Joel’s Ultimate Thanksgiving Turkey
Joel’s Ultimate Thanksgiving Turkey puts a flavorful spin on tradition with bold aromatics and buttery simplicity. A whole Jennie-O turkey is stuffed with oranges, star anise, and fresh tarragon, then rubbed with melted butter, salt, and pepper before slow-roasting to juicy perfection.
Joel’s Ultimate Thanksgiving Turkey
Servings: 12–14 lb turkey (serves 10–12)
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 3.5–4.5 hours (13–15 minutes per pound)
Rest Time: 20–30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 whole Jennie-O turkey (12–14 pounds)
- 2 large oranges, quartered
- 4–5 star anise pods
- 12 tbsp (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 1 handful fresh tarragon sprigs
- 1 cup chicken or turkey broth
- Giblets from the turkey
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Pat turkey dry, remove giblets, and set aside. Stuff cavity with oranges, star anise, and tarragon.
- Butter and Season: Rub turkey all over with melted butter, salt, and black pepper.
- Roast Turkey and Giblets: Place turkey on a rack in a roasting pan. Scatter giblets around it. Pour broth into the pan.
- Cook: Roast, basting every 30–45 minutes. Cook 13–15 minutes per pound until the thickest part of the turkey reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and rest 20–30 minutes before carving. Use roasted giblets for a rich gravy.
