How to Cook a Delicious Thanksgiving Turkey with Butterball

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, which means it’s time to start planning your big turkey dinner! A perfectly cooked turkey is the star of the show on this special holiday. While roasting a big bird may seem intimidating, especially if it’s your first time, it’s easier than you think with a little guidance. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to cook a mouthwatering Thanksgiving turkey with Butterball.

Choosing and Thawing the Turkey

The first step is picking out your turkey. The general rule of thumb is to plan for 1 pound of turkey per person. For a group of 8-10 people, a 12-15 lb turkey is ideal. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to properly thaw it. For a 15 lb turkey, you’ll need at least 4 days in the refrigerator. The quick thaw method of submerging it in cold water also works if you’re in a time crunch.

Once your Butterball turkey is thawed, pat it completely dry with paper towels, both inside and out. This helps ensure crispy skin when cooking.

Seasoning the Turkey

Next up is adding flavor! Butterball suggests a few different seasoning techniques

• Rub – Coat the skin liberally with herb rub or compound butter. Get flavor underneath by gently lifting the skin and rubbing spice mix directly onto the meat.

• Brine – Soaking the turkey in a saltwater solution infuses flavor and helps keep it juicy Dissolve 1 cup salt per gallon of water along with aromatics like citrus, herbs, peppercorns Submerge turkey and refrigerate 8-16 hours.

• Marinade – For bolder flavor, combine oil, acid like lemon juice or vinegar, and herbs/spices. Submerge turkey in marinade up to 2 days.

• Inject – Using an injector tool to distribute flavored liquid deep into the turkey meat. Great for enhancing juiciness.

• Stuff – Fill the cavity with favorite stuffing or aromatics like onions, apples, fresh herbs.

Roasting the Turkey

Now it’s time for the main event – roasting! Follow these simple steps for turkey roasting success:

• Preheat oven to 325°F. Place turkey breast-side up on a flat rack in a shallow roasting pan.

• Tuck wings under to hold neck skin in place. Brush skin with oil or rub with butter.

• Insert meat thermometer deep into the thigh, not touching bone. The pop-up timer cannot be relied upon.

• Roast until thigh reaches minimum 180°F and breast 170°F, about 15 min per pound.

• Tent with foil at 2/3 cooking time to prevent drying out. Let rest 15 min before carving.

Safety Tips

Don’t let foodborne illness ruin your holiday. Follow these turkey safety practices:

• Cook stuffing in casserole dish, not inside the turkey. Cook to 165°F.

• Use separate cutting boards, plates, utensils for raw turkey vs cooked. Wash all thoroughly.

• Refrigerate promptly – within 2 hours of cooking. Carve turkey and refrigerate leftovers.

• Reheat thoroughly to 165°F. Slice breast meat and legs for quicker reheating.

• To freeze, carve turkey and store in airtight containers up to 4 months.

Alternate Cooking Methods

While roasting is traditional, consider these alternate turkey cooking techniques:

• Grilling – Gets nice char flavor. Use indirect heat, higher temp of 350-375°F. Time based on size.

• Smoking – Delicious smoky flavor. Cook at 225-250°F until breast is 170°F. Allow 1-1.5 hours per pound.

• Fried – Crispy, golden skin. Fry in peanut oil heated to 350°F. Lower turkey slowly. About 3-4 mins per pound.

• Spatchcock – Butterflying the turkey allows it to cook faster and crispier. Cook at 450°F for about 1 hour 15 mins.

• Air Fryer – Great for small turkeys up to 8 lbs. Cook at 350°F for 8-10 mins per pound, flipping halfway.

Recipes and Tips

Butterball offers lots of recipes, cooking times, tips and a helpline to make your Thanksgiving turkey a breeze. Check out their roasting guide, Thanksgiving recipes, and Turkey Talk-Line for expert advice.

With the right techniques and Butterball’s guidance, you’ll have a gorgeous, delicious turkey worthy of all your Thanksgiving celebrations. Don’t be intimidated by the big bird – just follow the tips above for a showstopping centerpiece. Happy Thanksgiving from your friends at Butterball!