Festive Champagne-Infused Thanksgiving Turkey
Elevate your Thanksgiving feast with this Festive Champagne-Infused Turkey recipe! With a perfect blend of savory herbs and the delightful zest of champagne, this turkey promises to be the star of your holiday table. Last year, this recipe wowed family and friends alike, leaving everyone spoiling for more of its juicy, flavorful meat. Prepared with fresh vegetables and an aromatic herb rub, the turkey will be tender and succulent. Serve it with your favorite sides for an unforgettable Thanksgiving dinner. Enjoy this special occasion with a turkey that’s moist on the inside and boasting a golden, crispy skin outside—guaranteed to impress.
20
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
dried parsley
2 tablespoons (none)
ground dried rosemary
2 tablespoons (none)
rubbed dried sage
2 tablespoons (none)
dried thyme leaves
2 tablespoons (none)
lemon pepper
1 tablespoon (none)
salt
1 tablespoon (none)
whole turkey
1 (15 lb) (neck and giblets removed)
celery
2 stalks (chopped)
orange
1 (cut into wedges)
onion
1 (chopped)
carrot
1 (chopped)
chicken broth
1 (14.5 oz) can (none)
champagne
1 (750 ml) bottle (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Prepare your turkey roaster by lining it with long sheets of aluminum foil that can drape over the turkey later.
3
In a small bowl, combine dried parsley, ground rosemary, rubbed sage, dried thyme, lemon pepper, and salt to create an aromatic herb mixture.
4
Rub this herb mixture generously into the cavity of the turkey for maximum flavor. Stuff the cavity with chopped celery, orange wedges, onion, and carrot.
5
If you prefer, truss the turkey legs with kitchen twine to help it cook evenly, then place the turkey breast-side up in the roasting pan.
6
Pour the chicken broth and champagne over the turkey, ensuring some champagne seeps into the cavity for added flavor.
7
Cover the turkey with aluminum foil, avoiding contact with the turkey skin, to create a steamy environment while baking.
8
Bake your turkey in the preheated oven for 2 ½ to 3 hours, or until the internal juices run clear and there’s no pink at the bone.
9
After the initial cooking time, carefully uncover the turkey and continue baking for another 30 minutes to an hour, until the skin achieves a beautiful golden brown.
10
Ensure the turkey is fully cooked by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh; it should read 180°F (82°C).
11
Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and cover it with a doubled sheet of aluminum foil. Allow it to rest in a warm area for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Festive Champagne-Infused Thanksgiving Turkey unique?
This recipe features a unique blend of savory herbs and a full bottle of champagne to ensure a juicy, flavorful turkey with golden, crispy skin.
What size turkey is recommended for this recipe?
A 15 lb whole turkey with the neck and giblets removed is recommended.
How many people does this turkey recipe serve?
This recipe provides approximately 20 servings.
What herbs are used in the aromatic rub?
The herb mixture includes dried parsley, ground rosemary, rubbed sage, and dried thyme leaves.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What vegetables are stuffed into the turkey cavity?
The cavity is stuffed with chopped celery, onion, and carrot.
Is fruit used in the stuffing?
Yes, the recipe calls for one orange cut into wedges to be placed inside the cavity.
How much champagne is required?
You will need one 750 ml bottle of champagne.
What type of broth should I use?
One 14.5 oz can of chicken broth is used to pour over the turkey.
How should the roasting pan be prepared?
Line the roaster with long sheets of aluminum foil that are long enough to drape over the turkey later.
Should the turkey be covered during baking?
Yes, cover the turkey with aluminum foil initially, ensuring the foil does not touch the skin.
What is the initial baking time?
Bake the turkey covered for 2.5 to 3 hours.
How do I get the skin golden and crispy?
Uncover the turkey after the initial bake and continue roasting for another 30 to 60 minutes.
What is the safe internal temperature for the turkey?
The internal temperature should reach 180°F (82°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
How long should the turkey rest after cooking?
Allow the turkey to rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing.
Should I truss the turkey legs?
Trussing the legs with kitchen twine is optional but helps the turkey cook more evenly.
How do I check if the turkey is done without a thermometer?
The internal juices should run clear and there should be no pink visible at the bone.
What seasonings provide a zesty flavor?
One tablespoon of lemon pepper is included in the rub for a delightful zest.
Where should the herb mixture be applied?
The herb mixture should be rubbed generously into the cavity of the turkey.
Does the champagne go inside the turkey?
Yes, ensure some of the champagne seeps into the cavity when pouring it over the bird.
How much salt is used?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of salt.
Can I use fresh rosemary?
The recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of ground dried rosemary for the rub.
What kind of sage is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends rubbed dried sage.
How many stalks of celery are needed?
Two stalks of chopped celery are used for the cavity stuffing.
Why is aluminum foil used twice?
It is used first to create a steam environment during baking and later to keep the turkey warm while resting.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 13 total ingredients in this recipe.
What is the main course category for this recipe?
This is classified under the 'Whole Turkey' category.
Should I wash the turkey first?
The recipe instructs to remove the neck and giblets; modern food safety guidelines generally advise against washing raw poultry.
What should I serve with this turkey?
It is best served with your favorite Thanksgiving side dishes.
Is this recipe suitable for large gatherings?
Yes, with 20 servings, it is perfect for large holiday family feasts.