Best Apple Herb Roasted Turkey Recipes

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HERB-ROASTED TURKEY WITH APPLE CIDER GRAVY



Herb-Roasted Turkey with Apple Cider Gravy image

Categories     Fruit Juice     Milk/Cream     Herb     turkey     Roast     Thanksgiving     Apple     Brandy     Fall     Brine     Calvados     Bon Appétit

Yield Makes10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 24

Brining
8 quarts cold water
2 cups coarse kosher salt
8 large fresh or dried bay leaves
2 tablespoons black peppercorns
2 tablespoons whole allspice
1 16- to 17-pound turkey; giblets removed, neck reserved
Herb butter and gravy
3 tablespoons minced fresh Italian parsley
3 tablespoons minced fresh thyme
3 tablespoons minced fresh sage
3 tablespoons minced fresh marjoram
1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
4 cups low-salt chicken broth
2 cups apple cider
3 tablespoons all purpose flour
1/2 cup whipping cream
2 tablespoons Calvados (apple brandy) or other brandy
Roasting
2 large Granny Smith apples, quartered, cored
2 large onions, quartered
1 cup apple cider

Steps:

  • To brine the turkey:
  • Line extra-large pot or bowl with two 13-gallon (or larger) plastic bags, 1 inside the other. Combine 1 quart water, salt, bay leaves, peppercorns, and allspice in large saucepan. Stir over medium heat until salt dissolves. Remove from heat. Add 1 quart cold water and cool to lukewarm. Pour into plastic bags; mix in remaining 6 quarts water. Wrap turkey neck and refrigerate. Submerge turkey in brine to cover completely, gathering bags tightly to eliminate any air; tie bags closed. Refrigerate turkey in brine in pot at least 18 hours and up to 20 hours.
  • Line large roasting pan with 4 layers of paper towels. Remove turkey from brine and drain well; discard brine. Place turkey in prepared pan. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
  • For herb butter and gravy:
  • Mix parsley, thyme, sage, marjoram, rosemary, and nutmeg in small bowl. Transfer 1/4 cup herb mixture to small bowl; mix in 1/2 cup butter.
  • Combine broth and apple cider in heavy large saucepan. Boil until reduced to 3 cups, about 20 minutes. Pour broth reduction into bowl. Melt remaining 1/4 cup butter in same saucepan over medium-high heat. Add flour; stir 1 minute. Whisk in broth reduction, then cream, Calvados, and remaining herb mixture. Bring to boil; reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until gravy base is thickened and reduced to 2 3/4 cups, whisking often, about 20 minutes. Cool gravy base slightly. (Gravy base and herb butter can be made 2 days ahead. Cover and chill.)
  • To roast the turkey:
  • Position rack in bottom third of oven and preheat to 350°F. Remove turkey from roasting pan; drain any accumulated juices from main cavity. Discard paper towels from roasting pan. Melt herb butter in small saucepan over medium heat. Brush bottom of roasting pan with some of herb butter. Return turkey to prepared pan. Tuck wing tips under; tie legs together loosely to hold shape. Place some apple quarters and onion quarters in main cavity. Brush remaining herb butter over turkey; sprinkle with pepper. Scatter remaining apples and onions around turkey in pan. Add reserved turkey neck to pan.
  • Roast turkey 1 hour. Baste with 1/2 cup apple cider. Roast turkey 30 minutes. Baste with remaining 1/2 cup cider. Roast turkey until thermometer inserted into thickest part of thigh registers 175°F, basting turkey every 30 minutes with pan juices and covering breast loosely with foil if browning too quickly, about 2 hours longer (3 1/2 hours total). Transfer turkey to platter; let stand at least 30 minutes before carving (internal temperature will rise 5 to 10 degrees).
  • Discard apples, onions, and turkey neck from pan. Pour pan juices into large glass measuring cup; spoon off fat from surface. Pour degreased juices into gravy base and bring to boil over medium-high heat, whisking occasionally. Boil until gravy thickens enough to coat spoon and is reduced to 3 1/2 cups, about 15 minutes. Season gravy to taste with pepper.
  • 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.

APPLE & HERB ROASTED TURKEY



APPLE & HERB ROASTED TURKEY image

Categories     turkey

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:

  • •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. Stuff turkey with apple, onion and celery. Brush with butter. •Bake, uncovered, at 325° for 3 to 3-1/2 hours or until a meat thermometer reads 180°, basting occasionally with pan drippings. (Cover loosely with foil if turkey browns too quickly.) Brush with apple jelly. Cover and let stand for 15 minutes before removing toothpicks and carving.

to Apple Herb Roasted Turkey Recipes

Turkey is a traditional dish that often makes its appearance on special occasions, such as Thanksgiving or Christmas. An apple herb roasted turkey recipe can elevate this standard dish to new heights of deliciousness. This recipe combines fresh herbs, tangy apples, and succulent turkey to create a mouth-watering taste and aroma.

Why Apple Herb Roasted Turkey Recipes are Special

There are many different ways to prepare a turkey, but an apple herb roasted turkey recipe is unique for several reasons. First, the addition of apples brings a light, fruity sweetness to the dish that complements the savory flavor of the turkey. Second, the use of fresh herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, and sage, adds a fragrant aroma and depth of flavor that cannot be achieved with dried herbs. Finally, roasting the turkey in the oven allows the skin to become crispy and golden brown, while keeping the meat moist and tender.

Components of an Apple Herb Roasted Turkey Recipe

Before attempting to make this recipe, it is important to know the key components that are necessary for a successful apple herb roasted turkey. First, it is essential to choose a high-quality turkey that has been properly cleaned and prepared. Additionally, you will need fresh apples, herbs, butter, and a few other pantry staples. Finally, proper cooking equipment, such as a roasting pan and a meat thermometer, will be necessary to ensure that the turkey cooks evenly and reaches the appropriate internal temperature.

How to Prepare an Apple Herb Roasted Turkey

While every recipe may have slight variations, most apple herb roasted turkey recipes follow a similar general process.
Step 1: Brine the Turkey
Many apple herb roasted turkey recipes begin with a brine. This involves soaking the turkey in a saltwater mixture for several hours or overnight. This brine not only adds flavor to the turkey but also helps it to stay moist during cooking. After the brining process, the turkey should be rinsed thoroughly and patted dry.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple and Herb Mixture
The next step in an apple herb roasted turkey recipe is to prepare the apple and herb mixture. This usually involves chopping fresh apples, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, and mixing them with herbs such as rosemary, thyme, sage, and parsley. This mixture is then combined with butter to create a paste that will be spread under the turkey skin.
Step 3: Stuff the Turkey
While some apple herb roasted turkey recipes do not call for stuffing, others may involve filling the turkey cavity with a mixture of apples, herbs, and bread crumbs. This step is optional and depends on personal preference.
Step 4: Roast the Turkey
Once the turkey has been properly prepared, it is time to roast it. This typically involves preheating the oven and placing the turkey on a rack inside a roasting pan. The apple and herb mixture is then spread under the skin of the turkey, and the turkey is seasoned with salt and pepper. The turkey is roasted until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This can take several hours, depending on the size of the turkey.
Step 5: Let the Turkey Rest
After the turkey has been removed from the oven, it is important to let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to distribute evenly throughout the meat, resulting in a more evenly cooked and moist turkey.

Conclusion

Apple herb roasted turkey recipes are a delicious and unique way to enjoy a classic dish. These recipes combine sweet, tangy apples with fragrant herbs to create a flavorful and aromatic taste that is sure to impress guests. While the process may seem daunting, with the proper equipment and a little bit of patience, anyone can make a delicious apple herb roasted turkey.
Apple herb roasted turkey is a delicious dish that is perfect for special occasions like Thanksgiving or Christmas. The combination of juicy, tender meat with the sweet and tangy flavors of apples, herbs, and spices makes it a crowd-pleasing meal. However, preparing a turkey can be intimidating, especially if you're doing it for the first time. The good news is that with some valuable tips, you can create an impressive apple herb roasted turkey recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Tip #1: Choose the Right Turkey

The first step to making a great apple herb roasted turkey recipe is choosing the right bird. If you're buying a frozen turkey, make sure it's completely thawed before cooking. Also, consider the size of the turkey based on the number of people you'll be serving. A general rule of thumb is to plan for 1-1.5 pounds per person.

Tip #2: Brine the Turkey

Brining the turkey is essential in creating a juicy and flavorful meat. Brining is a process of soaking the turkey in saltwater, which allows the meat to become tender and absorb the flavors of any herbs or spices you add to the brine. To make a brine, you can mix water, salt, sugar, and any other seasonings you prefer. Place the turkey in a large container and pour the brine over it. Refrigerate for at least 12 hours before cooking.

Tip #3: Stuff the Turkey, But Not the Cavity

Stuffing the turkey with herbs, fruits, or vegetables will enhance the flavors of the meat as it cooks. However, avoid stuffing the cavity of the turkey, as it can create a breeding ground for bacteria. Instead, stuff the cavity with aromatics like garlic, onions, and herbs. For the stuffing, prepare it separately and cook it in a casserole dish.

Tip#4: Use Butter or Oil to Keep the Skin Moist

To get a crispy, golden-brown skin on your turkey, rub it with softened butter or oil before roasting. This will help keep the skin moist and prevent it from drying out. You can also place thin slices of butter under the skin to ensure that the meat stays moist.

Tip #5: Baste the Turkey

Basting the turkey is an essential step in achieving a juicy and flavorful meat. The process involves brushing or spooning the pan juices over the turkey every 30 minutes throughout the cooking process. This helps to keep the meat moist and adds more flavor to the skin.

Tip #6: Use an Oven Thermometer

An oven thermometer is a handy tool to have when making an apple herb roasted turkey recipe. It ensures that the turkey is cooked to the right temperature, which is essential for food safety. The internal temperature of the turkey should reach 165°F before removing it from the oven.

Tip #7: Let the Turkey Rest Before Carving

After the turkey is cooked, let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to settle, creating a tender and juicy meat. Cover the turkey with foil to keep it warm while resting.

Tip #8: Add Apples and Herbs to the Roasting Pan

Adding apples and herbs to the roasting pan will infuse the turkey with more flavors. Cut a few apples into slices and place them around the turkey before roasting. You can also add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, sage, and parsley to the mix.

Tip #9: Use Turkey Drippings to Make Gravy

The drippings from the turkey are essential in making a perfect gravy. Pour the drippings the turkey pan into a saucepan and heat it up. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and cold water until smooth. Pour the flour mixture into the saucepan and whisk until the gravy thickens.

Tip #10: Serve the Turkey with Apples and Herbs

To make your apple herb roasted turkey recipe more impressive, serve it with roasted apples and herbs. Place roasted apples and herbs around the turkey on a platter to add more flavors and colors to the dish.

Conclusion

Making an apple herb roasted turkey recipe may seem like a daunting task, but with the above valuable tips, you'll have a mouth-watering meal that everyone will love. Remember to choose the right turkey, brine it, stuff it, baste it, and use an oven thermometer to ensure that it's cooked to perfection. Combine with delicious roasted apples, herbs, and gravy for the ultimate Thanksgiving or Christmas feast.

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