Julia Child Turkey Recipe

Julia Child Turkey Recipe

​This delicious julia child roast turkey recipe offers a simple and flavorful approach to your Thanksgiving meal. With a juicy interior and crispy skin, this method ensures a delightful dining experience. Utilizing common ingredients like butter, fresh herbs, and citrus, it provides flexibility for home cooks. A key feature is the use of a butter-soaked cheesecloth, which keeps the turkey moist and enhances its flavor. ​

Ingredients Needed

  • 1 whole turkey (20 lbs.), brined if desired
  • ½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened
  • 1 whole orange
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, leaves stripped and minced
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. black pepper

How To Make Turkey Recipe

  1. Preheat the oven to 275°F.
  2. Prepare the turkey: If brined, rinse the turkey under cold water. Fill the sink with fresh water and soak for 15–20 minutes to remove excess salt. Pat dry, place on a roasting rack (breast side up), cross the legs, and tie with kitchen twine. Cover the pan tightly with heavy aluminum foil.
  3. Roast the turkey (first stage): Roast for about 10 minutes per pound (for a 20 lb. turkey, about 3½ hours).
  4. Make the butter mixture: Use a vegetable peeler to shave off thick slices of orange peel, then slice thinly. Mix with butter, rosemary, salt, and black pepper.
  5. Butter and increase heat:  After the first stage, remove the turkey from the oven and discard the foil (the turkey will be pale). Spread the butter mixture all over, including crevices. Insert a meat thermometer into the thigh. Raise the oven temperature to 350°F.
  6. Continue roasting and baste: Roast, basting every 30 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F–168°F in the thigh.
  7. Rest before carving: Remove from the oven, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 30–45 minutes before carving.
Julia Child Turkey Recipe

Recipe Tips

  • Proper Thawing: Ensure the turkey is fully thawed before cooking. Allow approximately 24 hours of refrigeration for every 4 pounds of turkey. ​
  • Season Under the Skin: Gently loosen the skin and apply the herb butter directly onto the meat. This technique infuses more flavor into the turkey. ​
  • Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the turkey is cooked safely and remains juicy, use a meat thermometer. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F in the breast and 175°F in the thigh. ​
  • Rest Before Carving: After roasting, let the turkey rest for at least 20 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in moist and tender slices.
  • Prepare Gravy with Pan Drippings: Utilize the flavorful drippings from the roasting pan to make a rich gravy, enhancing the overall taste of your meal.

How To Store & Reheat Leftovers

  • Refrigerate: Place leftover turkey in airtight containers or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator and consume within 3 to 4 days.​
  • Freeze: Wrap leftover turkey tightly in aluminum foil or place them in freezer-safe bags, removing as much air as possible. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Reheating: Reheat leftover turkey at 325°F for 20 minutes, covered with foil and a splash of broth. For the microwave, heat smaller portions on medium power for 2 to 3 minutes,

Nutrition fact

Serving Size: 1 serving (based on a 20-pound turkey serving approximately 16 people)

  • Calories: 640​
  • Total Fat: 28g​
  • Saturated Fat: 8g​
  • Cholesterol: 320mg​
  • Sodium: 480mg​
  • Potassium: 700mg​
  • Total Carbohydrate: 0g​
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 0g​
  • Protein: 96g

More Julia Chid Recipes:

Julia Child Turkey Recipe

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 30 minutesCook time:4 hours Total time:4 hours 30 minutesServings: 16 minutesCalories:640 kcal Best Season:Suitable throughout the year

Description

​This delicious julia child roast turkey recipe offers a simple and flavorful approach to your Thanksgiving meal. With a juicy interior and crispy skin, this method ensures a delightful dining experience. Utilizing common ingredients like butter, fresh herbs, and citrus, it provides flexibility for home cooks. A key feature is the use of a butter-soaked cheesecloth, which keeps the turkey moist and enhances its flavor. ​

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 275°F.
  2. Prepare the turkey: If brined, rinse the turkey under cold water. Fill the sink with fresh water and soak for 15–20 minutes to remove excess salt. Pat dry, place on a roasting rack (breast side up), cross the legs, and tie with kitchen twine. Cover the pan tightly with heavy aluminum foil.
  3. Roast the turkey (first stage): Roast for about 10 minutes per pound (for a 20 lb. turkey, about 3½ hours).
  4. Make the butter mixture: Use a vegetable peeler to shave off thick slices of orange peel, then slice thinly. Mix with butter, rosemary, salt, and black pepper.
  5. Butter and increase heat:  After the first stage, remove the turkey from the oven and discard the foil (the turkey will be pale). Spread the butter mixture all over, including crevices. Insert a meat thermometer into the thigh. Raise the oven temperature to 350°F.
  6. Continue roasting and baste: Roast, basting every 30 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F–168°F in the thigh.
  7. Rest before carving: Remove from the oven, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 30–45 minutes before carving.

Notes

  • Proper Thawing: Ensure the turkey is fully thawed before cooking. Allow approximately 24 hours of refrigeration for every 4 pounds of turkey. ​
  • Season Under the Skin: Gently loosen the skin and apply the herb butter directly onto the meat. This technique infuses more flavor into the turkey. ​
  • Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the turkey is cooked safely and remains juicy, use a meat thermometer. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F in the breast and 175°F in the thigh. ​
  • Rest Before Carving: After roasting, let the turkey rest for at least 20 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in moist and tender slices.
  • Prepare Gravy with Pan Drippings: Utilize the flavorful drippings from the roasting pan to make a rich gravy, enhancing the overall taste of your meal.
Keywords:Julia Child Turkey Recipe

Mohamed Shili

Hi, I'm Mohamed Shili, a food writer who loves everything about cooking. At Delish Sides, my goal is to share interesting and helpful information about food. Come join me on this food journey. With my knowledge and your love of food, we're going to have a tasty time together!