Thanksgiving Turkey Tips

Author Your Holiday Inspiration Guru | November 18, 2020

The Perfect Thanksgiving Turkey 

When it comes to your Thanksgiving feast, a perfectly seasoned, juicy turkey is a must! Whether this is your first time in the kitchen on Thanksgiving or you've done this a dozen times, we're here to help. From selecting the right turkey for your family to fool-proof roasting tips, our helpful checklist will ensure your turkey is the star of the show this Thanksgiving!

Pick your turkey 

When selecting your Thanksgiving turkey, you'll have to choose either fresh or frozen. In addition to their more affordable price per pound, we recommend frozen turkeys for a couple of reasons. They are snap-frozen upon butchering, so they retain their freshness and can be purchased early in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving day. In fact, a frozen turkey will keep for up to 2 years! 

Select the right amount 

Once you've decided on your type of turkey, you'll need to determine what size bird you'll need. For safe measure, plan on purchasing at least 1-1½ pounds per guest. To have enough for leftovers, lean towards 1½ pounds per person when selecting your turkey. The average-sized Thanksgiving turkey is approximately 15 pounds. 

Brine your bird 

Brining ensures a moist and flavorful turkey. Allowing the meat to absorb a brining mixture enables it to stay juicy and seasoned throughout the roasting process. Most solutions contain water, salt, sugar, and a handful of spices. 

Roast to perfection 

Keep a watchful eye on the oven and use a meat thermometer for cooking your bird to perfection. The last thing you want is a dry, overcooked turkey! Estimate your cooking time by allowing 15 minutes per pound of turkey at 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Only cover with foil if the skin begins browning too fast. 

Let it rest 

After hours of tending to your turkey, you probably can't wait to cut into it and check for doneness. However, you'll want to refrain from carving your turkey until it's had time to rest, about 15 minutes. This allows the bird to perk back up and get the juices flowing before serving. 

Chicken and Parmesan Broccoli Rice Casserole

Serves 4 to 6

Read More
Baked Wings with Blue Cheese Sauce

Author note: This recipe can be doubled, however do not double the corn starch. Start with 2 tsp and increase the amount if necessary.

Read More
School Days Made Easy - From Popsicles to Pitas!

We’re wrapping up week 4 of back-to-school with our last, but not least set of meal inspirations to get you through the school week. This time we are featuring fresh and bright Mediterranean flavors w...

Read More
Back-To-School Baking and More!

In week 3 of our back-to-school season, we share with you ways you can engage the kids in the kitchen while also prepping breakfast for school tomorrow. Don’t forget about this week's snack and dinner...

Read More
Meal Inspiration For Busy School Days

We’re kicking off week 2 of the back-to-school season with another selection of breakfast, snack and dinner ideas to make it easy for you and your kids to be happy and nourished throughout the school ...

Read More