We are coming up to it! We are mere days away from one of the biggest cooking, roasting, baking, simmering, whipping and eating extravaganzas we Americans celebrate each year. Most of us have at least figured out what we will be making, and most have gotten their shopping lists done, if not all the grocery shopping too, you overachievers you!! It is in these few days beforehand that I start to rethink certain recipes I have chosen to make.
Basting is an essential technique for achieving the perfect juicy, golden turkey on holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. But with so many options for baste ingredients, from broths to oils to wine, it can get confusing deciding what liquid to use.
In this comprehensive guide I’ll walk through the most popular turkey basting liquids and explain the pros and cons of each. Whether you prefer infusing flavor with butter and herbs or leveraging pan drippings you’ll find the ideal turkey baste recipe here.
Melted Herb Butter
Melted butter flavored with herbs is hands down the most popular and foolproof turkey baste. The butter helps crisp and brown the skin while providing rich, savory flavor. Herbs like rosemary thyme and sage add aromatic flavor.
Pros
- Butter provides rich flavor and golden color
- Herbs infuse flavor throughout the meat
- Easy to make ahead and reheat
Cons
- High in calories and fat compared to broths
- Can burn if basting temp is too high
I recommend basting with a quarter cup of melted butter mixed with two teaspoons of chopped fresh herbs or one teaspoon dried herbs.
Chicken or Turkey Broth
Using chicken or turkey broth to baste your bird provides moisture and tenderizes the meat. Opt for low-sodium broth so you control the saltiness.
Pros
- Adds moisture and flavor
- Healthier than butter or oil
- Utilizes existing broth
Cons
- Can dilute flavor if used too liberally
- Doesn’t brown the skin as well as fats
For best results, combine equal parts broth and melted butter or oil when basting. The broth moistens while the fat crisps the skin.
Olive or Vegetable Oil
Olive, canola, avocado or other vegetable oil can be used to baste turkeys. Oil crisps the skin beautifully without adding too much distinct flavor.
Pros
- Promotes ultra crispy, browned skin
- Neutral flavor good for seasoning
- Healthy alternative to butter
Cons
- Can smoke or burn at high heat
- Not as richly flavored as butter
I suggest using a high smoke point oil like avocado or grapeseed. Mix one cup oil with dried herbs, citrus zest, garlic, or shallots.
White Wine
For a sophisticated twist, try basting your turkey with a dry white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio. The acidity and fruity notes enhance flavor.
Pros
- Bright, complex flavor
- Tenderizes meat
- Boils off alcohol, leaving taste behind
Cons
- Can ruin dish if overused
- Avoid with kids or people avoiding alcohol
Aim for 1/4 to 1/2 cup wine diluted with 1/4 cup broth or water. Too much overpowers the turkey.
Pan Drippings
Many traditional cooks swear by basting with the savory juices and fat collected in the bottom of the roasting pan as the turkey cooks.
Pros
- Infuses turkey flavor back into the meat
- Utilizes existing pan drippings
- Provides saltiness and savoriness
Cons
- Can be very fatty/salty if overused
- Limited liquid quantity
Use a bulb baster to collect drippings and distribute them over breast and thighs. Mix with broth if drippings are very salty.
Turkey Stock or Commercial Broths
For cooks short on time, quality store-bought turkey or chicken stock can work great diluted 1:1 with water or wine. Opt for low-sodium.
Pros
- Adds flavor fast without prep
- More consistent quality than homemade
- Widely available
Cons
- Less control over sodium content
- Commercial taste
Look for brands without MSG or unnecessary additives. Swanson’s and Kitchen Basics make quality options.
Get Creative with Your Own Signature Baste
The possibilities don’t stop there when it comes to basting liquids. Get creative with ingredients like cider, fruit juices, sodas, vinegars, liquors, or any flavors that complement turkey. Just be mindful of striking the right balance of flavor.
No matter what liquid you choose, basting helps keep your turkey moist and golden brown. Brush on your baste every 30 minutes in the last 1-2 hours of roasting time for the perfect holiday bird. Here’s to your best turkey yet!
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Basting Sauce for Roast Turkey is a simple, delicious, buttery and herbaceous sauce. It is perfect on your holiday bird!!
The one recipe that is always the same, hasn’t changed since the first day I made it, is the Basting Sauce for Roast Turkey. You can actually make this for any type of poultry, it is especially good on roast chicken, but it was created with Thanksgiving turkey in mind, so I always look forward to it.
I love that the Basting Sauce for Roast Turkey is a combination of ingredients, all of which I typically have on hand. The combination of the broth, butter, fresh and dried herbs, creates a perfect combination with deep and scrumptious flavors. This is a simple recipe that I usually heat in a sauce pan, then transfer to my large glass measuring cup and keep on the side of the stove top.
My Basting Sauce for Roast Turkey is a family favorite I have been using for almost 35 years. Give it a try, it is sure to become your favorite too!!
I know there are a lot of people who absolutely fear roasting a turkey. You need to put it in perspective though folks. You are not performing life saving surgery, landing a plane on an aircraft carrier or pulling little Timmy from the well. This, my friends, is not that big of a deal. You are cooking a big hunk of meat in your oven, that is all. Who cares if it is a little dry, why do you think they invented gravy? What if you don’t know how to carve it? Who cares? Some of us aren’t as pretty as we could be, but we are still worthy!
Do yourself a favor and let yourself off the hook. There are some people who make a Martha Stewart turkey and have the table set to perfection and I am happy for them. I consider myself a good cook, but I don’t stress about Thanksgiving meals or a perfectly decorated table. Frankly, this level of perfection makes me itchy.
In my 34 years of marriage and the raising of two sons, I have NEVER, EVER, EVER placed a beautiful bird on the table. In my family, the second the turkey is out of the oven, we descend on it like scavengers and pull all of that gorgeous, crispy skin off and eat it like a pack of wolves! We really are ridiculous! What is left is just the meat, nakedly sitting on a platter, waiting to be carved. It is sad looking really, but that tasty, crispy skin is BEYOND!! I have to think this is because my Basting Sauce for Roast Turkey makes the skin taste so darn good!!
“Should I Baste My Turkey?” We Find Out Once and For All If Basting a Turkey is Necessary
FAQ
What’s the best way to baste a turkey?
Is it better to baste a turkey with butter or olive oil?
Should I brush my turkey with oil or butter?
Is basting the turkey really necessary?
What type of Turkey Baste should I use?
The type of turkey baste that you use will depend on your personal preferences and the type of turkey that you are cooking. For example, if you are cooking a dry-brined turkey, you will want to use a baste that is more flavorful. If you are cooking a wet-brined turkey, you may want to use a baste that is lighter and less flavorful. Ingredients
Can one have turkey and carrots?
Eating turkey and carrots is part of healthy habits. The turkey has meat like chicken and is another healthy poultry option. Carrots are rich in carotenoids, it is a source of vitamin A, fiber, potassium and vitamin B3.
What is a good alternative to basting a Turkey?
Rubbing your turkey with a spice mix is another alternative to basting. Many cooks also inject their turkey with liquid seasonings to keep it moist and add flavor. Basting can help you feel like you are doing something while waiting for heat and time to turn the pale bird into a golden centerpiece of your feast.
Does basting a turkey make a good Turkey?
Similar to using a turkey brine, basting isn’t absolutely necessary to make a good turkey, but it can make a better turkey! Just ask Ree Drummond whose a big believer in the power of basting. Ree coats her roasted Thanksgiving turkey in butter infused with orange peel, rosemary, salt, and pepper.