As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to start planning your festive meals. A beautifully roasted turkey isn’t just traditional; it’s a centerpiece that brings everyone to the table with anticipation. This Whole Roasted Turkey recipe is crafted to ensure your bird is not only moist and flavorful but also a showstopper at any gathering.
The Secret to a Succulent Turkey
This Whole Roasted Turkey benefits from a marinade that’s rich in flavors and designed to keep the meat juicy and tender throughout the cooking process.
- Olive Oil & Dijon Mustard: These ingredients form the base of this marinade, providing moisture and a subtle tanginess that enhances the turkey’s natural flavors.
- Herbs and Spices: A careful blend of salt, pepper, granulated garlic, and coriander, combined with dried herbs like thyme, oregano, and basil, infuse the turkey with traditional holiday flavors.
- Apples and Lemons: Inserting slices of apples and lemons into the turkey cavity introduces a light, fruity aroma that complements the savory spices, balancing the overall flavor profile.
- Fresh Herbs: Adding sprigs of fresh thyme and rosemary not only makes the dish aromatic but also adds a touch of rustic charm to your holiday table.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Be sure to scroll down for full instructions. Below you find an quick overview of how to cook this turkey:
- Prepare the Marinade: Mix olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, granulated garlic, coriander, and dried herbs in a bowl to create a flavorful rub.
- Marinate the Turkey: Apply the marinade generously over the turkey, covering both the outside and the inside. For deeper flavor, let the turkey marinate in the refrigerator, ideally overnight.
- Stuff and Tie: Fill the cavity with apple and lemon slices and tie the turkey legs together. Place fresh thyme and rosemary in the roasting pan around the turkey.
- Roasting: Begin by roasting the turkey covered with foil at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. After 2.5 hours, remove the foil, increase the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and let the skin brown for another 30 minutes.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the turkey to rest under the foil for 30 minutes after baking. This step helps the juices redistribute, ensuring the meat remains moist when carved.
Tips for a Perfect Holiday Turkey
Here are some additional tips to ensure your turkey is the star of the holiday feast:
- Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of your turkey. The safest internal temperature for cooked turkey is 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Basting: Baste the turkey periodically with its juices during roasting. This keeps the meat moist and adds an extra layer of flavor.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the turkey to rest before carving is crucial. It helps the juices settle and makes the meat easier to slice.
What to Serve with Your Turkey
To complete your holiday meal, consider these classic sides that complement the flavors of your roasted turkey. A creamy green bean casserole brings a comforting, crunchy texture to the table, while warm, buttery keto cornbread offers a touch of sweetness to balance the savory herbs of the turkey. Don’t forget the moist and fluffy keto stuffing!
Soft, fluffy dinner rolls are essential for sopping up gravy and enjoying with each tender slice of turkey. For dessert, a rich keto pumpkin cheesecake provides a festive and spicy finish to your holiday feast, embodying the essence of the season with every creamy bite.
Pairing your Whole Roasted Turkey with these traditional sides will create a festive and satisfying holiday meal. Each dish not only complements the turkey but also brings its own unique flavors, making your holiday table a comprehensive gastronomic delight. Enjoy the process and the feast!
Whole Roasted Turkey
Ingredients
- 1 medium turkey about 8 lbs
- 5 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 teaspoons granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 2 teaspoons dried herbs thyme, oregano, basil
- 1 apple sliced
- 1 lemon sliced
- Fresh sprigs of thyme and rosemary
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, granulated garlic, coriander, and dried herbs until well mixed.
- Place the turkey in a baking dish and brush it thoroughly with the marinade, covering both the inside and outside. For enhanced flavor, you can let the turkey marinate covered in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight.
- Stuff the cavity of the turkey with apple and lemon slices. Tie the turkey legs together with kitchen twine and place fresh thyme and rosemary in the baking dish.
- Cover the turkey with foil and roast it in the preheated oven for 2.5 hours.
- Remove the foil, increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees F, and continue roasting for another 30 minutes to crisp the skin.
- After roasting, let the turkey rest covered with foil for 30 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
Nutrition
Trina Krug is a Holistic Nutritionist, Integrative Health Coach and host of the Carbless Conversations Podcast. With a Master’s Degree in Complementary and Alternative Medicine, her single mission in life is to facilitate self-healing in herself and those around her through awareness, lifestyle shifts and low-carb eating. As a current Doctor of Science student, she continues her studies in functional nutrition.