Description
Classic roasted turkey with a rosemary dry brine emerges as a centerpiece for holiday gatherings. Herb-infused seasoning and careful preparation result in succulent meat that brings festive cheer to you and your guests.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 whole turkey (15 lbs)
- 3 tbsp kosher salt
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 apple, quartered
- 1/2 onion
- 4 sprigs of rosemary
Instructions
- Prepare the turkey by removing giblets and thoroughly cleansing the cavity and exterior with cold water, then meticulously pat dry using paper towels.
- Create a fragrant rosemary salt blend by grinding rosemary leaves with kosher salt using a blender or mortar and pestle until well combined.
- Generously season the turkey’s interior and exterior, focusing salt application on thighs and breasts by methodically rotating the bird and distributing the seasoning evenly.
- Carefully place the seasoned turkey into a large sealed container or zip-top bag, ensuring complete coverage, and refrigerate for three days.
- On the third day, transfer the turkey to an uncovered plate positioned in the refrigerator, allowing it to air-dry for 6 to 8 hours to enhance skin crispness.
- One hour before roasting, extract the turkey from the refrigerator, permitting it to approach room temperature naturally.
- Heat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit while preparing the roasting pan.
- Thoroughly blot the turkey’s surface with paper towels, then stuff the cavity with aromatic apple chunks, onion pieces, and fresh rosemary sprigs.
- Position the turkey breast-side-down in the roasting pan and roast uncovered for 30 minutes at 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees Fahrenheit, carefully flip the turkey breast-side-up, and brush with melted butter.
- Continue roasting until the thigh’s internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, monitoring carefully with a meat thermometer.
- Remove from oven and let the turkey rest on a serving platter for one hour, tented with foil to retain warmth and redistribute internal juices before carving.
Notes
- Choose kosher salt for better texture and more even seasoning, ensuring a perfectly balanced flavor profile throughout the turkey.
- Rosemary dry brine works wonderfully for enhancing moisture and creating a deeply aromatic herb-infused meat that stays juicy during roasting.
- For gluten-free and low-sodium diets, replace kosher salt with sea salt or reduced-sodium alternatives, and adjust brining time accordingly to prevent over-salting.
- Consider using fresh rosemary from your garden or local market for maximum flavor intensity, which will elevate the overall taste of the roasted turkey.
- Prep Time: 3 days
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 15
- Calories: 94 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 581 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg