Best 13 Roast Turkey With Apple Brandy Gravy Recipes

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**Roast Turkey with Apple Brandy Gravy: A Thanksgiving Classic Reimagined**

As the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving feast, roast turkey demands both culinary expertise and a touch of creative flair. Our recipe for Roast Turkey with Apple Brandy Gravy delivers an unforgettable dish that combines classic flavors with a modern twist. The turkey is roasted to perfection, resulting in succulent meat that falls off the bone, while the apple brandy gravy adds a layer of complexity and richness that will have your guests raving. In addition to the main event, we also provide recipes for Butternut Squash Gratin, Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, and Cranberry-Apple Compote, all of which are sure to complement your turkey and round out your Thanksgiving menu. With easy-to-follow instructions and detailed tips, our recipes will guide you through every step of the cooking process, ensuring that your Thanksgiving dinner is an unforgettable culinary experience.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CIDER-BASTED TURKEY WITH ROASTED APPLE GRAVY



Cider-Basted Turkey with Roasted Apple Gravy image

Categories     Fruit Juice     Fruit     Poultry     turkey     Roast     Christmas     Thanksgiving     Apple     Winter     Calvados     Bon Appétit

Yield Makes 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

Turkey:
1 cup apple cider
1/4 cup Calvados or applejack (apple brandy)
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons dried rubbed sage
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
10 Golden Delicious apples, peeled, cored, 2 cut into quarters, 8 cut into 8 slices each
1 large onion, sliced
6 fresh thyme sprigs
8 large sage leaves
1 15- to 16-pound turkey
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, room temperature
1 cup (or more) water
Gravy:
2 cups (about) canned low-salt chicken broth
1/4 cup apple cider
2 tablespoons cornstarch

Steps:

  • For turkey:
  • Position rack in bottom third of oven and preheat to 325°F. Combine first 5 ingredients in small saucepan. Add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; bring liquid to boil. Set liquid aside.
  • Mix 2 quartered apples, onion, thyme, sage leaves and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon in large bowl.
  • Rinse turkey inside and out; pat dry. Sprinkle main cavity with salt and pepper. Spoon apple mixture into main cavity. Tuck wing tips under turkey; tie legs together loosely. Place turkey in large roasting pan. Rub turkey breast and legs with butter. Pour half of basting liquid over turkey. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  • Roast turkey 30 minutes. Pour remaining basting liquid over turkey. Roast 2 hours, basting frequently with pan juices and adding 1 cup (or more) water to pan if juices have evaporated. Add all apple slices to pan juices around turkey. Cover turkey loosely with foil to keep from browning too quickly. Continue to roast until apples are tender, turkey is deep brown and thermometer inserted into thickest part of thigh registers 175°F, basting frequently with pan juices, about 1 hour 30 minutes longer.
  • Transfer turkey to platter. Tent loosely with foil; let stand 30 minutes (internal temperature of turkey will increase 5 to 10 degrees).
  • For gravy:
  • Using slotted spoon, transfer apples from pan juices to bowl. Pour pan juices into 4-cup measuring cup. Spoon off fat and discard. Add enough chicken broth to pan juices to measure 4 cups. Transfer broth mixture to large saucepan; simmer 5 minutes. Add reserved apples; simmer 2 minutes. Mix apple cider and cornstarch in small bowl. Whisk into gravy. Boil until gravy thickens, about 2 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Discard mixture from turkey cavity. Serve turkey with gravy.

APPLE & HERB ROASTED TURKEY



Apple & Herb Roasted Turkey image

My daughter loves to help me make this moist apple turkey. Her job is to hand Mommy the ingredients-if she doesn't eat them first! -Kimberly Jackson, Gay, Georgia

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 3h20m

Yield 14 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

1/4 cup minced fresh sage
1/4 cup minced fresh rosemary
1 turkey (14 pounds)
1 medium apple, quartered
1 medium onion, halved
1 celery rib, halved
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup apple jelly, warmed

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 325°. Combine sage and rosemary. With fingers, carefully loosen skin from the turkey breast; rub herbs under the skin. Secure skin to underside of breast with toothpicks., Place breast side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Place apple, onion and celery in turkey cavity. Brush turkey with butter., Roast, uncovered, until a thermometer inserted in thickest part of thigh reads 170°-175°, 3 to 3-1/2 hours. (Cover loosely with foil if turkey browns too quickly.) Remove turkey from oven; brush with apple jelly. Tent with foil and let stand 15 minutes before removing toothpicks and carving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 626 calories, Fat 31g fat (11g saturated fat), Cholesterol 262mg cholesterol, Sodium 222mg sodium, Carbohydrate 10g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 72g protein.

ROAST TURKEY WITH GRAVY



Roast Turkey with Gravy image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 3h55m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 28

1 (12 to 14 pound) turkey
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 medium onions
1 head garlic
Several sprigs of fresh herbs, such as thyme, parsley, rosemary, or sage
2 bay leaves
2 to 4 medium carrots
2 to 4 celery stalks
8 tablespoons unsalted butter
8 cups chicken broth (about 4 small cans or 2 quart boxes)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Dash Worcestershire sauce
Apple Cranberry Dressing, recipe follows
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for the pan
1 pound sliced country white sandwich bread
1 large cooking apple, such as Gravenstein, or Golden Delicious
1 medium onion
2 ribs celery with leaves
1/2 cup dried apricots
Handful fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
1/4 cup dried cranberries
2 to 3 sprigs fresh thyme
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Pinch fennel seeds, optional
3 cups chicken broth (about 1 1/2 small cans)
1 large egg
2 tablespoons turkey or chicken pan drippings or melted butter

Steps:

  • Adjust an oven rack to the lowest position and remove the other racks. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
  • Remove the neck and giblets from the turkey. Discard the liver, set the others aside. Dry the turkey inside and out with paper towels. Season the breast cavity with salt and pepper. Slice the onions and halve the garlic head crosswise. Stuff all the garlic and half the onions inside the turkey along with some of the herbs and 1 bay leaf. Halve the carrots and celery lengthwise; put them in the center of roasting pan and set the turkey, breast side up, on top of the vegetables.
  • Melt the butter in a medium saucepan, and brush about half of it all over the bird, season the skin with salt and pepper. Tent turkey with aluminum foil and roast for 2 hours. Set aside about 3 tablespoons of the butter for basting the bird.
  • Cook the rest of the onion, neck and giblets in the remaining butter in the saucepan, over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until browned, about 15 minutes. Add the broth, remaining herbs, and bay leaf; cover and simmer over medium-low heat while the turkey roasts, about 2 hours. Discard the giblets if desired, or reserve for giblets gravy. After 2 hours, remove the foil from the turkey and use a pastry brush or bulb baster to baste turkey with the reserved butter and some of the pan drippings. Increase oven temperature to 425 degrees F and continue to roast until an instant-read thermometer stuck in the thigh registers between 170 and 180 degrees F, about 1 hour more. Transfer turkey to a cutting board and let rest 15 to 20 minutes before carving.
  • For the Gravy: Pour all the turkey pan drippings into a liquid measuring cup and discard the vegetables. Ladle off 1/2 cup of the fat from the top of the drippings, and transfer to a saucepan. (Put measuring cup with remaining drippings and fat in the freezer for a few minutes to separate.) Heat fat over medium heat, scatter the flour evenly on top and cook, stirring constantly, with a wooden spoon until the flour browns slightly and smells toasty, about 4 minutes. Switch to a whisk; then gradually and carefully ladle the hot broth into the flour mixture while whisking constantly. Bring the gravy to a boil; adjust the heat so it simmers gently. Skim and discard any excess fat from the remaining drippings, and add the pan juices to the gravy. Continue to simmer, whisking occasionally, until the gravy is thickened, about 10 minutes. Season with the Worcestershire, salt, and pepper. Remove and discard onion, garlic, herbs, and bay leaf from the turkey cavity. Pour any juices that have accumulated into the gravy, Carve the turkey.
  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Butter a shallow 3-quart casserole.
  • Cut or tear bread into bite-size pieces. Lay bread pieces in a single layer on 1 or 2 baking sheets. Bake until slightly dry and crisp, about 15 to 20 minutes. Cool.
  • Peel, core, and coarsely chop the apple. Coarsely chop the onion, celery, and apricots. Chop the parsley.
  • Melt the 6 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the apple, onion, celery, apricots, cranberries, thyme, salt, and fennel seeds; cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the broth and parsley and bring to a boil. Remove from the heat.
  • Beat the egg in a large bowl. Add the toasted bread and the onion and fruit mixture; toss until evenly moistened. Loosely pack the dressing into the prepared pan. Bake, uncovered, until the top is crusty, about 40 minutes. Drizzle the pan drippings or melted butter over the top. Cook until the top is crisp and golden, about 20 minutes more.

SLOW-ROASTED TURKEY WITH APPLE GRAVY



Slow-Roasted Turkey With Apple Gravy image

Padma Lakshmi likes big, bold flavors - spices and citrus especially - and infuses her Thanksgiving turkey with them. She prepares the bird over a bed of herbs and produce, then uses those pan juices to create a fruity yet savory gravy. To keep the turkey moist, Ms. Lakshmi starts with a buttermilk brine, then roasts the bird at a low temperature to make sure it cooks through but doesn't dry out. But first, an initial blast in a very hot oven darkens the turkey in spots thanks to the sugar in the buttermilk brine. A final basting and uncovered cooking in the oven helps even out the mottled skin and ensures a delicate crispness. You can garnish the platter with the fruits, vegetables and herbs used in the recipe or serve the bird unadorned.

Provided by Genevieve Ko

Time P2DT6h

Yield 8 to 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 25

8 fresh bay leaves
2 1/2 quarts buttermilk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup coarse sea salt
1 tablespoon black peppercorns, toasted and ground (see Tip)
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cayenne
1 (14-pound) fresh or thawed frozen whole turkey, neck and giblets removed
20 fresh bay leaves
3 small Fuji or Honeycrisp apples, cored and cut into wedges
2 small Granny Smith apples, cored and cut into wedges
2 small fennel bulbs, sliced
1 medium red onion, sliced
1 medium yellow onion, sliced
1 small bunch thyme
10 slices fresh ginger
12 garlic cloves, sliced
1 orange, cut into 1-inch wedges
Coarse sea salt
1 1/2 tablespoons black peppercorns, toasted (see Tip), plus more toasted and ground for seasoning
1 lemon, quartered
Extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons brandy, preferably Pomona or Calvados (optional)
Salt and pepper

Steps:

  • Brine the turkey: Tear the bay leaves to release their natural oils. Place in a large bowl with the buttermilk, sugar, salt, black pepper and cayenne, and stir to dissolve the sugar. Place the turkey in a brining bag or clean unscented garbage bag, pour in the buttermilk mixture and tightly tie the bag closed. Place in a pot or bowl that holds it snugly, making sure the legs are fully immersed in the brine, and refrigerate for at least 48 hours and up to 72 hours.
  • Make the turkey: Position a rack at the bottom of the oven and heat oven (not convection) to 450 degrees. Tear the bay leaves to release their natural oils. Spread the apples, fennel, onions, 12 bay leaves and half of the thyme, ginger, garlic and orange across the bottom of a large roasting pan. Sprinkle with salt and the whole peppercorns.
  • Drain the turkey and wipe dry. (Discard the brine.) Place the turkey in the pan breast side up, and rub its cavity with salt and ground pepper. Stuff the cavity with the lemon and the remaining bay leaves, thyme, ginger, garlic and orange. Tuck the wings underneath and tie the legs together with kitchen twine. Sprinkle the turkey with salt and ground pepper, and drizzle everything with oil. Drizzle more oil all over the turkey and rub to generously and evenly coat the skin. Transfer to the oven and roast until browned in spots all over but not burned, 20 to 40 minutes. (Ovens vary widely in how quickly they brown such a large bird, so start checking at 20 minutes and keep going until it's spotted all over.)
  • Pour 2 cups water into the pan, cover the turkey with foil and loosely crimp around the edges of the pan. Reduce the oven temperature to 300 degrees and slide the pan back into the oven. Slow-roast until the turkey is almost cooked through (a meat thermometer will register 150 degrees in the thickest part of the breast and 160 degrees in the thigh), about 4 hours.
  • Uncover, baste all over with the pan juices and roast uncovered until the skin is more evenly browned and the meat registers 155 degrees in the breast and 165 degrees in the thigh, 30 to 45 minutes. The internal temperature will continue to rise as the turkey rests. Let cool slightly in the pan, then transfer the turkey to a serving platter.
  • Make the gravy: Smash the fruits and vegetables in the roasting pan. Set a colander with small holes or a medium-mesh strainer over a bowl or pot, and pour in everything from the pan, working in batches if needed. Press hard on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible along with fruit and vegetable pulp. Discard the solids in the colander; scrape any strained pulp into the bowl. Skim and discard fat from the strained juices.
  • Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the flour and whisk until deep golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes. While whisking, add the defatted pan juices a little at a time, whisking until smooth, then stir in the brandy. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 4 to 5 minutes. Keep warm over low.
  • When ready to serve, season the gravy to taste with salt and pepper. Carve the turkey and serve with the hot gravy.

BRINED HERB-CRUSTED TURKEY WITH APPLE CIDER GRAVY



Brined Herb-Crusted Turkey with Apple Cider Gravy image

Provided by Anne Burrell

Categories     main-dish

Time P2DT5h

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 28

7 quarts water
1 quart apple cider
3/4 cup kosher salt
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 large onion, diced
1 large or 2 small carrots, diced
3 ribs celery, diced
1 head garlic, cut in 1/2 equatorially
1/2 bunch fresh rosemary
1/2 bunch fresh sage
6 bay leaves
1 (12 to 14 pound) turkey, free range organic is great!
1 bunch fresh rosemary, leaves finely chopped
1 bunch fresh sage, leaves finely chopped
3 sticks butter, room temperature
Kosher salt
1 large onion, cut into 1/2-inch dice
1 large or 2 small carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice
2 ribs celery, cut into 1/2-inch dice
4 cloves garlic, smashed
2 Granny Smith apples, cut into 1/2-inch dice
5 bay leaves
1 cinnamon stick
1 bunch thyme
Kosher salt
1 quart chicken stock, divided
2 cups apple cider, divided
1/2 to 3/4 cup all-purpose flour

Steps:

  • To brine the turkey: Combine all of the ingredients for the brine in a large container. Add the turkey and let it brine in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.
  • To prepare the turkey for cooking: Remove the turkey from the brine the night before roasting and pat it thoroughly dry with paper towels. Combine the rosemary, sage, and butter for the herb crust in a small bowl. Season, to taste, with kosher salt. Work the butter under the skin of the turkey and massage it into the breasts and the legs. Massage the butter on the outside of the skin as well. Tie the legs together over the breast so they will protect it during cooking and help keep it moist and juicy.
  • Gravy preparation: Put the onions, carrots, celery, garlic, apples, bay leaves, cinnamon stick and thyme in a roasting pan and season with salt. Arrange the turkey on top of the veggies and refrigerate overnight UNCOVERED! Yes, that's right, uncovered. This will help the skin dry out and become really brown and crispy. Make sure that there is no raw food near the turkey in the refrigerator. After refrigerating overnight, the turkey is ready to go in the oven.
  • Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
  • Put 2 cups chicken stock and 1 cup apple cider in the bottom of the roasting pan. Roast the turkey in the preheated oven until the skin gets really nice and brown, about 40 minutes. Lower the oven heat to 350 degrees F for the remainder of the cooking time. Baste the turkey every 30 minutes or so and add more stock to the roasting pan, if needed. Cook about 17 minutes per pound. Once it gets to the proper color, tent the turkey with aluminum foil to prevent it from getting too dark.
  • Remove the turkey from the oven when an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the turkey registers 160 degrees F. Make sure that the thermometer is not touching a bone when doing the reading. When the turkey has reached the proper temperature, remove it from the roasting pan to a cutting board and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. Cover loosely with aluminum foil.
  • Strain all the veggies over a bowl to separate them from the stock/mixture. Discard the veggies. Skim off the fat and add it to the roasting pan. This is the fat for the roux. Put the roasting pan over 2 burners and over a low heat and whisk in the flour. Cook until the mixture looks like wet sand, about 4 to 5 minutes. Slowly whisk in the remaining 1 cup apple cider, remaining chicken stock and the stock/cider mixture. Cook until the mixture has thickened and reached a gravy consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Pour into a serving pitcher or bowl.
  • Carve the turkey, transfer to a serving platter and serve with the gravy.
  • Give thanks for such a great turkey!!!

ROAST TURKEY WITH APPLE-CIDER GRAVY



Roast Turkey with Apple-Cider Gravy image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 3h45m

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 26

2 gallons water
2 cups kosher salt
1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 garlic head, split
1 1/2 tablespoons whole black peppercorns
1 1/2 teaspoons juniper berries
3 bay leaves
1 (10 to 12-pound) turkey
1 small onion, coarsely chopped
1 celery stalk, coarsely chopped
1/2 apple, cored and coarsely chopped
1 small parsnip, peeled and coarsely chopped
1 small quince, cored and coarsely chopped, optional
1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh parsley with stems
1/4 cup chopped fresh sage leaves
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
1/2 teaspoon juniper berries
1/4 teaspoon celery seed
3 tablespoons butter, melted
2 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups apple cider
2 cups chicken stock
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon ground pepper

Steps:

  • In a pot large enough to hold the turkey, combine all of the brine ingredients and stir. Add the turkey to the pot, cover, and refrigerate for 8 to 10 hours. Remove the turkey from the pot, discard the brine, and rinse the turkey thoroughly under cold water. Pat dry.
  • Preheat the oven to 275 degrees.
  • Combine the onion, celery, apple, parsnip, quince, herbs, and spices in a bowl and toss. Spoon into the cavity of the turkey.
  • Truss the turkey, tying its legs together tightly with kitchen twine. Place the turkey on a roasting rack set in a large roasting pan. Cover tightly with aluminum foil, place in the oven, and roast for 2 1/2 hours.
  • Uncover the turkey and reserve the foil. Increase the oven temperature to 375 degrees F. Brush the turkey with half of the melted butter and cook for 30 minutes. Brush on the remaining butter and continue cooking for about 1 hour and 15 minutes longer, basting every 30 minutes, until a meat thermometer inserted in the thigh registers 150 degrees. (The internal temperature will rise 10 degrees while the turkey rests).
  • Transfer the turkey to a cutting board. Pour off the fat from the roasting pan. Spoon the vegetables from the cavity of the turkey into the pan; cover the turkey loosely with the reserved foil, and let rest for 30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, make the gravy: Add the butter to the roasting pan with the vegetables. Place the pan over medium heat, using 2 burners if necessary. Use a wooden spoon to stir and brown the vegetables lightly, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the flour and cook for 3 more minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the cider, bring to a boil, and cook until reduced and thickened, 2 to 3 minutes, scraping the bottom of the pan to release the turkey drippings. Transfer the gravy to a 3-quart saucepan, add the chicken stock, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the gravy has thickened, about 10 minutes. Pour any juices that have accumulated around the turkey into the pan and continue cooking for 1 more minute. Season with the salt and pepper. Strain the gravy into a warm sauceboat.
  • Carve the turkey and serve with gravy.

PERFECT ROAST TURKEY WITH BEST-EVER GRAVY



Perfect Roast Turkey with Best-Ever Gravy image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 6h

Yield 18 servings with about 7 cups

Number Of Ingredients 8

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
Salt and freshly milled black pepper
2 1/2 quarts homemade turkey stock or canned reduced-sodium chicken broth
Melted unsalted butter, if needed
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup bourbon, port, or dry sherry, optional
1 (18-pound) fresh turkey
About 12 cups of your favorite stuffing

Steps:

  • Position a rack in the lowest position of the oven and preheat to 325 degrees F.
  • Reserve the turkey neck and giblets to use in gravy or stock. Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water. Pat the turkey skin dry. Turn the turkey on its breast. Loosely fill the neck cavity with stuffing. Using a thin wooden or metal skewer, pin the neck skin to the back. Fold the turkey's wings akimbo behind the back or tie to the body with kitchen string. Loosely fill the large body cavity with stuffing. Place any remaining stuffing in a lightly buttered casserole, cover and refrigerate to bake as a side dish. Place the drumsticks in the hock lock or tie together with kitchen string.
  • Place the turkey, breast side up, on a rack in the roasting pan. Rub all over with the softened butter. Season with salt and pepper. Tightly cover the breast area with aluminum foil. Pour 2 cups of the turkey stock into the bottom of the pan.
  • Roast the turkey, basting all over every 30 minutes with the juices on the bottom of the pan (lift up the foil to reach the breast area), until a meat thermometer inserted in the meaty part of the thigh (but not touching the bone) reads 180 degrees and the stuffing is at least 160 degrees, about 4 1/2 hours. Whenever the drippings evaporate, add stock to moisten them, about 1 1/2 cups at a time. Remove the foil during the last hour to allow the skin to brown.
  • Transfer the turkey to a large serving platter and let it stand for at least 20 minutes before carving. Increase the oven temperature to 350 degrees F. Drizzle 1/2 cup turkey stock over the stuffing in the casserole, cover, and bake until heated through, about 30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, pour the drippings from the roasting pan into a heatproof glass bowl or large measuring cup. Let stand for 5 minutes, then skim off and reserve the clear yellow fat that has risen to the top. Measure 3/4 cup fat, adding melted butter if needed. Add enough turkey stock to the skimmed drippings to make 8 cups total.
  • Place the roasting pan on two stove burners over low heat and add the turkey fat. Whisk in the flour, scraping up browned bits on the bottom of the pan, and cook until lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Whisk in the turkey stock and the optional bourbon. Cook, whisking often, until the gravy has thickened and no trace of raw flour remains, about 5 minutes. Transfer the gravy to a warmed gravy boat. Carve the turkey and serve the gravy and the stuffing alongside

ROAST TURKEY WITH MAPLE HERB BUTTER AND GRAVY



Roast Turkey with Maple Herb Butter and Gravy image

Categories     Herb     turkey     Roast     Christmas     Thanksgiving     Fall     Maple Syrup     Bon Appétit

Yield Serves 12

Number Of Ingredients 18

For turkey
2 cups apple cider
1/3 cup pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme or 2 teaspoons dried
2 tablespoons chopped fresh marjoram or 2 teaspoons dried
1 1/2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter, room temperature
1 14-pound turkey, neck and giblets reserved
2 cups chopped onion
1 1/2 cups chopped celery with leaves
1 cup coarsely chopped carrot
2 cups canned low-salt chicken broth
For gravy
3 cups (about) canned low-salt chicken broth
3 tablespoons all purpose flour
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried
1 small bay leaf
2 tablespoons apple brandy (optional)

Steps:

  • Make turkey:
  • Boil apple cider and maple syrup in heavy large saucepan over medium-high heat until reduces to 1/2 cup, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat. Mix in half of chopped thyme, half of marjoram and 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon peel. Add butter and whisk until melted. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate until cold, about 2 hours. (Can be prepared 2 days ahead. Keep refrigerated.)
  • Position rack in lowest third of oven and preheat to 375°F. Pat turkey dry with paper towels. Place turkey on rack set in large roasting pan. Slide hand under skin of turkey breast to loosen shin. Rub 1/2 cup maple butter over breast under skin. If stuffing turkey, spoon stuffing into main cavity. Rub 1/4 cup maple butter over outside of turkey. Reserve remaining maple butter for gravy. Tie legs together loosely to hold shape of turkey. Arrange onion, celery, carrot and reserved turkey nick and giblets around turkey in pan. Sprinkle vegetables with remaining 1 tablespoon thyme and remaining 1 tablespoon marjoram. Pour 2 cups broth into pan.
  • Roast turkey 30 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F. Cover entire turkey loosely with heavy-duty foil and roast until meat thermometer inserted into thickest part of thigh registers 180°F or until juices rum clear when thickest part of thigh is pierced with skewer, basting occasionally with pan juices, about 2 hours 25 minutes for unstuffed turkey (2 hours 55 minutes for stuffed turkey). Transfer turkey to platter. Tent turkey with aluminum foil and let stand 30 minutes; reserve mixture in pan for gravy.
  • Make gravy:
  • Stain pan juices into large measuring cup, pressing on solids with back of spoon. Spoon fat from pan juices. Add enough chicken broth to pan juices to measure 3 cups. Transfer liquid to heavy medium saucepan and bring to boil. Mix 3 tablespoons reserved maple butter and flour in small bowl to form smooth paste. Whisk paste into broth mixture. Add chopped fresh thyme and bay leaf. Boil until reduces to sauce consistency, whisking occasionally, about 10 minutes. Mix in apple brandy, if desired. Season gravy to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Brush turkey with any remaining maple butter and serve with gravy.

CHEF JOHN'S ROAST TURKEY AND GRAVY



Chef John's Roast Turkey and Gravy image

The biggest myth in all of American cookery is the belief that a juicy, perfectly cooked turkey is difficult for the novice cook to achieve. One of the secrets to a moist, delicious, and beautiful turkey is spreading butter under the skin. You can season the butter any way you want; the possibilities are endless.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Turkey     Whole Turkey Recipes

Time 4h55m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 19

2 tablespoons kosher salt
1 tablespoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
1 (12 pound) whole turkey, neck and giblets reserved
2 onions, coarsely chopped
3 ribs celery, coarsely chopped
2 carrots, coarsely chopped
3 sprigs fresh rosemary
½ bunch fresh sage
½ cup butter
1 bay leaf
6 cups water
2 tablespoons turkey fat
1 tablespoon butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
3 cups turkey pan drippings
¼ teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
  • Mix 2 tablespoons salt, and 1 tablespoon pepper, and poultry seasoning in a small bowl. Tuck turkey wings under the bird, and season cavity with about 1 tablespoon of the poultry seasoning mixture. Reserve remaining poultry seasoning mix.
  • Toss the onion, celery, and carrots together in a bowl. Stuff about 1/2 cup of the vegetable mixture, rosemary sprigs, and 1/2 bunch sage into the cavity of the turkey. Tie legs together with kitchen string. Loosen the skin on top of the turkey breast using fingers or a small spatula. Place about 2 tablespoons butter under the skin and spread evenly. Spread the remaining butter (about 2 tablespoons) all over the outside of the skin. Sprinkle the outside of the turkey with the remaining poultry seasoning mix.
  • Spread the remaining onion, celery, and carrots into a large roasting pan. Place the turkey on top of the vegetables. Fill the pan with about 1/2 inch of water. Arrange a sheet of aluminum foil over the breast of the turkey.
  • Roast the turkey in the preheated oven until no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear, about 3 1/2 hours. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, near the bone should read 165 degrees F (75 degrees C). Remove the foil during the last hour of cooking. Baste the turkey with the pan juices.
  • While the turkey is roasting, make stock: place neck, heart, and gizzards in a saucepan with the bay leaf and water. Simmer over medium heat for 2 hours. Strain the turkey giblets from the stock, and discard giblets. There should be at least 4 cups of stock.
  • Remove the turkey from the oven, cover with a doubled sheet of aluminum foil, and allow to rest in a warm area for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. Pour the pan juices, about 3 cups, into a saucepan and set aside. Skim off the turkey fat from the pan juices, reserving about 2 tablespoons.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of the turkey fat and 1 tablespoon butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Transfer the onion from the roasting pan into the skillet. Cook and stir until the onion is browned, about 5 minutes, then stir in the flour. Continue to cook and stir for about 5 minutes more; whisk in 4 cups of the skimmed turkey stock and the reserved pan juices until smooth; skim off any foam. Stir in the balsamic vinegar. Simmer until the gravy is thickened, whisking constantly, about 10 minutes. Stir in 1 tablespoon of chopped sage, and season to taste with salt and black pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 942.1 calories, Carbohydrate 4.6 g, Cholesterol 256.3 mg, Fat 70.1 g, Fiber 0.9 g, Protein 68.7 g, SaturatedFat 22.8 g, Sodium 949.8 mg, Sugar 1.2 g

CIDER-BASTED TURKEY WITH ROASTED APPLE GRAVY



Cider-Basted Turkey With Roasted Apple Gravy image

From Bon Appetit. I personally thought that the gravy was a little too sweet, but my guests really liked it.

Provided by lazyme

Categories     Whole Turkey

Time 5h45m

Yield 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 cup apple cider
1/4 cup calvados (apple brandy) or 1/4 cup Applejack (apple brandy)
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons dried sage
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
10 golden delicious apples, peeled, cored, 2 cut into quarters, 8 cut into 8 slices each
1 large onion, sliced
6 sprigs fresh thyme
8 large sage leaves
1 (16 lb) whole turkey
1/4 cup butter, room temperature
1 cup water
2 cups chicken broth
1/4 cup apple cider
2 tablespoons cornstarch

Steps:

  • For turkey:
  • Position rack in bottom third of oven and preheat to 325°F
  • Combine first 5 ingredients in small saucepan.
  • Add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; bring liquid to boil.
  • Set liquid aside.
  • Mix 2 quartered apples, onion, thyme, sage leaves and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon in large bowl.
  • Rinse turkey inside and out; pat dry.
  • Sprinkle main cavity with salt and pepper.
  • Spoon apple mixture into main cavity.
  • Tuck wing tips under turkey; tie legs together loosely.
  • Place turkey in large roasting pan.
  • Rub turkey breast and legs with butter.
  • Pour half of basting liquid over turkey.
  • Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  • Roast turkey 30 minutes.
  • Pour remaining basting liquid over turkey.
  • Roast 2 hours, basting frequently with pan juices and adding 1 cup (or more) water to pan if juices have evaporated.
  • Add all apple slices to pan juices around turkey.
  • Cover turkey loosely with foil to keep from browning too quickly.
  • Continue to roast until apples are tender, turkey is deep brown and thermometer inserted into thickest part of thigh registers 175°F, basting frequently with pan juices, about 1 hour 30 minutes longer.
  • Transfer turkey to platter.
  • Tent loosely with foil; let stand 30 minutes (internal temperature of turkey will increase 5 to 10 degrees).
  • For gravy:
  • Using slotted spoon, transfer apples from pan juices to bowl.
  • Pour pan juices into 4-cup measuring cup.
  • Spoon off fat and discard.
  • Add enough chicken broth to pan juices to measure 4 cups.
  • Transfer broth mixture to large saucepan; simmer 5 minutes.
  • Add reserved apples; simmer 2 minutes.
  • Mix apple cider and cornstarch in small bowl.
  • Whisk into gravy.
  • Boil until gravy thickens, about 2 minutes.
  • Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Discard mixture from turkey cavity.
  • Serve turkey with gravy.

RACHAEL RAY'S HERB ROASTED TURKEY BREAST WITH PAN GRAVY



Rachael Ray's Herb Roasted Turkey Breast With Pan Gravy image

Says Rachael: "Although sage is the herb most used with turkey, I love the flavor and aroma of fresh bay (laurel) leaves. Fresh bay leaves are now widely available in supermarkets. Since the leaves are a bit woody, and no fun to eat, I baste my turkey with bay-infused butter and roast the breasts right on top of the leaves, which perfumes the meat."

Provided by CorriePDX

Categories     Turkey Breasts

Time 1h5m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 small onion, peeled and coarsely chopped (golf ball sized)
1 lemon, scrubbed clean
12 fresh sage leaves
1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley (from 12 stems)
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more
extra virgin olive oil, for oiling pan
1 teaspoon salt, plus more as needed
6 fresh bay leaves
4 tablespoons butter
2 (2 -2 1/2 lb) boneless turkey breast, skin on
fresh ground black pepper
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 cup apple brandy (recommended-Calvados) or 1/4 cup regular brandy (recommended-Calvados)
2 -3 cups apple cider
salt and pepper

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Oil a roasting pan and set it aside.
  • Put the onion into the bowl of a mini food processor. Using a vegetable peeler, peel the zest from the lemon in thin strips, being careful not to cut into the bitter white pith. Add the lemon zest to the food processor and reserve the whole lemon for another use. Chop the onion and lemon zest until fine. Add the sage, parsley, olive oil, and 1 teaspoon salt and pulse until it forms a coarse paste.
  • Put 2 of the bay leaves and the butter into a small pan and heat over medium-low heat until the butter is bubbling. Remove from the heat and set aside.
  • Put the turkey breasts on a work surface. Carefully run your fingers between the skin and the flesh from 1 end, being careful not to pull it completely off, creating a pocket. Season the turkey breasts generously with salt and pepper. Stuff half of the herb paste under the skin of each breast, and spread it evenly under the skin. Transfer the breasts to the roasting pan, and slide 2 bay leaves underneath each one. (The heat of the pan will release the bay leaf oils and flavor the breast.) Using a pastry brush, baste the breasts with half of the bay butter. Place the turkey in the oven and immediately decrease the temperature to 400 degrees F. After 20 minutes, baste the turkey breasts with the remaining butter, and roast for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, until cooked through, and a thermometer placed in the thickest part of the breast registers 170 degrees F.
  • Remove from the oven, transfer to a platter, cover, and let rest for 10 minutes before carving while you make the gravy.
  • Put the roasting pan over the burner on medium heat. Sprinkle the flour over the pan juices, and cook, stirring, for a few minutes. Add the apple brandy, and scrape the pan to lift the bits that are stuck to the bottom. Cook for a minute to burn off the alcohol, then, while stirring, pour in the apple cider. Bring to a simmer, and stir until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Slice the turkey breast on the diagonal, and serve with warm gravy.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 469.5, Fat 26.8, SaturatedFat 8.7, Cholesterol 162.7, Sodium 486.3, Carbohydrate 4.1, Fiber 0.6, Sugar 0.6, Protein 50.3

ROAST TURKEY WITH BACON, TARRAGON AND APPLEJACK GRAVY



Roast Turkey with Bacon, Tarragon and Applejack Gravy image

Categories     Fruit Juice     Mushroom     Onion     turkey     Roast     Thanksgiving     Bacon     Brandy     Fall     Tarragon     Jam or Jelly     Bon Appétit

Yield Serves 12 to 14

Number Of Ingredients 16

For turkey
1 10-ounce jar crabapple jelly
3/4 cup plus 6 tablespoons (2 1/4 sticks) butter
1/3 cup frozen apple juice concentrate, thawed
4 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon
12 ounces mushrooms, quartered
1 large onion, coarsely chopped
1 large carrot, coarsely chopped
1 22- to 24-pound turkey, neck cut into 4 pieces
10 cups (about) canned low-salt chicken broth
For gravy
1/4 cup all purpose flour
3 cups (about) canned low-salt chicken broth
8 bacon slices, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon
1/4 cup applejack or other apple brandy (optional)

Steps:

  • Make turkey:
  • Stir jelly, 1/2 cup butter, apple juice concentrate and 2 tablespoons tarragon in small saucepan over medium heat until butter and jelly melt. Remove glaze from heat. (Can be made 2 days ahead. Cover and chill. Bring to room temperature and rewhisk before using.)
  • Set rack at lowest position in oven and preheat to 375°F. Place small rack in center of large roasting pan. Melt 1/4 cup butter in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms, onion and carrot; saut until dark brown, about 12 minutes. Sprinkle vegetables and turkey neck pieces around rack in pan.
  • Stir remaining 6 tablespoons butter and 2 tablespoons tarragon in heavy small saucepan until butter melts. Rinse turkey inside and out; pat dry with paper towels. Place turkey on rack in pan. Starting at neck end, slide hand between skin and breast meat to loosen skin. Brush 3 tablespoons tarragon butter over breast meat under skin. If stuffing turkey, spoon stuffing loosely into main cavity. Brush remaining tarragon butter over outside of turkey. Sprinkle turkey with salt and pepper. Tuck wing tips under turkey; tie legs together to hold shape.
  • Roast turkey 45 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F; add 1 cup broth to pan. Cover turkey loosely with foil. Roast until thermometer inserted into thickest part of thigh registers 180°F., adding 1 cup broth and basting with pan juices every 1/2 hour and brushing with 1/3 cup glaze twice during last 2 hours, about 4 1/4 hours longer if unstuffed or 4 3/4 hours longer if stuffed.
  • Transfer turkey to platter. Tent with foil; let stand 1/2 hour. Reserve pan juices.
  • Make gravy:
  • Mix 1/2 cup glaze and flour in small bowl to blend. Strain pan juices into large measuring cup, pressing on solids; spoon off fat. Add enough broth to measure 6 cups.
  • Sauté bacon in heavy large saucepan over medium heat until crisp. Pour off fat. Add broth mixture to saucepan and bring to boil. Whisk in glaze-flour mixture and tarragon, then applejack. Simmer until thickened to sauce, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

APPLE ROAST TURKEY WITH APPLE SCENTED GRAVY



Apple Roast Turkey With Apple Scented Gravy image

This is based on a recipe from Pampered Chef that used just the Turkey Breast. I tailored it for our Thanksgiving whole turkey and the result was a beautiful, delicious, and moist bird that my mother-in-law raved about. The apples inside really keep it moist and add flavor. I've inherited the responsibility for making the turkey every year now!

Provided by leslie in plano

Categories     Whole Turkey

Time 11h

Yield 1 turkey with gravy

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 gallons water
1 1/2 cups kosher salt
1 cup sugar
2/3 cup honey
turkey (any size)
olive oil, to taste, about a palm full
1 teaspoon dried sage
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon dried thyme
4 -6 green apples, cored and quartered (depends on bird size)
1/2 cup strained pan dripping (with fat from the top)
3 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon sage
1/3 cup Wondra Flour

Steps:

  • Thaw and rinse frozen turkey, removing the giblets and neck from the cavities.
  • Combine all brine ingredients and soak turkey overnight in a large cooler 8-12 hours.
  • Preheat oven to 325°F.
  • Rinse turkey after brining.
  • Put 2 apples worth of quartered pieces in bottom of roast pan and stuff remaining apples in the turkey's cavities.
  • Set turkey on apples in roast pan.
  • Rub palm full of olive oil on turkey.
  • Combine spices and rub onto turkey's skin Cook turkey according to size until internal temp is 180°F.
  • Prepare Gravy by first straining pan drippings.
  • Place 2 or 3 Tbsp of drippings in saucepan and heat on low.
  • Add butter and melt.
  • Add sage.
  • Stir in Wondra flour a little at a time stirring with a whisk.
  • Continue adding drippings until desired amount is achieved.
  • Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, and cook 1 minute.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 2065.8, Fat 35.9, SaturatedFat 22.3, Cholesterol 91.6, Sodium 170170.9, Carbohydrate 465, Fiber 15.2, Sugar 442.9, Protein 2.8

Tips:

  • For a crispy and golden brown skin, pat the turkey dry with paper towels before roasting.
  • Generously season the turkey inside and out with salt and pepper, and consider using a flavorful herb or spice rub.
  • Use a roasting pan large enough to accommodate the turkey without overcrowding.
  • Roast the turkey uncovered for the majority of the cooking time to achieve a crispy skin.
  • Baste the turkey with melted butter or cooking juices every 30-45 minutes to keep it moist.
  • Tent the turkey with foil during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent over-browning.
  • Let the turkey rest for at least 15 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.
  • To make the apple-brandy gravy, use the pan drippings from the turkey and add apple cider, brandy, and spices.
  • Serve the turkey with the apple-brandy gravy and your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, and roasted vegetables.

Conclusion:

Roasting a turkey can be a daunting task, but by following these tips, you can achieve a perfectly cooked turkey that is crispy, juicy, and flavorful. The apple-brandy gravy is a delicious and easy-to-make accompaniment that will elevate your turkey dinner to the next level. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and memorable holiday meal!

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