Thanksgiving Turkey

Thanksgiving Turkey

The Thanksgiving turkey is the main dish and symbol of Thanksgiving dinner in the United States. 

Traditionally, a whole turkey is prepared and served, which can be stuffed with stuffing (also known as stuffing or dressing) before roasting.

Thanksgiving Turkey Preparation

das Erntedankfest

Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes

das Erntedankfest

Thanksgiving Turkey stuffings

das Erntedankfest

Thanksgiving turkey carving

das Erntedankfest

Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes

das Erntedankfest

Thanksgiving Turkey stuffings

das Erntedankfest

There are many different methods and recipes for preparing the perfect Thanksgiving turkey, but here are some basic steps and tips:

Selecting the turkey

Choose a turkey that is large enough to feed all of your guests. Plan on about 0.5 to 1 lb. per person, depending on whether you want a lot or a few leftovers.

Thawing

If the turkey is frozen, let it thaw slowly in the refrigerator. Allow about 24 hours of thawing time for every 2.5 kg of turkey.

Stuffing

Prepare the desired stuffing, which consists of bread cubes, onions, celery, herbs and spices. It is also possible to bake the stuffing separately to shorten the cooking time of the turkey.

Seasoning

Rub the turkey inside and out with salt, pepper and other desired spices and herbs. Some people also inject melted butter or broth into the meat to make it juicier.

Stuffing

Loosely stuff the turkey with the prepared stuffing. Be careful not to pack the stuffing too tightly, as it will expand during cooking.

Roasting

Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan and cover loosely with aluminum foil at first. Roast the turkey at about 325°F.  Allow about 15 minutes of cooking time per 0.5 kg, depending on the size and stuffing of the turkey.

Checking the temperature

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey and stuffing. The turkey is cooked when the internal temperature of the breast reaches 165°F  and the internal temperature of the stuffing reaches 165°F.

Allow to rest

After removing the turkey from the oven, let it rest for about 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to distribute throughout the meat and keeps it juicier.

Serve

Carve the turkey and serve on a large platter along with the sides and sauces, such as cranberry sauce and turkey jus or gravy.A perfectly prepared Thanksgiving turkey is the centerpiece of the feast and an important tradition cherished by many American families.

Thanksgiving turkey recipes

There are many variations of Thanksgiving turkey recipes in America, but here are three of the most popular recipes.

Classic roasted Thanksgiving turkey

Thanksgiving Salads

Turkey stuffed with apple and onion with maple syrup glaze

Pumpkin soup

Cheese Appetizers

Cheese Appetizers

Classic roasted Thanksgiving turkey

Ingredients:

  • 1 whole turkey (12-15 lbs), thawed.
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 1 whole garlic bulb, halved
  • 1 bunch fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, sage)
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

Optional:

  •  filling of your choice

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 325 °F and place the rack in the bottom half of the oven.
  2. Remove giblets and neck from turkey. Rinse carefully and pat dry.
  3. Season the turkey inside and out with salt and pepper.
  4. Add the quartered onion, halved garlic bulb and fresh herbs to the turkey cavity. If desired, you can also add prepared stuffing to the cavity, but be careful not to pack it too tightly.
  5. Fold the wings of the turkey under the body to avoid burning the tips. You can tie the legs together with kitchen twine to hold them in place.
  6. Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan and pour the melted butter generously over the entire turkey.
  7. Roast the turkey in the preheated oven, basting every 30-45 minutes with the melted butter or any meat juices that escape. Expect roasting time to be about 15 minutes per pound.
  8. Check the internal temperature of the turkey with a meat thermometer. The turkey is cooked when the internal temperature of the breast reaches 165 °F.
  9. Remove the turkey from the oven, cover loosely with aluminum foil, and let rest for 20-30 minutes before carving and serving.

This classic recipe is popular with many American families during Thanksgiving dinner because it is easy to prepare and results in a juicy, flavorful turkey.

Turkey stuffed with apple and onion with maple syrup glaze

Ingredients:

  • 1 whole turkey (12-15 lbs), thawed.
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 medium onions, quartered
  • 3 medium apples, quartered and cored
  • 1 bunch fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, sage)
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 325 °F and place rack in bottom half of oven.
  2. Remove giblets and neck from turkey. Rinse carefully and pat dry.
  3. Season the turkey inside and out with salt and pepper.
  4. Add the quartered onions, apples and fresh herbs to the turkey.
  5. old the wings of the turkey under the body to avoid burning the tips. You can tie the legs with kitchen twine to hold them in place.
  6. Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan and pour the melted butter generously over the entire turkey.
  7. Roast the turkey in the preheated oven, basting every 30-45 minutes with the melted butter or any meat juices that escape. Expect roasting time to be about 15 minutes per pound.
  8. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, pour the maple syrup glaze over the turkey and continue roasting until the glaze caramelizes and the turkey turns a golden brown color.
  9. Check the internal temperature of the turkey with a meat thermometer. The turkey is cooked when the internal temperature of the breast reaches 165 °F.
  10. Remove the turkey from the oven, cover loosely with aluminum foil, and let rest for 20-30 minutes before carving and serving.

This recipe adds an extra flavor dimension to the turkey with the apple and onion stuffing and maple syrup glaze, and is perfect for a festive Thanksgiving dinner.