Name: Roast Turkey Recipe Christmas
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Brine Ingredients: 1 gallon water; 1/2 cup kosher salt; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 2 tbsp black peppercorns; 4 cloves garlic, smashed; 2 bay leaves; 1 orange, quartered (optional); Turkey Ingredients: 12–14 lb whole turkey (fresh or thawed); 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped; 2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped; 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 onion, quartered; 2 carrots, chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped

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Roast Turkey Recipe Christmas is a majestic main that roasts a brined bird to golden perfection, slathered in herb butter for crispy skin and tender meat— the ultimate holiday showstopper served with gravy and sides. With a simple brine for juiciness and festive herbs like rosemary and sage, it’s perfect for Christmas dinner. Whether you’re hosting a full family feast or a small gathering, you can brine and roast this Roast Turkey Recipe Christmas to deliver Thanksgiving-level wow without the week-long prep.

What is the Roast Turkey Recipe Christmas?

The Roast Turkey Recipe Christmas is an oven-roasted whole turkey brined for moisture, rubbed with compound butter, and roasted low-and-slow for even cooking and flavorful skin. This holiday essential serves up carved slices ready for gravy, making it ideal for Christmas tables. If you’re craving a festive focal point, follow the Roast Turkey Recipe Christmas to recreate this elegant tradition at home.

Why You’ll Love Roast Turkey Recipe Christmas

There are countless reasons why the roast turkey recipe Christmas has become a staple for holiday hosts everywhere. From its juicy tenderness to its impressive presentation, this recipe delivers big on tradition without the trial-and-error. Here’s why you’ll roast it on repeat:

Quick and Effortless Brine
One of the best parts of the roast turkey recipe Christmas is how it preps in 20 minutes (plus brine time). No constant basting—just roast and rest. It’s perfect for those merry mornings when the kitchen calls.
The Perfect Balance of Flavors
This recipe captures turkey’s glory with herby butter, brined moisture, and subtle sage-rosemary notes, creating slices that are savory and succulent. It’s customizable with citrus or garlic—much like how herb-infused flavors elevate dishes in the Lemon Herb Tahini Recipe.
Minimal Cleanup
True to one-pan prowess, everything roasts in a single roasting pan, keeping your kitchen calm. It’s as straightforward as the steps below, using staples like turkey and butter for a no-mess marvel.
Versatile for Any Gathering
Whether it’s a Christmas dinner or New Year’s brunch, this turkey scales seamlessly. Carve for sandwiches or serve whole. Experiment with glazes, similar to how lemon brightens up the Baby Lemon Impossible Pies Recipe.
Ideal for Festive Feasts
The brined juiciness is incredibly satisfying on holiday tables, delivering that roasted hug without dryness. It’s an invigorating option, providing protein-packed slices for the season.
A Holiday Favorite Showstopper
With its golden skin and herb flecks, this turkey looks like a pro’s work—impressive yet simple. Carve tableside for that enchanting touch; it’s sure to wow, just like the bold layers in the Lemon Herb Tahini Recipe.

The roast turkey recipe Christmas offers the ideal mix of crisp, juice, and joy, making it a must-try for holiday mains. If you’re after a centerpiece that carves like a dream, this one will quickly become your festive favorite!

Juicy, herb-roasted roast turkey recipe Christmas with crispy skin—perfect for dinners, leftovers, or anytime you crave holiday elegance without the fuss.

Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 4–12 hours brine)
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Yield: Serves 10–12 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Oven
Cuisine: Holiday American

Ingredients

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Brine

1 gallon water
1/2 cup salt

Turkey

12–14 lb turkey
1/2 cup butter

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Instructions

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Nutrition
Serving Size: 4 oz

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Roast Turkey Recipe Christmas Ingredients

Brine Ingredients

1 gallon water
1/2 cup kosher salt
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp black peppercorns
4 cloves garlic, smashed
2 bay leaves
1 orange, quartered (optional)

Turkey Ingredients

12–14 lb whole turkey (fresh or thawed)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
1 onion, quartered
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped

How to Make Roast Turkey Recipe Christmas

Step 1: Brine the Turkey

In a large pot, heat 4 cups water with salt, sugar, peppercorns, garlic, bay leaves, and orange. Stir until dissolved, then add remaining water. Submerge turkey and brine in fridge 4–12 hours. Rinse and pat dry.

Step 2: Prep and Stuff

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Mix softened butter with herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper. Loosen turkey skin and rub butter underneath and over. Stuff cavity with onion, carrots, and celery. Tie legs.

Step 3: Roast and Rest

Place turkey on a rack in a roasting pan. Roast 3–3.5 hours, basting every 30 minutes after the first hour, until internal temp reaches 165°F in thigh. Tent with foil if browning too fast. Rest 30 minutes before carving.

How Long Will Roast Turkey Recipe Christmas Last?

When storing your roast turkey recipe Christmas, prompt chilling keeps its juicy magic alive. These tips ensure it stays fresh for leftovers, especially for holiday feasts.

How Long Does Roast Turkey Recipe Christmas Last in the Fridge?

Carved turkey keeps 3–4 days in an airtight container. It may dry slightly, but gravy revives moisture.

To maintain juiciness:

Cool and carve within 2 hours.
Store with gravy or broth.
Reheat covered at 325°F.

Can You Freeze Roast Turkey Recipe Christmas?

Yes—portion and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge. (Pro tip: Similar to storing custardy desserts in the Baby Lemon Impossible Pies Recipe, wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn.)

Signs That Your Turkey Has Gone Bad

Watch for:

Slimy skin or off smells.
Gray discoloration.
Mold spots.

Follow these to savor every slice.

Which Turkey is Best for Roast Turkey Recipe Christmas?

The turkey you choose is the heart of your roast turkey recipe Christmas, influencing juiciness and how well it absorbs the brine. Opt for fresh for peak flavor and texture.

Best Type of Turkey for Roast Christmas Turkey

For tender, flavorful meat, use a fresh whole turkey—at least 12–14 lb for 10–12 servings. It provides the ideal size and natural moisture without additives.

Fresh Whole Turkey: The top pick for its clean taste and ability to brine evenly.
Avoid Frozen Pre-Brined: They over-salt; stick to fresh for control.

Select with plump breast and smooth skin—it’ll roast beautifully.

How to Prep Turkey for Roast Christmas Turkey

Brine 4–12 hours for moisture.
Pat dry thoroughly before rubbing.
Stuff loosely; roasts in 3 hours.

Stabilizing Turkey for Roast

For longer-lasting feast:

Brine Boost: Locks in juices, much like lemon in the Baby Lemon Impossible Pies Recipe.
Herb Balance: Adds aroma without drying.

Other Turkey Options for Roast Christmas Turkey

Heritage Breed: Richer twist for variety, with notes that catch herbs.
Turkey Breast: Smaller swap for intimate dinners.
Vegan Note: Use seitan roast for plant-based centerpiece.

Final Thoughts on Choosing Turkey for Your Roast

The right turkey elevates your roast turkey recipe Christmas from good to grand, ensuring every slice is a juicy celebration. Whether whole or breast, you’ll roast that perfect holiday harmony every time.

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Conclusion

Roast Turkey Recipe Christmas is a flavorful, no-fuss main that delivers festive elegance in a simple, brine-and-roast package. With the right ingredients and easy steps, it’s bound to become your go-to for holiday tables. From turkey picks to smart storage, these insights ensure success every carve. Roast up, share the feast, and enjoy this delightful turkey with loved ones!