thanksgiving turkey and gravy recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
thanksgiving turkey and gravy recipe
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The Best thanksgiving turkey and gravy recipe

I’ve been making this Thanksgiving turkey and gravy recipe for years, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. My family loves it, and it’s perfect for any occasion. The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal effort.

I like to serve it with mashed potatoes, green beans, and a side of cranberry sauce. The combination of flavors is just right – not too heavy, not too light. This recipe is a staple in our household, and I’m excited to share it with you.

I remember the first time I made this recipe, I was nervous about getting the turkey cooked just right. But after a few attempts, I figured out the secret to achieving that perfect texture and flavor. It’s all about the technique – you have to make sure the turkey is at room temperature before cooking it, and then you need to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

It may seem intimidating at first, but trust me, it’s worth the effort. One of the things I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can serve it for special occasions like Thanksgiving or Christmas, or even just on a regular Tuesday night.

And because it’s so easy to make ahead of time, you can prepare it on the weekend and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. My kids love helping me in the kitchen, especially when we’re making this recipe. This recipe has been passed down through generations in my family, and I’m so glad I can continue that tradition with my own children.

It’s more than just a meal – it’s a way of connecting with loved ones and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Classic Thanksgiving Turkey and Gravy

Classic Thanksgiving Turkey and Gravy

4.7 from 1321 votes

A juicy roasted turkey with homemade gravy, perfect for a traditional Thanksgiving feast. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time3.5 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time4 hours
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 500 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Turkey

1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs)
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp paprika
1 lemon, halved
1 onion, quartered
4 cloves garlic, halved
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 bunch fresh thyme

For the Gravy

6 cups turkey drippings
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cold water
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Stuffing

1 loaf stale bread, cubed
1 onion, finely chopped
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup butter

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
2Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey cavity.
3Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water.
4Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
5In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
6Rub the mixture evenly over the entire turkey, including under the skin.
7Place the lemon, onion, garlic, carrots, and celery inside the turkey cavity.
8Add the thyme around the vegetables in the turkey cavity.
9Place the turkey breast-side up in a roasting pan.
10Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 3 to 3.
5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
11Baste the turkey every 30 minutes with the pan drippings.
12If the turkey begins to brown too quickly, cover the top with aluminum foil.
13While the turkey is roasting, prepare the stuffing.
14In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed bread, chopped onion, chopped celery, parsley, sage, salt, and black pepper.
15Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
16Pour the melted butter over the bread mixture and toss to combine.
Set aside.
17Once the turkey is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 30 minutes before carving.
18This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the turkey.
19To make the gravy, pour the turkey drippings into a saucepan.
20Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil over medium heat.
21In a separate bowl, mix the flour with cold water until smooth.
22Gradually stir the flour mixture into the boiling drippings and broth.
23Cook, stirring constantly, until the gravy thickens.
24Season with salt and pepper to taste.
25Carve the turkey and serve with the homemade gravy and stuffing.
26Enjoy your Thanksgiving feast.

🔧Equipment

Roasting pan
Measuring cups and spoons
Basting brush
Thermometer
Large mixing bowl
Wooden spoon
Saucepan

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 500 kcal🧈Total Fat: 35g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 145mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 10g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 2g🥩Protein: 40g

📝Notes

Tips: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let the turkey rest before carving to retain juices.

Watch Video Of How Classic Thanksgiving Turkey and Gravy Works

This Thanksgiving turkey and gravy recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or just need something hearty for a weeknight meal.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it stores – simply refrigerate or freeze leftovers within two hours of cooking, and reheat them safely when you’re ready to serve.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Thanksgiving Turkey and Gravy

Q: What type of turkey should I use for this recipe?

For this recipe, you’ll want to use a fresh or frozen turkey that’s around 12-14 pounds in weight. Make sure to thaw the turkey completely before cooking it.

Q: How do I ensure that my turkey is cooked evenly?

To ensure even cooking, you’ll want to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the breast or thigh, avoiding any bones or fat.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time! In fact, one of the best things about this recipe is how easily it can be prepared ahead of schedule.

Q: What are some good ways to store leftover turkey?

When storing leftover turkey, make sure to refrigerate or freeze it within two hours of cooking.

Q: Can I reheat leftover turkey safely?

To reheat leftover turkey safely, make sure to heat it up to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C). You can do this by placing the leftovers in a covered dish and heating them in the oven until they’re hot throughout.

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