EASY & JUICY WHOLE TURKEY RECIPE

Easy & Juicy Whole Turkey Recipe image

Provided by @MakeItYours

Number Of Ingredients 23

16 lb turkey, thawed, inside packets removed
BRINE
1 gallon buttermilk
8 tablespoons kosher salt
2 tablespoon poultry seasoning.
1 tablespoon black pepper
6 cloves garlic, crushed
1 white onion, chopped
INSIDE CAVITY
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 apple
1 orange
SEASONED BUTTER
1 stick butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon basil
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1/2 teaspoon garlic flakes
1/2 teaspoon paprika

Steps:

Combine the brine ingredients in a large bowl.
Line a large bowl, pot or bucket with an oven roasting bag.
Place the turkey into the bag and pour in the brine.
Tie the bag, making sure all the air is out and the buttermilk brine is completely surrounding the turkey.
Refrigerate overnight.
Preheat oven to 325.
Rinse the brine off completely.
Dry the turkey with paper towels until completely dry.
Combine the salt and pepper and rub inside of the turkey cavity.
Stuff the cavity with an apple and orange.
Combine all of the seasoned butter ingredients.
Brush this butter mixture generously onto the turkey, until covered with butter. Reserve some of the butter if desired.
Place turkey in a roasting pan, breast side up.
Place on the lower rack in the oven and bake uncovered for 3 hours and 45 minutes to 4 hours.
Cover with foil for the last 45 minutes (if you are content with the browning) and also remove the apple and orange at this point.
Remove from oven when done.
Let rest for 20 minutes.
Enjoy!
~TIPS~
Feel free to stuff the turkey with fresh herbs, onions, garlic, etc.
Don't brine past 24 hours.
Don't overcook!! Use that thermometer AND cooking guide! (oven tempts. can vary)