Last Thanksgiving, I completely botched the turkey. It was dry, overcooked, and frankly, a bit sad. But this year? This year was different. I followed this recipe precisely, and let me tell you, it was a game-changer. My family raved about it—even my uncle who usually only eats the skin!
This recipe is your foolproof guide to Thanksgiving (or any day!) perfection. It's simple enough for beginners, yet impressive enough for seasoned cooks. Plus, I've included lots of tips and tricks I've learned along the way—from how to ensure a juicy turkey to making extra-creamy mashed potatoes. Get ready for rave reviews!
Required Equipments
- Large roasting pan
- Meat thermometer
- Mixing bowls
- Potato masher
- Whisk
- Large saucepan
Roasted Turkey with Mashed Potatoes
This recipe guides you step-by-step to create a mouthwatering roasted turkey with creamy, dreamy mashed potatoes—the perfect comfort food for any occasion.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 4 servings
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 180 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This is crucial for even cooking. Don't skip this step!
- Pat your turkey dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up nicely. Seriously, it makes a difference!
- Season generously. I like to use salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and a little paprika. But feel free to experiment! My friend swears by her grandma's secret blend...
- Place the turkey in your roasting pan, breast side up. Make sure its sitting comfortably so it roasts evenly.
- Roast for about 3 hours, basting every 30 minutes with the pan juices. Basting is essential for a juicy turkey!
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The turkey is done when the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F (74°C). Don't rely on just time; use a thermometer!
- Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender bird. Resist the urge to carve it immediately; it's worth the wait!
- While the turkey rests, make the mashed potatoes! Peel and chop your potatoes into even-sized chunks. This ensures they cook evenly.
- Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender. You'll know they're ready when you can easily pierce them with a fork.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter, milk (or cream!), salt, and pepper. My tip: Add a dash of nutmeg; it elevates the flavor!
- Mash until smooth and creamy. Don't overmash though; a little texture is nice.
- Serve the roasted turkey with your delicious mashed potatoes. Add some gravy if you're feeling fancy! Enjoy!
📝 Notes
- For extra flavor, try adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the turkey cavity before roasting.
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your preference.
- You can use different types of milk or cream for the mashed potatoes. Heavy cream will make them extra rich and decadent!
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 400 kcal
Protein: 30g
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 5g
Calcium: 100mg
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