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Juicy turkey roasted in cheesecloth with herbs and butter for Thanksgiving.

Cheesecloth Turkey


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  • Author: Jessie
  • Total Time: 4 hours
  • Yield: 10 servings 1x

Description

This Cheesecloth Turkey method ensures a moist and flavorful bird by draping cheesecloth soaked in butter and white wine over the turkey while it roasts.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Herb Butter and Wine Baste

  • 1 to 1.5 cups Unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup Dry white wine ((pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc works))
  • 4 to 6 cloves Garlic, minced or grated
  • 1 big handful Fresh herbs (sage, thyme, rosemary, parsley)
  • to taste Salt and black pepper
  • optional Lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon (for brightness)

Whole Turkey Preparation

  • 1 whole Turkey (about 10-12 pounds for 10 servings) (Consider 1 to 1.25 pounds per person.)
  • as needed Broth (1 to 2 cups in the roasting pan)

Instructions

Preparation

  1. Thaw the turkey in the fridge if frozen, or use the cold water method if necessary.
  2. Pat the turkey dry and remove giblets and neck. Salt the cavity lightly.
  3. If desired, add halved onion, garlic, and herbs inside the turkey for aroma.

Making the Herb Butter

  1. Melt the butter over low heat in a saucepan, then stir in garlic, herbs, salt, pepper, and wine.
  2. Keep a small portion aside for basting later.

Preparing the Cheesecloth

  1. Soak a large piece of cheesecloth in the warm butter and wine mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
  2. Drape the cheesecloth over the turkey, covering most of the surface.

Roasting the Turkey

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan with some broth underneath.
  2. Baste the turkey every 30 to 40 minutes, using the set-aside butter and wine mixture.

Finishing Touches

  1. Remove the cheesecloth during the last 30 to 45 minutes of roasting to allow the skin to crisp up.
  2. Check the internal temperature: breast should reach 160°F and thighs should be 170°F-175°F.

Resting and Carving

  1. Let the turkey rest for at least 20 to 30 minutes before carving.
  2. Carve the turkey and serve with pan juices.

Notes

If you love turkey but don’t always want a whole bird, try a roasted turkey breast option. Use real cheesecloth for best results. Prep the herb butter ahead of time if needed.

  • Prep Time: 1 hour
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Category: Dinner, Main Course
  • Cuisine: American, Holiday

Nutrition

  • Calories: 300
  • Sodium: 620
  • Fat: 22
  • Saturated Fat: 12
  • Carbohydrates: 1
  • Protein: 25
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