Ree Drummond’s 5-Star Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey
As Thanksgiving approaches, the center of your holiday table deserves to be nothing short of remarkable. Enter Ree Drummond’s 5-Star Roasted Turkey, a recipe that promises to transform your feast into an unforgettable experience. Known for her vibrant personality and homey cooking, Ree has mastered the art of creating a turkey that’s packed with flavor, incredibly juicy, and easy to prepare.
A Turbulent Tradition: Brining Your Turkey
The magic begins in the brining process. Ree’s My Favorite Turkey Brine is a key step to ensuring your bird absorbs moisture and flavor. This brine combines cold water, apple cider, brown sugar, kosher salt, aromatic peppercorns, bay leaves, garlic, and fresh orange peels with rosemary. The result? A scrumptious depth of flavor that enhances every bite of your turkey.
Brining Instructions:
- Remove the turkey from its packaging, rinsing both the neck and giblets to be reserved for gravy.
- Place the turkey in a large brining bag or pot, pour in the brine, and refrigerate for 16-18 hours.
Preparing for the Roast
Once brining is complete, it’s time to prep your turkey for roasting. Start by preheating your oven to 275°F. Rinse the turkey thoroughly and pat it dry; this helps achieve a crispy skin. Truss the bird or arrange the legs and wings as you desire, placing the turkey breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan.
The Butter Mixture: A Flavorful Finishing Touch
The pièce de résistance, however, is the butter mixture. By blending softened butter with fresh rosemary and julienned orange zest, you create a luscious coating that adds flavor and gloss to your roasted turkey.
- Remove the foil covering your turkey after it’s been roasting low and slow, and increase the deliciousness by applying the butter mixture.
- At this stage, insert an oven-safe meat thermometer into the thigh for accurate cooking.
Roasting to Perfection
Now, let your turkey bask in the oven. Roast your turkey uncovered at 375°F, basting with pan juices every 30 minutes, until the thermometer reads 165°F. For a serene and moist turkey, patience is key: this process can take anywhere from 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on the size of your turkey.
The Perfect Serve
Once done, allow the turkey to rest under a loose foil cover before carving. This resting period permits the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is moist and bursting with flavor.
Conclusion
Ree Drummond’s 5-Star Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey is more than just a dish; it’s a centerpiece that brings family and friends together. The combination of a flavorful brine, herbed butter, and a simple roasting technique makes even novice cooks look like culinary pros. As the aroma fills your home, you’ll know that you’ve created a Thanksgiving masterpiece worthy of your celebration. So grab your apron and get ready to make this Thanksgiving unforgettable with Ree’s perfectly roasted turkey!
Watch the video by Food Network
Video “Ree Drummond’s 5-Star Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey | The Pioneer Woman | Food Network” was uploaded on 11/07/2025 to Youtube Channel Food Network