the plastic wrap and leave it back in the fridge.
- When you are ready to cook your turkey combine the butter, salt pepper, thyme, rosemary, lemon zest. Rub and massage the butter mix all over the turkey. Stuff the turkey cavity with onions, lemon and spices. Place the turkey in a roasting pan. Cut 2-3 onions and place in the roasting pan along with the giblets and neck. Placr 1-2 cups of water in the pan. Take some kitchen string and truss the turkey. Tie the wings close to the body. Truss the drumsticks by bringing them together and tie together. Bake in a 350°F oven for 3-31/2 hours covered with foil. Cook for another hour uncovered. Let rest at least 20-30 minutes before carving. Enjoy with the usual sides. Bon Appetit. *Cooking time will vary based on the size of your turkey.