Christmas Turkey 101: Simple Tips for the Perfect Turkey
Prep Your Turkey
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels—no need to rinse. Brush the bird with melted butter, then season with salt, pepper, and Meridian Rub for crispy skin and juicy meat.
Create a Veggie Base
Place your turkey on a bed of veggies like celery, carrots, onion slices, fresh thyme, and sage. This natural roasting rack helps the turkey cook evenly and adds flavor to the drippings for gravy. If using a roasting rack, you can still add veggies underneath the turkey.
Stuffing Suggestions
Fill the cavity with fresh onion, lemon, garlic, and herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage for flavor. We recommend cooking stuffing separately for even cooking and food safety.
Cook to the Right Temperature
Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the turkey (near the thigh). Your turkey is done when it reaches 170°F. Test multiple spots to ensure it’s cooked evenly.
Let It Rest
After cooking, loosely cover the turkey with foil and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. This seals in the juices for a moist and flavorful turkey.
Enjoy your perfectly cooked turkey!
