Category: Turkey

No comments

Butterlicious Butterball Turkey

  By , ,

Butterlicious Butterball Turkey


When it comes to Thanksgiving or any special gathering, nothing beats a perfectly roasted turkey. Our Butterlicious Butterball Turkey is all about simplicity and rich, buttery flavor. This recipe takes a classic Butterball turkey and elevates it with an herb-infused butter featuring fresh thyme and rosemary, carefully placed under and on top of the skin to ensure every bite is moist and flavorful. Seasoned generously with salt and pepper, the turkey roasts to a golden-brown perfection.

And it doesn’t stop there—using the neck and giblets, you’ll create a velvety gravy made from the fond in the roasting pan and a simple flour-and-butter roux. This is the turkey dinner your family will be talking about long after the plates are cleared!

Ingredients

  • 13 lb whole turkey
  • 8 sprigs thyme picked from the stem
  • 2 sprigs rosemary
  • 4 sprigs thyme
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper

Gravy Ingredients

  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 4 tbsp all purpose flour

Print This Recipe Print This Recipe

Directions

Finely chop fresh thyme and rosemary. In a small bowl, mix 1 stick of softened butter with the minced herbs until well combined. Set aside.


Preheat your oven to 425°F. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels, both inside and out. Gently separate the skin from the breast meat using your thumbs and fingers. For hard-to-reach spots, use a small spatula or spoon to carefully lift the skin, being careful not to tear it.


Using a spoon, scoop small amounts of the herb butter mixture and place it under the skin of the breast. Push the butter from the breast down towards the thigh, ensuring the butter reaches the leg and thigh crevices. Use your fingers to smooth the butter across the breast and thigh areas under the skin, spreading it evenly.


Pat the turkey skin dry once again to ensure crispness. Rub the remaining herb butter mixture all over the outside of the turkey. If the butter won’t stick, melt it in the microwave for 20 seconds and brush the melted butter over the skin.


Generously season the turkey all over with salt and pepper, both inside the cavity and on the skin.


Place the prepared turkey in a roasting pan on a rack. Begin by roasting the turkey at 425°F for 20 minutes to develop a nice golden-brown color on the skin. After 20 minutes, you have two options for continuing the cooking process. For Method A, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and continue roasting the turkey until the breast reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. For Method B, reduce the temperature to 350°F for 1 hour. After that hour, reduce the oven temperature again to 325°F for the remainder of the cook. This more gradual approach will allow for even heat distribution, finishing the turkey more gently without burning or drying it out.


If you follow Method A (425°F for 20 minutes, then 350°F until the breast reaches 165°F), the cook time will be approximately 13 to 15 minutes per pound. For a 13-pound turkey, the total cooking time would be around 3 to 3.25 hours.
If you follow Method B (425°F for 20 minutes, 350°F for 1 hour, then 325°F until the breast reaches 165°F), the cook time will be approximately 15 to 17 minutes per pound. For a 13-pound turkey, the total cooking time would be around 3.5 to 3.75 hours.


While the turkey is roasting, submerge the giblets and neck with 4 – 5 cups of water in a sauce pan. Boil the water on high then reduce the temperature to medium or medium low to simmer the water for 2 hours. Remove the neck and giblets and let them cool, then chop some of the giblet and neck meat for the gravy. Strain the remaining liquid and set aside.


Remove the turkey from the oven when the internal temperature of the breast reaches 165°F and the thighs reach 175°F. Let it rest on a cutting board for 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier bird.


While the turkey is resting, keep the roasting pan warm over the stovetop burners on medium. Add the liquid from the boiled neck and giblets to the roasting pan. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any fond on the bottom of the roasting pan.


In an 8 inch skillet on medium heat add 4 tablespoons of butter. While stirring the butter, add 1 tablespoon of all purpose flour then stir to mix it together. Continue to add the 3 remaining tablespoons of flour one at a time. Stir for roughly 10 minutes until a beige roux is formed. Stir in half of the liquid from the roasting pan into the butter flour mixture and stir everything together. Add the remaining liquid then add the neck and giblet meat some fresh thyme to the gravy. Lower the burner to low to keep the gravy warm and serve with the turkey and sides.

Print This Recipe Print This Recipe

Watch How To Make This Recipe





No comments

Pellet Smoked Jerk Turkey

  By , ,

Pellet Smoked Jerk Turkey


Get ready to elevate your Thanksgiving or holiday feast with a bold and flavorful twist — pellet smoked jerk turkey! This recipe takes the traditional roast turkey and infuses it with the vibrant, spicy, and aromatic flavors of Jamaican jerk seasoning. The turkey, cut in half for even marination, absorbs the mouthwatering jerk marinade made with fresh green onions, fiery Scotch bonnets, fragrant thyme, zesty citrus, and a medley of spices like cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg.

The marinade not only penetrates the turkey meat for deep, bold flavor, but also helps to tenderize it, ensuring a juicy and tender bite in every slice. The combination of soy sauce and brown sugar creates the perfect balance of savory and sweet, while the fresh grated ginger adds a hint of warmth and zing to each bite. Once coated with this rich marinade, the turkey is smoked at 275°F for 3 hours, infusing the bird with a kiss of smoky flavor from the wood pellets.

After the smoke, the heat is cranked up to 375°F to crisp and tighten up the skin, giving the turkey a beautiful, golden-brown finish. The result? A juicy, tender turkey with layers of complex jerk seasoning and a perfectly crisp exterior.

Whether you’re serving this for a special occasion or just craving an island-inspired meal, this Pellet Smoked Jerk Turkey is sure to be a standout dish at any gathering. Each bite is a fusion of smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors that will keep everyone coming back for more!

Ingredients

  • 13 lb whole turkey
  • 6 green onions
  • 4 scotch bonnets
  • 8 sprigs thyme picked from the stem
  • 6 garlic cloves
  • 1 peeled lime
  • 1 peeled lime
  • 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 2 tsp allspice
  • 1 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger

Print This Recipe Print This Recipe

Directions

Start by spatchcocking the turkey, which means removing the backbone so the turkey can be flattened. Then, split the turkey completely in half, by cutting through the breast plate and wish bone.
If the turkey is still partially frozen (even after 3 days in the refrigerator), you may encounter some ice in the cavity. Be cautious when splitting the turkey; a cleaver is ideal for breaking the breastbone. Avoid using a chef’s knife unless you have experience with this technique.


In a blender or food processor, combine green onions, scotch bonnets, thyme, garlic, lime, orange, white wine vinegar, soy sauce, vegetable oil, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, kosher salt, brown sugar, black pepper, and fresh ginger. Blend until smooth.


Pour a small amount of the marinade onto the skin side of the turkey. Then, flip the turkey halves over and coat the inside (flesh side) generously with the remaining marinade. Ensure the marinade is well-distributed, especially in all the crevices.
Place the turkey halves in the refrigerator to marinate for up to 4 hours. The 4-hour marinade provides optimal flavor without causing the meat to become too tough from the citrus acids.


Set up your pellet smoker with apple or pecan wood and preheat to 275°F. Place the marinated turkey halves on the smoker with the skin side up. Smoke the turkey at 275°F for approximately 3 hours until the breast meat reaches 150F.


Keep an eye on the turkey’s internal temperature:
After about 1.5 hours, the breast should reach around 100°F, and the skin will begin to take on some color.
At around 2.5 hours, the temperature should approach 130-140°F. The skin will darken further, and the jerk marinade will develop a deep, rich color.
Monitor closely as the temperature rises at around 20°F per hour.


Once the turkey reaches 150°F in the breast (after about 3-3.5 hours), increase the smoker temperature to 375°F. Continue cooking the turkey for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the breast and 175°F in the thighs


Remove the turkey from the smoker at 165°F (breast temp). Allow it to rest for 20 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute within the meat.


Slice the turkey and enjoy!

Print This Recipe Print This Recipe

Watch How To Make This Recipe





No comments

Air Fryer Cowboy Turkey Burgers

  By , ,

Air Fryer Cowboy Turkey Burgers


If you’re looking for a lighter, flavorful spin on a classic burger with a Texas twist, these Air Fryer Cowboy Turkey Burgers are the answer. Packed with bold, southwestern flavors, these turkey burgers combine lean ground turkey with diced jalapeños, red onion, and a blend of Colby Jack and sharp cheddar cheese. The addition of chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, and cumin gives each bite a smoky, slightly spicy kick that will remind you of a backyard cookout.

With the convenience of an air fryer, these burgers come together quickly without sacrificing juiciness or flavor. The air fryer locks in moisture while giving the patties a nice crispy exterior, ensuring that each burger is both tender on the inside and perfectly cooked on the outside. The combination of jalapeños and cheese adds a creamy, slightly spicy meltiness that complements the turkey perfectly.

Whether you’re serving them at a weeknight dinner or firing up for game day, these Cowboy Turkey Burgers are a hit with all ages. And since they’re cooked in the air fryer, you’ll enjoy less mess and cleanup while still delivering all the savory flavors of a grilled burger.

Top these cowboy burgers with your favorite fixings—whether it’s avocado, barbecue sauce, or more cheese—and serve them on toasted buns. Every bite is a celebration of bold, southwestern flavor, and you won’t even miss the beef!

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds ground turkey
  • 1/2 cup italian bread crumbs
  • 2 jalapenos diced
  • 1/3 cup diced red onion
  • 1/2 cup colby jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cumin

Print This Recipe Print This Recipe

Directions

Begin by removing the seeds from the jalapeños and finely dicing them. Finely dice the red onion as well. Set the vegetables aside.


In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, diced jalapeños, diced red onion, Italian bread crumbs, Colby Jack cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Use your hands to mix everything together until well combined, but try not to overwork the meat.


Using a food scale, portion the turkey mixture into either 4 oz (for 1/4-pound patties) or 5.33 oz (for 1/3-pound patties). After weighing each portion, roll the meat into a ball. To create uniform-sized patties, use a burger press, placing a sheet of wax paper under the meat ball to prevent sticking. Press each ball into a patty of even thickness.


If you plan to freeze the patties, place them in an unsealed vacuum-seal bag (or airtight freezer bag) and store them in the freezer for two hours to allow the patties to hold their shape. After two hours, vacuum seal the bag. The patties can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator.


Preheat your air fryer to 370°F. Place the unfrozen turkey burger patties in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. Cook the patties for 7 minutes, then flip them over and cook for another 6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F


Once the patties are cooked, serve them on your favorite buns and top with slices of red onion, tomato, avocado, or any other preferred toppings. For added flavor, you can also spread mayonnaise, mustard, or your favorite sauce on the bun.

Print This Recipe Print This Recipe

Watch How To Make This Recipe
https://youtu.be/jM955U9NZgw





No comments

Turkey Burgers on Weber Q2200

  By , ,

Turkey Burgers on Weber Q2200

Get ready to elevate your burger game with our mouthwatering Grilled Turkey Burgers, cooked to perfection on the versatile Weber Q2200 portable grill. This recipe combines the juicy, flavorful goodness of turkey with a medley of savory ingredients and delicious toppings, creating a burger experience that’s both satisfying and unforgettable.

Our turkey burger mixture is a blend of lean ground turkey, Italian bread crumbs, grated red onion, minced garlic cloves, egg, paprika, mustard powder, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. These ingredients come together to form patties that are packed with flavor and perfectly juicy, making every bite a delight.

Once the patties are formed, they’re grilled to perfection on the Weber Q2200 portable grill, a grill known for its compact design, powerful performance, and even heat distribution. This makes it an ideal choice for grilling burgers, whether you’re at home, tailgating, or enjoying a picnic in the park.

But we don’t stop at just grilling the patties. These turkey burgers are served on toasted Kaiser roll buns, brushed with melted butter and browned on the Q2200’s griddle insert for an extra layer of flavor and crunch. Topped with melted Swiss cheese, crisp red onion slices, creamy avocado slices, and smoky turkey bacon (also cooked on the griddle insert), these burgers are a symphony of textures and tastes.

The Weber Q2200’s versatility truly shines in this recipe, allowing you to grill the turkey patties to perfection, cook the turkey bacon on the griddle insert, and toast the buns all in one compact, portable grill. It’s the perfect tool for achieving restaurant-quality results in a variety of settings.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 egg
  • ¼ cup Italian bread crumbs
  • ¼ cup grated red onion
  • 2 minced garlic cloves
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • ¼ tsp paprika
  • ¼ tsp mustard powder
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 4 slices swiss cheese
  • 8 slices turkey bacon
  • 4 Kaiser roll buns

Print This Recipe Print This Recipe

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, mix together the ground turkey, egg, bread crumbs, grated red onion, minced garlic, seasonings, and Worcestershire sauce.


Shape the turkey mixture into 4 equal sized patties.


Preheat the grill with a griddle insert for cooking bacon. If using turkey bacon, add about 1 tsp of cooking oil to the griddle.


Once the griddle side reaches at lease 500 F, add the turkey bacon slices, then add the turkey burger patties to the grill side. Close the lid and continue to cook.


After 5 minutes, flip the bacon and the turkey burger patties then close the lid. If you have a cast iron sauce pan, add 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan and place it on the grill to melt the butter.


After another 5 minutes, add swiss cheese to the burger patties. Brush on melted butter on the buns and place them on the griddle after moving the turkey bacon aside.

Print This Recipe Print This Recipe

Watch How To Make This Recipe