Delicious Butterball Turkey Recipes for a Memorable Thanksgiving
Guide or Summary:Classic Roasted Butterball TurkeyButterball Turkey Breast with Herb ButterButterball Turkey with Cranberry GlazeThanksgiving is a time for……
Guide or Summary:
- Classic Roasted Butterball Turkey
- Butterball Turkey Breast with Herb Butter
- Butterball Turkey with Cranberry Glaze
Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and of course, delicious food. One of the most iconic dishes of this holiday is undoubtedly the turkey. If you're looking to make this year's feast unforgettable, you can't go wrong with Butterball turkey recipes. These recipes are designed to bring out the best flavors in your turkey, ensuring your Thanksgiving meal is a hit. In this article, we'll explore some of the best Butterball turkey recipes for Thanksgiving, offering tips and tricks to make your cooking process as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Classic Roasted Butterball Turkey
When it comes to traditional Thanksgiving dinners, a classic roasted Butterball turkey is a must. This recipe is straightforward yet yields a bird that's juicy on the inside and perfectly crispy on the outside.
**Ingredients:**
- 1 Butterball turkey (12-14 pounds)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, sage) for stuffing
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Remove the giblets and pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, and sage.
4. Rub the butter mixture all over the turkey, making sure to get under the skin for extra flavor.
5. Stuff the cavity with lemon, onion, garlic, and fresh herbs.
6. Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan.
7. Roast the turkey, basting occasionally with pan juices, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh, about 3 to 3.5 hours.
8. Let the turkey rest for at least 20 minutes before carving.
Butterball Turkey Breast with Herb Butter
If you're hosting a smaller gathering or prefer white meat, a Butterball turkey breast is an excellent choice. This recipe features an herb butter that infuses the meat with rich, savory flavors.
- 1 Butterball turkey breast (4-5 pounds)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, parsley, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and minced garlic.
3. Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels.
4. Carefully loosen the skin of the turkey breast and spread the herb butter underneath, as well as on top of the skin.
5. Place the turkey breast on a roasting rack in a roasting pan.
6. Roast the turkey breast until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), about 1.5 to 2 hours.
7. Let the turkey breast rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Butterball Turkey with Cranberry Glaze
For those who love a sweet and tangy twist, a Butterball turkey with cranberry glaze is a fantastic option. This recipe combines the classic flavors of turkey with the festive taste of cranberries.
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
3. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
4. Rub the butter mixture all over the turkey.
5. Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan.
6. In a saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, orange juice, honey, and Dijon mustard. Cook over medium heat until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.
7. Roast the turkey, basting with the cranberry glaze every 30 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh, about 3 to 3.5 hours.
Whether you prefer a classic roast, a flavorful herb butter, or a sweet cranberry glaze, these Butterball turkey recipes for Thanksgiving are sure to impress your guests. Each recipe offers a unique twist on the traditional turkey, ensuring that your holiday meal is both memorable and delicious. With the right ingredients and a little bit of preparation, you'll be able to create a Thanksgiving feast that everyone will love. Happy cooking!