Recipe: Unstuffed Turkey
🕒 Cook Time: 3 hours
🕒 Prep Time: 3 hours
🕒 Total Time: 6 hours
Description: This straightforward recipe for an unstuffed turkey adheres to USDA guidelines to ensure thorough cooking, making it a reliable choice for your Thanksgiving feast or any weeknight roast dinner. While many opt to stuff their turkeys, this method keeps it simple yet delicious.
Recipe Category: Whole Turkey
Keywords: Poultry, Meat, Thanksgiving, Weeknight, Roast, Oven, Easy
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 1236.3
- Fat: 70.3g
- Saturated Fat: 20.9g
- Cholesterol: 457.4mg
- Sodium: 1687.4mg
- Carbohydrates: 0.8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 139.6g
Servings: 8
Ingredients:
- 1 whole turkey
- 1 pack of smoked bacon (quantity may vary based on personal preference)
- 4 cups of turkey broth
Instructions:
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Prepare the Turkey: Begin by rinsing the turkey inside and out thoroughly. Place it on a rack in a heavy roasting pan. Allow the bird to sit for several hours, covered with a kitchen towel, to reach room temperature. This step is crucial for even cooking.
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Ensuring the oven is adequately heated is essential for achieving a crisp, golden skin on your turkey.
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Layer with Bacon: Lay the bacon slices evenly over the turkey. The bacon adds a savory flavor and helps keep the turkey moist during cooking.
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Initial Roasting: Place the turkey in the preheated oven and roast for 30 minutes. This initial high-temperature roast helps to seal in the juices and start the cooking process.
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Reduce Heat: After 30 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Lowering the heat allows the turkey to cook through evenly without becoming overly browned on the outside.
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Remove Bacon: Carefully remove the bacon from the turkey. It will have served its purpose in adding flavor and moisture to the bird.
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Cook Until Done: Resist the urge to baste the turkey during cooking. Instead, rely on a meat thermometer to determine doneness. The innermost part of the thigh should register at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure the turkey is safely cooked.
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Adjust Browning: If the turkey begins to brown too quickly, tent it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning while allowing it to continue cooking through.
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Resting Period: Once fully cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and transfer it to a serving platter. Tent the turkey loosely with foil and allow it to rest for 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier bird.
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Prepare Gravy: While the turkey rests, prepare the gravy. Pour off all but approximately 1/4 cup of the drippings from the roasting pan. Add 4 cups of turkey broth to the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
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Reduce and Season: Place the roasting pan over medium heat and bring the liquid to a boil. Allow it to simmer until reduced by half, stirring frequently. Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve: Carve the rested turkey and serve it with the flavorful gravy alongside your favorite Thanksgiving sides. Enjoy the delicious flavors of this simple yet satisfying unstuffed turkey recipe!
Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply craving a comforting roast dinner, this unstuffed turkey recipe is sure to impress with its juicy, flavorful results. Follow these step-by-step instructions for a stress-free cooking experience and a memorable meal for family and friends.
