Thanksgiving Turkey

Thanksgiving dinner revolves around one show-stopping centerpiece — the turkey. This simple, step-by-step guide ensures a flavorful, crispy-skinned turkey that will impress your family and friends. Here's how to prepare and cook your Thanksgiving turkey to perfection.

Remove the neck and giblets from the cavity. Save them for gravy or discard. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels (no need to rinse).

• Place the turkey on a rimmed baking sheet.
• Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of dry brine inside the cavity.
• Rub 4-5 tablespoons of brine all over the outside of the bird, ensuring you get under the wings and legs. You can skip the backside that rests on the pan.

Wrap the turkey tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate.

The night before Thanksgiving, unwrap the turkey and return it to the refrigerator. Leaving the turkey uncovered allows the skin to dry out, which is crucial for achieving that golden, crispy texture. By morning, the skin will have turned translucent — this is exactly what you want!

• Bring to Room Temperature
  Remove the turkey from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for an hour. Keep the brine on the bird — do not rinse it off.

• Preheat the Oven
  Adjust your oven rack so the turkey sits in the center of the oven and preheat to 450°F .

• Start Hot
  Roast the turkey at 450°F for 45 minutes to crisp up the skin.

• Reduce the Heat
  Lower the oven temperature to 325°F to finish cooking.

• Check Temperature
  Begin checking the internal temperature after 90 minutes. Insert a meat thermometer:

  • Breast: 150–155°F
  • Thigh: 165°F
  • (Avoid touching the bone to ensure an accurate reading.)
  
  

• Rest the Turkey
  Once the turkey reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 15–20 minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute, keeping your turkey moist.

Use the guide below for estimated cooking times:

• 10 to 12 pounds: 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes
• 12 to 14 pounds: 2 hours to 2 hours 45 minutes
• 14 to 16 pounds: 2 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes

A perfectly roasted turkey with crisp, golden skin and juicy, flavorful meat will be the star of your Thanksgiving table. Enjoy every bite, and don't forget to share your turkey triumph with us — tag us in your holiday feast photos!

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Stone Hollow Farmstead!