Southern Roast Turkey and Gravy

Buttering and salting the turkey 1 to 2 days before roasting seasons the bird inside and out without the fuss of wet brining. Be sure to let the bird warm up at room temperature before roasting so it cooks up juicy and tender.

For the turkey

• 1 16-lb. fresh turkey, neck, tail, and giblets reserved for the gravy
• 5 oz. (10 Tbs.) unsalted butter, softened
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 Tbs. paprika (hot or sweet)
• 2 Tbs. finely chopped fresh thyme
• 4 tsp. minced garlic
• 3/4 tsp. cayenne
• 1/4 tsp. celery seed

For the gravy

• 1 small yellow onion, quartered
• 2 medium stalks celery, halved crosswise
• 2 Tbs. olive oil
• 3 cups lower-salt chicken broth
• 2 cups dry white wine
• 2 bay leaves
• 2-1/4 oz. (1/2 cup) unbleached all-purpose flour
• 2 Tbs. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Butter and salt the turkey

Line a 12x16-inch heavy-duty roasting pan with 2 layers of paper towels. Blot the turkey dry inside and out.

In a small bowl, combine the butter with 2 tsp. salt and 1 tsp. pepper; stir in the paprika, thyme, garlic, cayenne, and celery seed. Set aside 1/4 cup of the butter mixture for making the gravy.

Slide your hand under the turkey’s skin to loosen it from the breast and thigh meat. Using your fingers, spread the butter directly on the breast and thigh meat, being careful not to tear the skin. Season the turkey inside and out with 1-1/2 tsp. each salt and pepper. Tuck the wings behind the neck and tie the legs together with kitchen twine.

Set the turkey breast side up in the prepared pan. Loosely cover with waxed paper or parchment and refrigerate for 1 to 2 days.

Make the broth for the gravy

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 400°F. On a large rimmed baking sheet, toss the turkey neck, tail, giblets (excluding the liver), onion, and celery with the oil; arrange in a single layer. Roast, stirring once, until well browned, about 40 minutes.

Transfer the roasted ingredients to a heavy-duty 5-quart pot. Pour 1 cup of the chicken broth onto the hot baking sheet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spatula; transfer to the pot. Add the remaining broth and 1 quart water. Bring to a boil; lower the heat and simmer gently until reduced to 3 cups, about 1-1/2 hours. Strain through a medium-mesh sieve into a 2-quart measuring cup; discard the solids.

Roast the turkey

Uncover the turkey, discard the paper towels, and set the turkey on a V-rack in the roasting pan. Let sit for 1 hour at room temperature.

Position a rack in the lower third of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F.

Roast the turkey, basting occasionally after 1 hour and rotating the panhalfway through, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the
thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F, 2 to 2-1/2 hours. If the skingets too dark during roasting, tent with foil.

Tilt the turkey so the juice in the cavity runs into the roasting pan. Transfer the turkey to a platter or carving board. Remove the string, tent with foil, and let rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes and up to 1 hour before carving and serving.

Make the gravy

Pour the drippings from the turkey roasting pan into a fat separator and allow the fat to rise to the top. Transfer 1/4 cup of the fat to a 3- to 4-quart saucepan; discard the remaining fat and add the defatted drippings to the reserved broth in the measuring cup.

Add the wine and bay leaves to the roasting pan and boil over medium-high heat, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, until reduced to 1/2 cup, about 10 minutes. Strain through a medium-mesh sieve set over the measuring cup of broth.

Add the reserved butter to the fat in the saucepan and melt over medium-high heat. Add the flour and cook, whisking constantly, until slightly thickened, 3 to 4 minutes. Slowly whisk in the broth mixture and bring to a boil; then turn the heat down and simmer vigorously, whisking occasionally, until the gravy is reduced to 4 cups, 8 to 16 minutes. Discard the bay leaves, stir in the parsley and thyme, and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Carve the turkey and serve with the hot gravy.

Herb-Butter Roasted Turkey with Pinot Noir Gravy

To brine the turkey you need space for a 5-gallon pot in your refrigerator. If you have neither the room nor the pot, you can cook the brine in a smaller pan and proceed with one of our alternative brining methods.

For the brine:

• 2-1/2 gallons water
• 2-1/2 cups kosher salt
• 1 cup maple syrup
• 24 bay leaves
• 24 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1/3 cup whole black peppercorns
• 2 small bunches fresh flat-leaf parsley (about 4 oz.)
• 1 small bunch fresh sage (about 1 oz.)
• 6 medium sprigs fresh rosemary
• Zest and juice of 4 large lemons (remove the zest in long strips with a vegetable peeler)

For the turkey:

• 14- to 16-lb. natural turkey (preferably fresh)
• 1 recipe Three-Herb Butter, softened
• 2 Tbs. kosher salt
• 2 Tbs. freshly ground black pepper
• 2 oz. (4 Tbs.) unsalted butter, melted

For the gravy:

• 2-1/2 oz. (5 Tbs.) unsalted butter
• 2-1/2 oz. (1/2 cup) all-purpose flour
• 4 cups Three-Herb Turkey Broth or low-salt chicken broth
• 1-1/2 cups Pinot Noir
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Two days ahead, prepare the brine:

Put all of the brine ingredients in a 5-gallon stockpot with a lid. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat, cool to room temperature, cover the pot, and refrigerate the brine until cold, preferably overnight.

One day ahead: brine the turkey:

If already loose, trim the tail from the turkey. Otherwise, leave it attached. Remove and discard the giblets. Keep the neck and tail in the refrigerator. Rinse the turkey and put it in the pot with the brine. Refrigerate for 8 to 24 hours before roasting the turkey.

Prepare and roast the turkey:

Position a rack in the bottom of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F. Remove the turkey from the brine and discard the brine. Rinse the turkey well, pat it dry, and set it in a large flameproof roasting pan. Gently slide your hand between the breast meat and skin to separate the skin so you can apply the herb butter. Slice the herb butter into 1/4-inch-thick rounds and distribute them evenly between the skin and breast meat, completely covering the breast. Maneuver a few pieces between the skin and legs, too. Next, with your hands on the outside of the turkey, massage the butter under the skin to distribute it evenly and break up the round pieces so the turkey won’t look polka-dotted when it’s done.

Sprinkle 1 Tbs. of the salt and 1 Tbs. of the pepper in the cavity of the turkey. Tie the legs together. Fold the wings back and tuck the tips under the neck area. Flip the turkey onto its breast, pat the back dry, and brush with some of the melted butter. Sprinkle with some of the remaining salt and pepper. Flip the turkey over, pat dry again, brush all over with the remaining butter, and sprinkle with the remaining salt and pepper. Put the reserved neck and tail in the pan with the turkey. Cover the pan very tightly with foil and put in the oven, legs pointing to the back of the oven, if possible (the legs can handle the higher heat in the back better than the breast can). Roast undisturbed for 2 hours and then uncover carefully (watch out for escaping steam). Continue to roast, basting every 15 minutes with the drippings that have collected in the pan, until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of both thighs reads 170° to 175°F and the juices run clear when the thermometer is removed, 45 minutes to 1 hour more for a 15-lb. turkey.

Remove the turkey from the oven. With a wad of paper towels in each hand, move the turkey to a serving platter, cover with foil to keep warm, and set aside. Discard the neck and tail; reserve the drippings in the roasting pan. Let the turkey rest for 30 minutes while you make the gravy and heat the side dishes

Make the gravy:

Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-high heat until foaming. Add the flour and quickly whisk it into the butter until it’s completely incorporated. Cook, whisking constantly, until the roux smells toasty and darkens slightly to a light caramel color (see image below), about 2 minutes. Watch carefully, as you don’t want it to get too dark. Remove from the heat and set aside.

Pour the reserved turkey drippings into a clear, heatproof container, preferably a fat separator cup. (Don’t rinse the roasting pan.) Let sit until the fat rises to the top, and then pour out 1 cup of the juices (or remove and discard the fat with a ladle and measure 1 cup of the juices). Combine the juices with the turkey or chicken broth.

Set the roasting pan on top of the stove over two burners on medium heat. Add the Pinot Noir and simmer, scraping the pan with a wooden spoon to release any stuck-on bits, until the wine has reduced by half, about 5 minutes. Add the broth mixture and simmer to meld the flavors, about 5 minutes. Whisk in the roux a little at a time until you have reached your desired thickness (you may not want to use it all). Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Strain through a fine sieve and transfer to a serving vessel.

Bacon-Wrapped Smoked Turkey

This recipe calls for many ingredients and some planning, but the finished turkey’s rich, smoky flavor and juicy meat is more than worth it. First, the turkey is brined in a cider-spice brine to season it inside and out. Then, it gets rubbed with butter, honey, and a barbecue spice rub. Next, it's wrapped in bacon and smoked on the grill. As the bird finishes cooking, it gets spritzed with apple juice to beautifully burnish the skin and keep the meat moist and flavorful.

For the brine

• 8 cups apple cider
• 1 lb. kosher salt (1-3/4 cups if using Morton’s; 2-3/4 cups if using Diamond Crystal)
• 1-3/4 cups packed dark brown sugar
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 3/4 cup honey
• 1/4 tsp. ground cloves
• 5 dried bay leaves
• 1 12- to 14-lb. turkey (preferably fresh, and not kosher or
  self-basting; neck and giblets, excluding liver, reserved for the broth)

For the broth

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• Kosher salt
• 2 medium carrots, cut into 2-inch chunks
• 2 medium celery stalks, cut into 2-inch chunks
• 1 medium yellow onion, peeled and quartered
• 1 dried bay leaf
• 1/2 tsp. black peppercorns

For the barbecue spice rub

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 Tbs. chili powder
• 1 Tbs. packed dark brown sugar
• 2-1/4 tsp. smoked paprika (pimentón)
• 1-1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 3/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp. cayenne
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp. onion powder
• 1/2 tsp. dry mustard
• 1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp. ground coriander
• 1/8 tsp. ground cumin

For the turkey

• 5 Tbs. vegetable oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, peeled and quartered
• 4 oz. (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened, plus 2 oz. (4 Tbs.), cut into 4 slices
• 1/4 cup honey
• about 2 lb. thick-cut bacon, preferably applewood smoked, at room temperature
• 2 cups hardwood chips, preferably a combination of apple and hickory, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes and drained
• 1 cup apple juice, in a spray bottle

For the gravy

• 1-1/2 oz. (6 Tbs.) unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp. cider vinegar, or to taste
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Make the brine

Combine all of the brine ingredients and 8 cups of water in an 8-quart pot; bring to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat, cool to room temperature, and then refrigerate until cold.

Brine the turkey

Put the turkey breast side down in a pot or tub large enough to hold it and the brine. Add the brine (the turkey will float, but that’s OK) and refrigerate for at least 6 hours and up to 20 hours.

Make the broth

With a chef’s knife, cut the turkey neck into 3 or 4 pieces and chop the giblets. Heat the oil in a 4-quart pot over medium-high heat. Cook the neck and giblets with a pinch of salt, stirring often, until browned, about 8 minutes. add the carrots, celery, onion, bay leaf, peppercorns, 2 tsp. salt, and 6 cups of water.

Bring to a boil, lower the heat, skim off any foam, and simmer, covered, until flavorful, about 1 hour. Strain the broth through a fine sieve into a large bowl—you’ll have about 4 cups.

Make the spice rub

In a small bowl, mix all of the rub ingredients, breaking up any clumps of brown sugar with your fingers.

Prepare the grill

Light a charcoal or gas grill fire and set it up for indirect cooking over low heat (275°F).

If using a charcoal grill, bank the lit and ashed-over coals to one side of the grill. Cover the grill and adjust the vents as needed to reach 275°F.

If using a gas grill, cover the grill, turn off one or more of the burners, and adjust the active burner(s) to reach 275°F.

Smoke the turkey

Rinse and dry the turkey; discard the brine. Rub the inside of the body and neck cavities with 2 Tbs. of the vegetable oil, and then sprinkle each cavity with 1/2 Tbs. of the spice rub. Put the onion pieces inside the body cavity.

In a small bowl, combine the 4 oz. softened butter with 1 Tbs. of the spice rub. Carefully slide your hands under the skin of the turkey to loosen it from the breast. Using your fingers, spread the butter mixture directly on the breast meat, being careful not to tear the skin.

Tie the legs together with twine. Tuck the wing tips behind the neck, securing any loose skin over the neck cavity beneath them.

Rub the outside of the turkey with the remaining 3 Tbs. vegetable oil, then the honey, and then 3-1/2 Tbs. of the spice rub.

Put a flat wire rack inside an 11x14-inch (or similar) foil-lined roasting pan. Line the rack with enough bacon slices (touching but not overlapping) to cover the area the turkey will occupy. Put the turkey breast side up on the bacon and then lay enough bacon slices across the top of turkey to cover it, securing the slices with toothpicks. (It’s OK if the sides of the turkey aren’t entirely covered.)

For a charcoal grill, sprinkle 1/2 cup of the drained wood chips over the coals. Replace the grill grate.

For a gas grill, make 2 heavy-duty aluminum foil packets, each filled with 1 cup of the drained chips. Using a fork, poke holes all over the packets. Lifting the grill grate, set one of the packets directly over an active burner; reserve the second packet. Replace the  grill grate.

Put the turkey in its pan on the unlit side of the grill and cover the grill. Smoke the turkey until the bacon is dark, rotating the pan occasionally for even cooking, 2 to 3 hours. If using a charcoal grill, add 1/2 cup of drained chips to the coals every 30 minutes until you’ve used all of the chips. When the temperature dips to 250°F, every 1 to 1-1/2 hours, light 3 quarts of charcoal in a chimney set over bricks. When the coals are ashed over, transfer the turkey in its pan to a heatproof surface, lift the grill grate, and add the fresh coals to maintain the temperature. If the temperature gets too high, leave the lid ajar to let in cool air. For a gas grill, add the reserved packet of chips when the first packet stops smoking.

When the bacon is dark, remove it from the top of the turkey; enjoy as a cook’s treat or discard. Generously season the turkey with all but 1 tsp. (which will be used for the gravy) of the remaining spice rub. Put the butter slices on top of the breast and thighs and continue smoking, spraying the turkey with the apple juice and rotating the pan every 30 minutes, until the temperature in the center of the breast registers 165°F, about 2 hours more. If at any time the turkey becomes too dark, loosely tent it with foil.

Remove the pan from the grill. Tilt the turkey so the juice in the cavity runs into the roasting pan. Transfer the turkey to a serving platter or cutting board and loosely tent it with foil. Let the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes.

Make the gravy

Heat the turkey broth until hot. Pour the drippings from the roasting pan into a fat separator or heatproof measuring cup. Allow the fat to rise to the top and then transfer 1/4 cup of the fat to a 12-inch skillet; discard the remaining fat and reserve the rest of the drippings.

Season the turkey broth with enough of the drippings to add flavor without making it too salty.

Heat the fat in the skillet over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, whisking constantly, for 2 minutes. Add the remaining 1 tsp. spice rub and cook, whisking, 1 minute more. Gradually whisk the broth into the skillet until smooth, and then bring to a simmer. Whisk in the cider vinegar and simmer until the gravy barely coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Carve the turkey and serve with the gravy.

Roasted Turkey with Apple Cider Thyme Gravy

I think a fresh organic turkey tastes best. You can make the gravy while the turkey is roasting.

For the gravy:

• 1/4 lb. (8 Tbs.) unsalted butter
• 2/3 cup flour, sifted
• 3 cups apple cider
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 apple, peeled, cored, and diced
• 2 shallots, chopped (about 4 Tbs.)
• 1-1/2 cups homemade or low-salt canned chicken stock; more as needed
• 2 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 1 Tbs. chopped fresh thyme

For the turkey:

• Oil for spraying brown grocery bag
• 12- to 14-lb. fresh turkey (preferably organic), with neck
• Reserved herb butter from Buttercup Squash Soup
• 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 recipe Wild Rice Stuffing
• Kitchen twine for trussing
• 5 Tbs. butter, cut into 10 pieces
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 2 tsp. salt
• 1 Tbs. fresh thyme
• 3 cups homemade or low-salt canned chicken stock
• Fresh herbs for garnish

Up to one week ahead:

In a medium heavy sauté pan over low heat, melt the butter; add the flour, whisking until smooth. Cook over very low heat for 20 minutes, stirring frequently. The roux should be a pale straw brown; if it begins to darken, remove it from the heat. Refrigerate the roux in a wide-mouthed jar or other covered container.

On the day of serving:

Bring the roux to room temperature. Heat the oven to 325°F and adjust the racks to accommodate the roasting pan and an extra pan of stuffing. Cut away one of the wider sides of a brown grocery bag and coat the underside of the remainder with oil, using a spray bottle or pastry brush. Rinse the bird with cold water inside and out. Save the neck and discard the other innards.

Cut off the pope's nose (the tail) from the turkey and tuck the wing tips under the back of the bird. With a rubber spatula or your hands, separate the skin from the breast and spread the herb butter and garlic slices under the skin. Loosely fill the front and back cavities of the bird with stuffing. Insert a long metal fork in the middle of the stuffing in the back cavity (leaving the tip exposed); this will help the stuffing cook faster by drawing the heat to the interior of the stuffing. Cut a slit in the flaps on either side of the cavity. Tie a 16-inch piece of twine around one leg, feed the twine through both slits in the flaps, and pull the twine taut. Wrap the twine around the other leg once, and tie the legs together securely.

Put the extra stuffing in a buttered baking dish, about 9x7 inches -- Dot with the 10 dabs of butter and cover with foil. Poke 8 holes in the foil for steam and set aside in the refrigerator.

Coat the bottom of a large roasting pan with 1/4 cup olive oil -- Set the bird in the pan and rub it with the other 1/4 cup oil; sprinkle with 2 tsp. salt and 1 Tbs. thyme. Put the neck in the pan. Cover the bird loosely with the brown bag and put the pan in the oven.

After 1 hour of roasting -- Remove the neck from the oven; set aside. Begin making a stock reduction for the gravy: In a 2-qt. pot, combine 3 cups cider, the wine, apple, shallots, 1-1/2 cups stock, and turkey neck. Boil over high heat until the liquid is reduced by half (about 2-1/2 cups), about 30 minutes. Discard the turkey neck. Remove the pan from the heat and set aside. Remove the pan of stuffing from the refrigerator to let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes.

After 2-1/2 hours of roasting -- Put the pan of stuffing in the oven. At the same time, baste the turkey with any juices (there may not be a lot from an organic turkey) and add the 3 cups chicken stock to the pan. Continue roasting for another hour.

After 3-1/2 hours of roasting -- Remove the paper bag from the turkey. Take the turkey from the oven, set it on a hot pad on the counter, and tilt the pan to pour or ladle off all the juices into a heatproof container (when you tilt the pan, use a towel to hold a leg of the turkey to keep it from sliding). Check the turkey's temperature (the thickest part of the thigh should be 165°F when done, and the center of the stuffing should be above 160°F.) Return the turkey to the oven to finish roasting if needed. Remove the foil cover from the pan of stuffing. Let the pan juices sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the fat to rise.

Finish the gravy -- Skim the fat off the reserved pan juices and add the juices to the reduced cider stock. Bring the liquid to a simmer (skimming off any more fat if necessary) and slowly whisk in about one-third of the roux until it's absorbed and the gravy thickens. Add more roux if you like a thicker gravy or more stock or apple cider if you want it thinner. Strain the gravy (the apple will have disintegrated), and season with 2 tsp. salt and 1 tsp. pepper or to taste. Add the thyme and keep the gravy warm (put the pot, loosely covered with foil, on a hot plate if you have one).

After 4 hours of roasting -- Check the turkey temperature again. Remove the pan of stuffing (it should feel firm). If the turkey isn't done yet, check in another 30 minutes. When the turkey reaches temperature, remove it from oven and cover loosely with a tent of foil. Let rest at least 20 minutes so the juices settle back into the flesh, which will keep it tender. Or leave the turkey in the oven, turn off the heat, and leave the oven door cracked. You can hold the turkey this way for an hour.

Transfer the turkey to a cutting board and slice -- I like to remove the legs and the breast and slice the breast meat on a bias and the thigh meat into slices. Arrange on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs.

Fresh Herb and Salt-Rubbed Roasted Turkey

A dry brine (an herb and salt rub applied directly to the turkey) creates satiny leg meat and juicy, perfectly seasoned breast meat. Air-drying the turkey on the last day of the 4-day process will make its skin super crisp when roasted. This recipe can be adapted to turkeys of all sizes—use 1/8 oz. of kosher salt per pound.
For more turkey recipes visit The Guide to Thanksgiving Dinner.

• 2 Tbs. chopped fresh thyme
• 2 Tbs. chopped fresh sage
• 2 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• One 16-lb. turkey, preferably fresh (not kosher or self-basting)
• 2 oz. kosher salt (1/2 cup if using Diamond Crystal; 1/4 cup if using Morton)
• Herb Gravy for a Brined Turkey (optional)

Dry brine the turkey

Four days before you plan to roast the turkey, mix the herbs and oil in a small bowl. Loosen the skin around the shoulders of the bird and around the cavity. Carefully slide your hands underneath the skin to loosen it from the breast, thighs, and drumsticks.


Rub the herb mixture on the meat, under the skin. Pat the skin back into place.


Rub the salt inside the cavity and on the skin. Tuck the wing tips behind the neck and tie the legs together with kitchen string. Put the turkey in a large food-safe plastic bag (such as a turkey-size roasting bag) and tie. Put the bag inside a second bag and tie.


Refrigerate the turkey, turning it over every day, for 3 days.


Remove the turkey from the bags and pat dry. Put it in a flameproof roasting pan and refrigerate, unwrapped, to let the turkey air-dry overnight (for the fourth day).

Roast the turkey

Position a rack in the bottom third of the oven and heat the oven to 425°F. Roast the turkey for 30 minutes, then reduce the heat to 325°F. Continue to roast until an instant-read thermometer registers 170°F in the thickest part of a thigh, about 2 hours. Let the turkey rest for 30 minutes before carving to allow the juices to settle. If making the gravy, do so while the turkey rests.

Roasted Turkey with Juniper-Ginger Butter & Pan Gravy

Brining the turkey and rubbing an intensely flavored butter under the skin before roasting guarantees a juicy bird.

For the juniper-ginger butter:

• 7 oz. (14 Tbs.) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup minced fresh ginger
• 2 Tbs. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 2 Tbs. minced shallots
• 1 Tbs. ground juniper 
• 1 Tbs. chopped fresh sage
• 1 Tbs. fresh thyme
• 2 tsp. minced garlic
• 2 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary

For the brined turkey:

• 2-1/2 lb.  kosher salt  (8-3/4 cups if you're using Diamond Crystal brand)
• 1-1/2 lb. (3 cups plus 3 Tbs.) granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup freshly ground black pepper
• 2-1/2 oz. fresh rosemary sprigs (about 2 large bunches), lightly crushed
• 2-1/2 oz. fresh thyme sprigs (about 2 large bunches), lightly crushed
• 14-lb. natural turkey (preferably fresh)

Tip:

Because different brands of kosher salt have different densities, be sure to measure by weight. For example, 2-1/2 lb. of Morton brand salt is only about 4-1/2 cups.

For the gravy:

• 1 cup lower-salt chicken broth
• 4 Tbs. unsalted butter
• 3 oz. (2/3 cup) all-purpose flour
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

At least one day ahead, make the butter

Mix the butter ingredients in a bowl. Refrigerate 4 Tbs. of the butter for the gravy and set the rest aside at room temperature for the turkey.

One day ahead, brine and prepare the turkey

In a plastic container or stockpot large enough to hold the turkey, mix all the brine ingredients (except the turkey) in 3 gallons of cold water, stirring until the salt and sugar are mostly dissolved. Discard the neck and the giblets and trim any excess skin or fat. Trim the tail, if desired. Rinse the turkey and submerge it in the brine for at least 4 hours and no more than 6 hours. If the turkey floats, weight it down with a couple of dinner plates.

Remove the turkey from the brine and pat dry with paper towels. Starting at the top of the breast, run your fingers between the breast and the skin to separate them, being careful not to rip the skin. Once you're halfway down the breast, turn the turkey around and work from the bottom of the breast until you have loosened the skin from the breast, thighs, and as far down the legs as you can reach. Rub the juniper butter under the skin, covering the breast and as much of the legs as possible. Tuck the wings behind the breast and truss the turkey with twine, securing the legs to the body. Set the turkey on a rack in a large roasting pan and refrigerate, uncovered, for at least 6 and up to 24 hours.

Roast the turkey

Position a rack in the bottom of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F. If any brine has dripped from the turkey into the roasting pan, pour it out. Then pour 2 cups of warm water into the bottom of the pan and cover the entire roasting pan with foil. Roast undisturbed for 2 hours; remove the pan from the oven and remove the foil. Roast the uncovered turkey until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of both thighs reads 165°F, 45 minutes to 1 hour longer.

Move the turkey to a cutting board, tent with foil to keep warm, and let rest for about 30 minutes.

Make the gravy

Strain the turkey drippings into a fat separator cup (or another clear, heatproof container). Let sit until the fat rises to the top and then separate exactly 2 cups of the turkey juice from the fat—don't use more than that or the gravy will be too salty. Combine the 2 cups juice with the chicken broth and enough water to make 4-1/2 cups liquid.

In a medium saucepan, melt the reserved juniper-ginger butter and the unsalted butter over medium-high heat until foaming. Whisk in the flour and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture is golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Gradually whisk in the liquid, bring just to a boil, and reduce to a simmer. Whisking frequently, continue to cook about 5 minutes longer to meld the flavors. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Herb Gravy for a Brined Turkey

Pan juices from a brined turkey are full of salt, so if you use them in a traditional gravy recipe, your gravy is likely to come out far too salty. This gravy, which is based on a plain turkey broth and just a small amount of pan juices, can be used for any dry- or wet-brined bird.
For more gravy recipes visit The Guide to Thanksgiving Dinner.

For the turkey broth

• Turkey neck, gizzard, tail, and heart
• 2 Tbs. vegetable oil
• 1 large yellow onion, cut into 2-inch chunks
• 1 small carrot, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 celery stalk, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 large sprigs each fresh thyme and parsley
• 10 black peppercorns

For the gravy

• Drippings from a roasted brined turkey
• 6 Tbs. all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp. chopped fresh sage (save the stems)
• 1/2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme (save the stems)
• 1/2 tsp. fresh lemon juice
• Freshly ground black pepper

Make the broth

Chop the turkey neck into 3 or 4 pieces with a cleaver. Chop the gizzard in half. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the neck, gizzard, tail, and heart (do not use the liver) along with the onion. Stir to coat with oil, cover, and cook gently, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes. The meat will begin releasing lots of juice.


Add 4 cups cold water and the carrot, celery, herbs, and peppercorns. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, cover, and reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Simmer until the broth is flavorful, 30 to 40 minutes. Strain the broth and set aside until the fat rises to the top. Skim off and discard the fat. Use the broth immediately or cool and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Make the gravy

Heat the giblet broth until hot. Pour the drippings from the roasting pan into a heatproof measuring cup or fat separator. Allow the fat to rise to the top and then spoon 4 Tbs. back into the roasting pan. Separate and discard the remaining fat from the pan juices. Season the giblet broth with the pan juices, adding only enough to make the broth very flavorful but not too salty. If necessary, add water until you have 4 cups of liquid.


Place the roasting pan over two burners set on medium heat. Sprinkle the flour into the pan and use a flat whisk or wooden spoon to combine it with the fat. Cook for about 2 minutes.


To keep lumps from forming in the gravy, slowly pour about 1/2 cup of the broth mixture into the pan while whisking vigorously to disperse the flour evenly into the liquid. The liquid should thicken quickly and get gluey. As soon as it thickens, add another 1/2 cup or so of broth while whisking. Repeat until the gravy starts looking more like a smooth sauce than glue. At this point, you can whisk in the remaining broth and bring the gravy to a simmer. Add the reserved herb stems and simmer for about 5minutes to develop the flavors. Strain the gravy through a medium sieve, add the sage, thyme, and lemon juice, and season to taste with pepper.

Turkey Roulade with Apple-Cider Gravy

This golden brown turkey breast, excerpted from the cookbook The Food You Crave, has a moist pecan-and-cranberry-studded stuffing rolled inside. Relish in the “oohs” and “aahhs” as you reveal the beautiful spiral intertwining of tender turkey and savory stuffing.
For more turkey recipes visit The Guide to Thanksgiving Dinner.

• One 2-1/2-pound boneless turkey breast half, skin removed and butterflied
• 2 1/2 to 2 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 5 slices day-old whole-wheat bread, crusts removed and cubed (about 2-1/2 cups)
• 1 medium onion, diced (about 1-1/2 cups), plus 1 cup onion thinly sliced into half-moons
• 1 cup apple cider
• 2 large cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened dried cranberries
• 1/3 cup chopped pecans
• 3 tablespoons cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage or 3 teaspoons dried, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon cold water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
• Kitchen twine

Place the turkey breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound lightly with a meat mallet to an even thickness of about 3/4 inch. Set aside while you prepare the stuffing.

Toast the pecans in a small dry skillet over medium-high heat until fragrant, stirring frequently, about 3 minutes; set aside. Preheat the oven to 375°F. 

Place the cranberries in a small saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil, cook for 1 minute, then remove from the heat, drain, and set aside. 

Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring, until golden but not blackened, 12 to 15 minutes. Add the garlic and cook another 2 to 3 minutes. Add the bread, cranberries, pecans, 2 tablespoons of the fresh or 2 teaspoons of the dried sage, and 1/2 to 3/4 cup of the broth, depending upon the consistency of the stuffing (you want the mixture to be moistened, but not too wet, since the turkey will release moisture when cooked). Cook over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes, then remove from the heat. 

Sprinkle the salt and pepper over both sides of the turkey breast. Spread the stuffing over one side of the turkey, leaving about 1-1/2 to 2 inches uncovered on all sides. Roll up and secure tightly with kitchen twine, trying to keep all the stuffing intact.

Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large Dutch oven or medium roasting pan over medium heat until hot. Sear the stuffed turkey breast on all sides until lightly browned, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Sprinkle the sliced onion around the turkey, pour in 1-1/2 cups of the broth, cover tightly and roast in the oven until an instant-read meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part registers 165°F, 60 to 65 minutes. Remove the turkey breast from the oven, transfer to a cutting board, tent with aluminum foil, and let rest while you make the gravy.

Add the cider, 1/2 cup of the broth, the vinegar, and the remaining 2 teaspoons fresh or 1 teaspoon dried sage to the roasting pan, bring to a boil, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is reduced by one-third, about 10 minutes. Slowly add the cornstarch mixture, stirring constantly, and cook for 3 minutes more. The gravy should not be thick, just slightly thicker than a jus. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 

Remove the twine from the turkey breast and cut into 1-1/2-inch-thick slices. Serve with the gravy on the side in a gravy boat.

Turkey Roulade with Apple-Cider Gravy

This golden brown turkey breast, excerpted from the cookbook The Food You Crave, has a moist pecan-and-cranberry-studded stuffing rolled inside. Relish in the “oohs” and “aahhs” as you reveal the beautiful spiral intertwining of tender turkey and savory stuffing.
For more turkey recipes visit The Guide to Thanksgiving Dinner.

• One 2-1/2-pound boneless turkey breast half, skin removed and butterflied
• 2 1/2 to 2 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 5 slices day-old whole-wheat bread, crusts removed and cubed (about 2-1/2 cups)
• 1 medium onion, diced (about 1-1/2 cups), plus 1 cup onion thinly sliced into half-moons
• 1 cup apple cider
• 2 large cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened dried cranberries
• 1/3 cup chopped pecans
• 3 tablespoons cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage or 3 teaspoons dried, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon cold water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
• Kitchen twine

Place the turkey breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound lightly with a meat mallet to an even thickness of about 3/4 inch. Set aside while you prepare the stuffing.

Toast the pecans in a small dry skillet over medium-high heat until fragrant, stirring frequently, about 3 minutes; set aside. Preheat the oven to 375°F. 

Place the cranberries in a small saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil, cook for 1 minute, then remove from the heat, drain, and set aside. 

Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring, until golden but not blackened, 12 to 15 minutes. Add the garlic and cook another 2 to 3 minutes. Add the bread, cranberries, pecans, 2 tablespoons of the fresh or 2 teaspoons of the dried sage, and 1/2 to 3/4 cup of the broth, depending upon the consistency of the stuffing (you want the mixture to be moistened, but not too wet, since the turkey will release moisture when cooked). Cook over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes, then remove from the heat. 

Sprinkle the salt and pepper over both sides of the turkey breast. Spread the stuffing over one side of the turkey, leaving about 1-1/2 to 2 inches uncovered on all sides. Roll up and secure tightly with kitchen twine, trying to keep all the stuffing intact.

Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large Dutch oven or medium roasting pan over medium heat until hot. Sear the stuffed turkey breast on all sides until lightly browned, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Sprinkle the sliced onion around the turkey, pour in 1-1/2 cups of the broth, cover tightly and roast in the oven until an instant-read meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part registers 165°F, 60 to 65 minutes. Remove the turkey breast from the oven, transfer to a cutting board, tent with aluminum foil, and let rest while you make the gravy.

Add the cider, 1/2 cup of the broth, the vinegar, and the remaining 2 teaspoons fresh or 1 teaspoon dried sage to the roasting pan, bring to a boil, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is reduced by one-third, about 10 minutes. Slowly add the cornstarch mixture, stirring constantly, and cook for 3 minutes more. The gravy should not be thick, just slightly thicker than a jus. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 

Remove the twine from the turkey breast and cut into 1-1/2-inch-thick slices. Serve with the gravy on the side in a gravy boat.

Southern Roast Turkey and Gravy

Buttering and salting the turkey 1 to 2 days before roasting seasons the bird inside and out without the fuss of wet brining. Be sure to let the bird warm up at room temperature before roasting so it cooks up juicy and tender.

For the turkey

• 1 16-lb. fresh turkey, neck, tail, and giblets reserved for the gravy
• 5 oz. (10 Tbs.) unsalted butter, softened
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 Tbs. paprika (hot or sweet)
• 2 Tbs. finely chopped fresh thyme
• 4 tsp. minced garlic
• 3/4 tsp. cayenne
• 1/4 tsp. celery seed

For the gravy

• 1 small yellow onion, quartered
• 2 medium stalks celery, halved crosswise
• 2 Tbs. olive oil
• 3 cups lower-salt chicken broth
• 2 cups dry white wine
• 2 bay leaves
• 2-1/4 oz. (1/2 cup) unbleached all-purpose flour
• 2 Tbs. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Butter and salt the turkey

Line a 12x16-inch heavy-duty roasting pan with 2 layers of paper towels. Blot the turkey dry inside and out.

In a small bowl, combine the butter with 2 tsp. salt and 1 tsp. pepper; stir in the paprika, thyme, garlic, cayenne, and celery seed. Set aside 1/4 cup of the butter mixture for making the gravy.

Slide your hand under the turkey’s skin to loosen it from the breast and thigh meat. Using your fingers, spread the butter directly on the breast and thigh meat, being careful not to tear the skin. Season the turkey inside and out with 1-1/2 tsp. each salt and pepper. Tuck the wings behind the neck and tie the legs together with kitchen twine.

Set the turkey breast side up in the prepared pan. Loosely cover with waxed paper or parchment and refrigerate for 1 to 2 days.

Make the broth for the gravy

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 400°F. On a large rimmed baking sheet, toss the turkey neck, tail, giblets (excluding the liver), onion, and celery with the oil; arrange in a single layer. Roast, stirring once, until well browned, about 40 minutes.

Transfer the roasted ingredients to a heavy-duty 5-quart pot. Pour 1 cup of the chicken broth onto the hot baking sheet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spatula; transfer to the pot. Add the remaining broth and 1 quart water. Bring to a boil; lower the heat and simmer gently until reduced to 3 cups, about 1-1/2 hours. Strain through a medium-mesh sieve into a 2-quart measuring cup; discard the solids.

Roast the turkey

Uncover the turkey, discard the paper towels, and set the turkey on a V-rack in the roasting pan. Let sit for 1 hour at room temperature.

Position a rack in the lower third of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F.

Roast the turkey, basting occasionally after 1 hour and rotating the panhalfway through, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the
thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F, 2 to 2-1/2 hours. If the skingets too dark during roasting, tent with foil.

Tilt the turkey so the juice in the cavity runs into the roasting pan. Transfer the turkey to a platter or carving board. Remove the string, tent with foil, and let rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes and up to 1 hour before carving and serving.

Make the gravy

Pour the drippings from the turkey roasting pan into a fat separator and allow the fat to rise to the top. Transfer 1/4 cup of the fat to a 3- to 4-quart saucepan; discard the remaining fat and add the defatted drippings to the reserved broth in the measuring cup.

Add the wine and bay leaves to the roasting pan and boil over medium-high heat, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, until reduced to 1/2 cup, about 10 minutes. Strain through a medium-mesh sieve set over the measuring cup of broth.

Add the reserved butter to the fat in the saucepan and melt over medium-high heat. Add the flour and cook, whisking constantly, until slightly thickened, 3 to 4 minutes. Slowly whisk in the broth mixture and bring to a boil; then turn the heat down and simmer vigorously, whisking occasionally, until the gravy is reduced to 4 cups, 8 to 16 minutes. Discard the bay leaves, stir in the parsley and thyme, and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Carve the turkey and serve with the hot gravy.

Roasted Turkey with Juniper-Ginger Butter & Pan Gravy

Brining the turkey and rubbing an intensely flavored butter under the skin before roasting guarantees a juicy bird.

For the juniper-ginger butter:

• 7 oz. (14 Tbs.) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup minced fresh ginger
• 2 Tbs. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 2 Tbs. minced shallots
• 1 Tbs. ground juniper 
• 1 Tbs. chopped fresh sage
• 1 Tbs. fresh thyme
• 2 tsp. minced garlic
• 2 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary

For the brined turkey:

• 2-1/2 lb.  kosher salt  (8-3/4 cups if you're using Diamond Crystal brand)
• 1-1/2 lb. (3 cups plus 3 Tbs.) granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup freshly ground black pepper
• 2-1/2 oz. fresh rosemary sprigs (about 2 large bunches), lightly crushed
• 2-1/2 oz. fresh thyme sprigs (about 2 large bunches), lightly crushed
• 14-lb. natural turkey (preferably fresh)

Tip:

Because different brands of kosher salt have different densities, be sure to measure by weight. For example, 2-1/2 lb. of Morton brand salt is only about 4-1/2 cups.

For the gravy:

• 1 cup lower-salt chicken broth
• 4 Tbs. unsalted butter
• 3 oz. (2/3 cup) all-purpose flour
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

At least one day ahead, make the butter

Mix the butter ingredients in a bowl. Refrigerate 4 Tbs. of the butter for the gravy and set the rest aside at room temperature for the turkey.

One day ahead, brine and prepare the turkey

In a plastic container or stockpot large enough to hold the turkey, mix all the brine ingredients (except the turkey) in 3 gallons of cold water, stirring until the salt and sugar are mostly dissolved. Discard the neck and the giblets and trim any excess skin or fat. Trim the tail, if desired. Rinse the turkey and submerge it in the brine for at least 4 hours and no more than 6 hours. If the turkey floats, weight it down with a couple of dinner plates.

Remove the turkey from the brine and pat dry with paper towels. Starting at the top of the breast, run your fingers between the breast and the skin to separate them, being careful not to rip the skin. Once you're halfway down the breast, turn the turkey around and work from the bottom of the breast until you have loosened the skin from the breast, thighs, and as far down the legs as you can reach. Rub the juniper butter under the skin, covering the breast and as much of the legs as possible. Tuck the wings behind the breast and truss the turkey with twine, securing the legs to the body. Set the turkey on a rack in a large roasting pan and refrigerate, uncovered, for at least 6 and up to 24 hours.

Roast the turkey

Position a rack in the bottom of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F. If any brine has dripped from the turkey into the roasting pan, pour it out. Then pour 2 cups of warm water into the bottom of the pan and cover the entire roasting pan with foil. Roast undisturbed for 2 hours; remove the pan from the oven and remove the foil. Roast the uncovered turkey until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of both thighs reads 165°F, 45 minutes to 1 hour longer.

Move the turkey to a cutting board, tent with foil to keep warm, and let rest for about 30 minutes.

Make the gravy

Strain the turkey drippings into a fat separator cup (or another clear, heatproof container). Let sit until the fat rises to the top and then separate exactly 2 cups of the turkey juice from the fat—don't use more than that or the gravy will be too salty. Combine the 2 cups juice with the chicken broth and enough water to make 4-1/2 cups liquid.

In a medium saucepan, melt the reserved juniper-ginger butter and the unsalted butter over medium-high heat until foaming. Whisk in the flour and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture is golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Gradually whisk in the liquid, bring just to a boil, and reduce to a simmer. Whisking frequently, continue to cook about 5 minutes longer to meld the flavors. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Roasted Turkey with Apple Cider Thyme Gravy

I think a fresh organic turkey tastes best. You can make the gravy while the turkey is roasting.

For the gravy:

• 1/4 lb. (8 Tbs.) unsalted butter
• 2/3 cup flour, sifted
• 3 cups apple cider
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 apple, peeled, cored, and diced
• 2 shallots, chopped (about 4 Tbs.)
• 1-1/2 cups homemade or low-salt canned chicken stock; more as needed
• 2 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 1 Tbs. chopped fresh thyme

For the turkey:

• Oil for spraying brown grocery bag
• 12- to 14-lb. fresh turkey (preferably organic), with neck
• Reserved herb butter from Buttercup Squash Soup
• 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 recipe Wild Rice Stuffing
• Kitchen twine for trussing
• 5 Tbs. butter, cut into 10 pieces
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 2 tsp. salt
• 1 Tbs. fresh thyme
• 3 cups homemade or low-salt canned chicken stock
• Fresh herbs for garnish

Up to one week ahead:

In a medium heavy sauté pan over low heat, melt the butter; add the flour, whisking until smooth. Cook over very low heat for 20 minutes, stirring frequently. The roux should be a pale straw brown; if it begins to darken, remove it from the heat. Refrigerate the roux in a wide-mouthed jar or other covered container.

On the day of serving:

Bring the roux to room temperature. Heat the oven to 325°F and adjust the racks to accommodate the roasting pan and an extra pan of stuffing. Cut away one of the wider sides of a brown grocery bag and coat the underside of the remainder with oil, using a spray bottle or pastry brush. Rinse the bird with cold water inside and out. Save the neck and discard the other innards.

Cut off the pope's nose (the tail) from the turkey and tuck the wing tips under the back of the bird. With a rubber spatula or your hands, separate the skin from the breast and spread the herb butter and garlic slices under the skin. Loosely fill the front and back cavities of the bird with stuffing. Insert a long metal fork in the middle of the stuffing in the back cavity (leaving the tip exposed); this will help the stuffing cook faster by drawing the heat to the interior of the stuffing. Cut a slit in the flaps on either side of the cavity. Tie a 16-inch piece of twine around one leg, feed the twine through both slits in the flaps, and pull the twine taut. Wrap the twine around the other leg once, and tie the legs together securely.

Put the extra stuffing in a buttered baking dish, about 9x7 inches -- Dot with the 10 dabs of butter and cover with foil. Poke 8 holes in the foil for steam and set aside in the refrigerator.

Coat the bottom of a large roasting pan with 1/4 cup olive oil -- Set the bird in the pan and rub it with the other 1/4 cup oil; sprinkle with 2 tsp. salt and 1 Tbs. thyme. Put the neck in the pan. Cover the bird loosely with the brown bag and put the pan in the oven.

After 1 hour of roasting -- Remove the neck from the oven; set aside. Begin making a stock reduction for the gravy: In a 2-qt. pot, combine 3 cups cider, the wine, apple, shallots, 1-1/2 cups stock, and turkey neck. Boil over high heat until the liquid is reduced by half (about 2-1/2 cups), about 30 minutes. Discard the turkey neck. Remove the pan from the heat and set aside. Remove the pan of stuffing from the refrigerator to let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes.

After 2-1/2 hours of roasting -- Put the pan of stuffing in the oven. At the same time, baste the turkey with any juices (there may not be a lot from an organic turkey) and add the 3 cups chicken stock to the pan. Continue roasting for another hour.

After 3-1/2 hours of roasting -- Remove the paper bag from the turkey. Take the turkey from the oven, set it on a hot pad on the counter, and tilt the pan to pour or ladle off all the juices into a heatproof container (when you tilt the pan, use a towel to hold a leg of the turkey to keep it from sliding). Check the turkey's temperature (the thickest part of the thigh should be 165°F when done, and the center of the stuffing should be above 160°F.) Return the turkey to the oven to finish roasting if needed. Remove the foil cover from the pan of stuffing. Let the pan juices sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the fat to rise.

Finish the gravy -- Skim the fat off the reserved pan juices and add the juices to the reduced cider stock. Bring the liquid to a simmer (skimming off any more fat if necessary) and slowly whisk in about one-third of the roux until it's absorbed and the gravy thickens. Add more roux if you like a thicker gravy or more stock or apple cider if you want it thinner. Strain the gravy (the apple will have disintegrated), and season with 2 tsp. salt and 1 tsp. pepper or to taste. Add the thyme and keep the gravy warm (put the pot, loosely covered with foil, on a hot plate if you have one).

After 4 hours of roasting -- Check the turkey temperature again. Remove the pan of stuffing (it should feel firm). If the turkey isn't done yet, check in another 30 minutes. When the turkey reaches temperature, remove it from oven and cover loosely with a tent of foil. Let rest at least 20 minutes so the juices settle back into the flesh, which will keep it tender. Or leave the turkey in the oven, turn off the heat, and leave the oven door cracked. You can hold the turkey this way for an hour.

Transfer the turkey to a cutting board and slice -- I like to remove the legs and the breast and slice the breast meat on a bias and the thigh meat into slices. Arrange on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs.

Maple-Brined, Wood-Smoked Grilled Turkey

Allow a total of 4 to 4-1/2 hours to start the fire, cook the turkey, and let it rest. Have a full bag of charcoal on hand, as you’ll need to add coals as the bird cooks.

For the brine:

• 2 cups brown sugar
• 1 cup maple syrup
• 3/4 cup coarse salt 
• 3 whole heads garlic, cloves separated (but not peeled) and bruised
• 6 large bay leaves 
• 1-1/2 cups coarsely chopped unpeeled fresh ginger
• 2 tsp. dried chile flakes
• 1-1/2 cups soy sauce
• 3 quarts water
• Handful fresh thyme sprigs

For the turkey:

• Olive oil for brushing
• 12- to 14-lb. fresh turkey

To brine the turkey:

Combine all the brine ingredients in an enamel or stainless-steel pot big enough to hold the brine and turkey. Bring to a simmer, remove from the heat, and let cool completely. Remove the neck and giblets, rinse the turkey well, and put it in the cold brine; add water if the brine doesn’t cover the bird. Refrigerate for 2 to 4 days, turning the bird twice a day.

To cook the turkey:

Remove the bird from the brine, pat it dry, lightly brush it with olive oil, and set aside. Prepare the grill by lighting about 30 charcoal briquettes or small pieces of hardwood charcoal, preferably in a chimney starter. When the coals are hot and spotted gray, put an aluminum-foil drip pan that’s at least 1 inch deep in the middle of the grill. Arrange half the coals on one side of the pan and half on the other. Put about 1/2 cup of wood chips in a double layer of aluminum foil and set them on the hot coals.

Put the upper rack of the grill in place and center the turkey, breast side up, on the rack over the drip pan. Cover the grill and partially close the air vents. Regulate the vents to keep the wood chips smoking and the coals burning slowly, checking every 25 minutes or so. Add charcoal periodically. Keep the temperature in the grill between 275° and 325°F.

Add more wood chips as you need them. Keep the smoke going for 1-1/2 to 2 hours; then remove the chips and continue cooking without smoke until the bird is done. The total cooking time for a 12- to 14-lb. bird is about 3 to 3-1/2 hours. Test the turkey with an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh or breast. You can also cut a small incision at the leg-thigh joint to see that the juices run clear. When the internal temperature reaches 165°F, remove the turkey from the grill. Let it rest at least 20 minutes before carving.

Turkey Thighs Stuffed with Porcini, Sausage, and Artichoke Hearts

Buy skin-on, bone-in thighs at the grocery store and remove the bones yourself—it’s as easy as boning chicken thighs.
For more turkey recipes visit The Guide to Thanksgiving Dinner.

For the stuffing

• 3/4 oz. dried porcini mushrooms (about 1/2 cup)
• 1 Tbs. olive oil
• 1/4 lb. sweet Italian sausage, casings removed (1 link)
• 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion
• 2 tsp. minced garlic
• 1/2 cup coarsely chopped frozen artichoke hearts (no need to thaw)
• 1/2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme
• 1/2 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary
• 1/2 cup coarse day-old breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten

For the thighs

• 3 turkey thighs (14 to 18 oz. each), boned
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil

Make the stuffing

Put the porcini in a bowl and cover with boiling water. Soak until soft, about 30 minutes. With a slotted spoon, remove the mushrooms from the liquid and chop finely. Save the liquid for another use or discard.


Heat the olive oil in a heavy-duty 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, using the side of a metal spoon or fork to break the meat into small pieces, until browned, about 5 minutes. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring, until the vegetables are soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the chopped porcini, artichokes, thyme, and rosemary and cook for 2 minutes more. Transfer the sausage mixture to a large bowl and stir in the breadcrumbs and the Parmigiano. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and then stir in the egg. Spread the mixture on a plate and chill in the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes.

Stuff the turkey thighs

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F.


Lightly season the boned thighs with salt and pepper. Spoon 1/2 to 2/3 cup of the stuffing into the empty cavity of one of the turkey thighs and spread the stuffing with the back of a spoon to fill the cavity completely. Repeat with the other thighs. Roll each thigh into a roughly cylindrical shape.


Tie each stuffed thigh with 2 to 4 loops of twine to secure. (It’s OK if some of the stuffing pokes out at the ends, because the egg holds the stuffing together.) Brush the skin side of the thighs with the olive oil. Lay the thighs seam side down in a small roasting pan or heavy-duty rimmed baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes. Brush the thighs with the pan drippings and continue to roast until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, 15 to 30 minutes more. Remove the strings and transfer the thighs to a warm platter. Let rest 10 minutes and then cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices and serve.

Pimentón & Fennel Roast Turkey with Onion Gravy

Be sure to use a flameproof roasting pan so it can go directly over the burner when it’s time to make the gravy. You can find pimentón, Spanish smoked paprika, in specialty stores or online at McCormick.com or iGourmet.com.

For the smoked paprika and fennel seed butter:

• 6 Tbs. unsalted butter, softened
• 1 Tbs. fennel seeds, toasted and ground
• 1 Tbs. sweet pimentón (Spanish smoked paprika)
• 1 Tbs. chopped fresh thyme leaves (save the stems for the turkey cavity)
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

For the turkey:

• 4 Tbs. unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large onion (about 12 oz.), peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 12-lb. turkey
• 1 recipe Fennel Salt 
• 6 cloves garlic, peeled
• Zest of 1 lemon, removed in long strips with a vegetable peeler
• 4 large sprigs thyme, plus the stems from the chopped thyme above

For the onion gravy

• 7 Tbs. all-purpose flour
• 4-1/2 to 5 cups Turkey Broth, hot

Make the paprika-fennel butter:

Put the butter in a small bowl. Add the fennel seeds, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper, and mix until well blended. Set aside at room temperature (refrigerate if making ahead).

Prepare the turkey:

Position a rack in the lowest part of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F. Brush a large flameproof roasting pan lightly with 1 Tbs. of the melted butter. Make a bed of the onions in the center of the pan.

Trim off the wing tips at the first joint and, if already loose, trim the tail from the turkey. Remove the giblets (discard the liver) and neck and set them aside with the wing tips and tail for making the broth. Rinse the turkey and pat it dry with paper towels.

Set the turkey on a work surface and loosen the skin over the breasts by sliding your hands under the skin. Rub all of the paprika-fennel butter under the skin, smearing it over the breast. Brush the turkey skin all over with the remaining 3 Tbs. melted butter. Sprinkle 2 Tbs. of the fennel salt all over the skin of the turkey (sprinkle a little inside the cavity, too). Place the garlic cloves, lemon zest, and thyme sprigs inside the cavity. If you like, tuck the legs into the tail flap (or tie them together loosely if there is no flap).

Set the turkey, breast side up, on top of the onions in the roasting pan (there is no need for a rack). Roast for 1 hour and then baste the turkey with the drippings that have collected in the pan and rotate the pan. Continue to roast, basting every 20 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of both thighs reads 170°F, 1-1/2 to 2 hours more. (If the turkey is browning too much, tent it with foil.) Set the turkey on a large platter to rest, tented with foil, for about 20 minutes while you make the gravy.

Make the gravy:

Set the roasting pan with the onions and juices over medium-high heat (it may need to straddle two burners, depending on your stove). With a wooden spoon, stir up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan and continue stirring for a few minutes, allowing the onions to brown a little more. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the onions and juices and stir until the flour is well combined, 1 to 2 minutes. Start adding the broth, 1 ladleful at a time, whisking out the lumps before you add more broth. Continue to add broth gradually, whisking each time until smooth, until you’ve added about 4-1/2 cups of broth. Add any juices that have collected on the platter around the turkey. Lower the heat to medium or medium low and gently simmer the gravy, whisking occasionally, until it’s full-flavored and thickened, 8 to 10 minutes. If it seems too thick, add the remaining 1/2 cup broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm until ready to serve, then transfer to a gravy boat.

Carve the turkey. Pass the gravy boat and the remaining fennel salt at the table.

Herb-Butter Roasted Turkey with Pinot Noir Gravy

To brine the turkey you need space for a 5-gallon pot in your refrigerator. If you have neither the room nor the pot, you can cook the brine in a smaller pan and proceed with one of our alternative brining methods.

For the brine:

• 2-1/2 gallons water
• 2-1/2 cups kosher salt
• 1 cup maple syrup
• 24 bay leaves
• 24 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1/3 cup whole black peppercorns
• 2 small bunches fresh flat-leaf parsley (about 4 oz.)
• 1 small bunch fresh sage (about 1 oz.)
• 6 medium sprigs fresh rosemary
• Zest and juice of 4 large lemons (remove the zest in long strips with a vegetable peeler)

For the turkey:

• 14- to 16-lb. natural turkey (preferably fresh)
• 1 recipe Three-Herb Butter, softened
• 2 Tbs. kosher salt
• 2 Tbs. freshly ground black pepper
• 2 oz. (4 Tbs.) unsalted butter, melted

For the gravy:

• 2-1/2 oz. (5 Tbs.) unsalted butter
• 2-1/2 oz. (1/2 cup) all-purpose flour
• 4 cups Three-Herb Turkey Broth or low-salt chicken broth
• 1-1/2 cups Pinot Noir
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Two days ahead, prepare the brine:

Put all of the brine ingredients in a 5-gallon stockpot with a lid. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat, cool to room temperature, cover the pot, and refrigerate the brine until cold, preferably overnight.

One day ahead: brine the turkey:

If already loose, trim the tail from the turkey. Otherwise, leave it attached. Remove and discard the giblets. Keep the neck and tail in the refrigerator. Rinse the turkey and put it in the pot with the brine. Refrigerate for 8 to 24 hours before roasting the turkey.

Prepare and roast the turkey:

Position a rack in the bottom of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F. Remove the turkey from the brine and discard the brine. Rinse the turkey well, pat it dry, and set it in a large flameproof roasting pan. Gently slide your hand between the breast meat and skin to separate the skin so you can apply the herb butter. Slice the herb butter into 1/4-inch-thick rounds and distribute them evenly between the skin and breast meat, completely covering the breast. Maneuver a few pieces between the skin and legs, too. Next, with your hands on the outside of the turkey, massage the butter under the skin to distribute it evenly and break up the round pieces so the turkey won’t look polka-dotted when it’s done.

Sprinkle 1 Tbs. of the salt and 1 Tbs. of the pepper in the cavity of the turkey. Tie the legs together. Fold the wings back and tuck the tips under the neck area. Flip the turkey onto its breast, pat the back dry, and brush with some of the melted butter. Sprinkle with some of the remaining salt and pepper. Flip the turkey over, pat dry again, brush all over with the remaining butter, and sprinkle with the remaining salt and pepper. Put the reserved neck and tail in the pan with the turkey. Cover the pan very tightly with foil and put in the oven, legs pointing to the back of the oven, if possible (the legs can handle the higher heat in the back better than the breast can). Roast undisturbed for 2 hours and then uncover carefully (watch out for escaping steam). Continue to roast, basting every 15 minutes with the drippings that have collected in the pan, until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of both thighs reads 170° to 175°F and the juices run clear when the thermometer is removed, 45 minutes to 1 hour more for a 15-lb. turkey.

Remove the turkey from the oven. With a wad of paper towels in each hand, move the turkey to a serving platter, cover with foil to keep warm, and set aside. Discard the neck and tail; reserve the drippings in the roasting pan. Let the turkey rest for 30 minutes while you make the gravy and heat the side dishes

Make the gravy:

Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-high heat until foaming. Add the flour and quickly whisk it into the butter until it’s completely incorporated. Cook, whisking constantly, until the roux smells toasty and darkens slightly to a light caramel color (see image below), about 2 minutes. Watch carefully, as you don’t want it to get too dark. Remove from the heat and set aside.

Pour the reserved turkey drippings into a clear, heatproof container, preferably a fat separator cup. (Don’t rinse the roasting pan.) Let sit until the fat rises to the top, and then pour out 1 cup of the juices (or remove and discard the fat with a ladle and measure 1 cup of the juices). Combine the juices with the turkey or chicken broth.

Set the roasting pan on top of the stove over two burners on medium heat. Add the Pinot Noir and simmer, scraping the pan with a wooden spoon to release any stuck-on bits, until the wine has reduced by half, about 5 minutes. Add the broth mixture and simmer to meld the flavors, about 5 minutes. Whisk in the roux a little at a time until you have reached your desired thickness (you may not want to use it all). Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Strain through a fine sieve and transfer to a serving vessel.

Dry-Rubbed Roast Turkey with Pan Gravy

Thanksgiving turkey doesn't get more classic (or simple) than this. This bird is seasoned with a generous salt rub, then sits in the fridge overnight.

• 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh sage
• 2 Tbs. finely grated orange zest
• 1 oz. kosher salt (1/4 cup Diamond Crystal or 2 Tbs. Morton); more as needed
• Freshly ground black pepper
• One 12-lb. all-natural turkey
• 2 large carrots, cut into 1- to 2-inch chunks
• 2 medium celery stalks, cut into 1- to 2-inch chunks
• 1 medium yellow onion, cut into 1- to 2-inch chunks
• 1 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil; more as needed
• 1/2 cup dry white wine or vermouth
• 1-1/2 cups lower-salt chicken broth 
• 1-1/8 oz. (1/4 cup) all-purpose flour

Tip:

Use an all-natural turkey. Avoid kosher birds (they’re already brined and will be too salty) and “self-basting” birds (which are treated with fat solutions). Consider ordering your bird in advance.

Season the turkey

In a medium bowl, mix the sage, zest, 1 oz. salt, and 1 Tbs. pepper.

Remove the tail, neck, heart, and gizzard from the turkey and reserve for making turkey broth. Discard the liver. Remove and discard the plastic timer and any metal or plastic leg holders. Rinse and pat the turkey dry.

Rub the spice mixture under the turkey’s skin over the entire breast, legs, and thighs, as well as in the cavity and over the wings. Set on a platter or pan large enough to hold the turkey and refrigerate uncovered overnight.

Roast the turkey

Tip:

Let your turkey rest for 30 to 40 minutes before carving—the juices will redistribute into the meat, making it moist and tender. It also gives you time to finish preparing the meal.

Position a rack in the bottom of the oven and heat the oven to 400°F. In a large bowl, toss the carrots, celery, and onion with the oil. Put half of the vegetables in the center of a large flameproof roasting pan and put the rest in the turkey cavity. Tuck the wings behind the turkey’s neck and tie the legs together with twine. Set a V-rack in the roasting pan over the vegetables. Put the turkey breast side down on the V-rack. Roast for 1 hour.

Remove the pan from the oven and baste the turkey back and sides with some of the pan drippings. With silicone oven mitts or two wads of paper towels, carefully turn the turkey breast side up and baste with more pan drippings. Continue to roast the turkey until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the thigh registers 175°F, an additional 1 to 1-1/2 hours. During this phase, check the vegetables in the pan every 20 minutes or so: They should be brown, but if they or the drippings threaten to burn, add about 1/4 cup water—you may need to do this several times.

When the turkey is done, protect your hands with silicone oven mitts or wads of paper towels and tilt the turkey so the juices in the cavity run into the roasting pan. Transfer the turkey to a carving board and let it rest for 30 to 40 minutes. Carve when ready to serve.

Make the gravy

Tip:

For lump-free gravy, gradually whisk the broth into the roux. The liquid will thicken quickly and get gluey, so keep whisking in more broth, a bit at a time, until the gravy is smooth.

While the turkey is resting, set the roasting pan over medium-high heat. Add the wine and cook, using a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula to loosen the brown bits, until reduced by about half, 2 to 3 minutes. Strain the contents of the roasting pan into a bowl, pressing on the solids to release the flavorful drippings. Discard the solids.

In a 1-quart liquid measuring cup, combine the broth with 1-1/2 cups water. Tasting as you go, add enough of the pan drippings to the broth to make a flavorful yet not overly salted liquid—you may or may not use all of the drippings. Let sit until the fat rises to the surface. Skim off and reserve as much fat as possible.

Measure 4 Tbs. of the fat into a medium saucepan (supplement with olive oil if necessary) over medium heat. Whisk in the flour. Cook, whisking almost constantly, for 2 to 3 minutes. Whisk in about 1/2 cup of the broth. As soon as the broth thickens, whisk in another 1/2 cup. Repeat until the mixture stays relatively smooth, at which point you can whisk in the remaining broth. Bring to a simmer and cook, whisking frequently, for 5 to 10 minutes to develop the flavor. The gravy will be on the thin side; if you prefer it thicker, continue simmering until thickened to your liking, but expect the flavor to concentrate as well. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Pour into a gravy boat and serve with the carved turkey.