Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply craving a taste of the holidays, this Best Christmas Turkey recipe will surely delight your taste buds. The aroma of roasted turkey combined with flavorful herbs and spices will fill your home with warmth and joy. Follow this easy recipe inspired by the legendary Jamie Oliver to create a mouthwatering centerpiece for your holiday table.
**Best Christmas Turkey**
**Ingredients:**
– 12 to 14 lb whole turkey, thawed if frozen
– 1 lemon, halved
– 1 small bunch of fresh sage
– 1 small bunch of fresh rosemary
– 2 onions, peeled and halved
– 2 carrots, peeled and halved
– 2 celery stalks, halved
– 1 bulb of garlic, halved horizontally
– Olive oil
– Salt and pepper
– 1 stick of unsalted butter, softened
– 1 quart of chicken or vegetable stock
– 1 cup of white wine
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Remove the turkey from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature for about an hour.
3. Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
4. Season the cavity of the turkey generously with salt and pepper.
5. Stuff the cavity with the halved lemon, sage, rosemary, onions, carrots, celery, and garlic.
6. Tie the legs of the turkey together with kitchen twine and tuck the wings underneath the bird.
7. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and rub the skin with olive oil.
8. Season the skin with salt and pepper.
9. Smear the softened butter all over the turkey.
10. Pour the chicken or vegetable stock and white wine into the bottom of the roasting pan.
11. Cover the turkey loosely with foil and place it in the preheated oven.
12. Roast the turkey for about 2 to 2.5 hours, basting every 30 minutes with the pan juices.
13. Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the skin to brown.
14. The turkey is done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (74°C).
15. Once cooked, transfer the turkey to a serving platter and let it rest for 20 minutes before carving.
16. Serve the turkey with your favorite sides and enjoy a delicious holiday meal with your loved ones.
This Best Christmas Turkey recipe is a true showstopper that will impress your guests and fill your home with the comforting smells of the holiday season. Prepare this juicy, flavorful turkey following Jamie Oliver’s guidance, and create unforgettable memories around the dinner table. Happy cooking and happy holidays!
