How Does Ree Drummond Cook the Perfect Thanksgiving Turkey?

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, home cooks everywhere are gearing up to roast the star of the holiday meal – the turkey! And when it comes to cooking turkey, few have perfected the method better than Ree Drummond The Pioneer Woman’s famous roast turkey recipe yields a juicy, flavorful bird that’s sure to impress.

So how does Ree Drummond cook her Thanksgiving turkey to crispy-skinned, moist perfection? Let’s break down her technique step-by-step

Choosing and Prepping the Turkey

Ree recommends using a fresh, natural turkey if possible – about 15 to 20 pounds to serve a crowd She does not brine her turkey, but feel free to brine if desired Rinse the turkey inside and out, removing the giblets. Pat very dry all over before seasoning.

Trussing and Seasoning

Ree trusses the legs together to help the turkey cook evenly. For seasoning, she creates a herb butter with rosemary, orange zest, salt and pepper. This adds tons of flavor as it bastes the skin.

Roasting UNCOVERED First

Here’s where Ree’s method differs from most. She roasts the turkey UNCOVERED at a very low temp (275°F) first. Roasting uncovered at a low temp for about 10 minutes per pound dries out the skin so it gets ultra crispy.

Basting and FINISHING Covered

After the initial uncovered roasting, Ree removes the turkey, coats it in the herb butter, and bastes it as she roasts at 350°F, COVERED, until the internal temp reaches 165°F. This locks in moisture.

Resting

Once cooked, she lets the turkey rest covered for 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute for maximum moistness.

The Takeaway

The key is uncovered roasting first to get crispy skin, followed by covered roasting to keep the meat tender and juicy. Brushing with herb butter boosts flavor throughout.

Common Turkey Roasting Questions Ree Gets

Ree’s popular turkey recipe often leads to home cooks asking common questions. Here’s how she tackles them:

How much turkey per person is needed?

Plan for 1 to 1 1⁄2 pounds per person if also serving side dishes. Get a 15 to 20 pound bird for a medium to large gathering.

Should you brine a turkey?

Brining isn’t mandatory but does make the meat very moist. Ree offers a brine recipe but also cooks hers without brining.

Do you cover a turkey while roasting?

Ree covers the turkey only for the second half of roasting, once the skin has crisped up. Keeping it covered locks in moisture.

Should you put water in the roasting pan?

No need. The herb butter and natural juices create enough liquid for basting the turkey as it roasts.

How do you keep the turkey from drying out?

Roast at a low uncovered temp first for crispy skin, then finish covered at a higher temp. Brush with butter and pan juices while cooking. And use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness.

How long should you cook a turkey?

Cook about 10 minutes per pound at 275°F uncovered, then continue roasting at 350°F until the thigh temp hits 165°F. For a 15 pound turkey, that’s about 2 1/2 to 3 hours total.

Step-By-Step Walkthrough of Ree’s Famous Roast Turkey

Ready to cook your turkey just like The Pioneer Woman? Follow these simple steps:

1. Rinse turkey and pat dry. Truss legs together.

2. Roast UNCOVERED at 275°F for 10 minutes per pound.

3. Combine butter, herbs, orange zest, salt and pepper.

4. Remove turkey, rub herb butter all over skin.

5. Roast COVERED at 350°F until thermometer reads 165°F.

6. Baste with pan juices every 30 minutes.

7. Let rest 15-20 minutes before carving.

With this method, you’ll have a picture-perfect turkey with crispy seasoned skin wrapping tender, juicy meat.

Ree’s years of Thanksgiving turkey experience are reflected in this flawless recipe. Follow her tips for roasting success and you’ll have the best turkey on the block!