• Level: Easy
• Total: 3 hr

Dry-Brined Turkey With Classic Herb Butter

Ingredients

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1 fresh or frozen turkey (1 to 1 1/2 pounds per person)

Kosher salt

1 tablespoon sugar

Freshly ground pepper

2 sticks unsalted butter, softened

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

1 tablespoon dried sage

1 tablespoon dried thyme

1/4 teaspoon paprika

1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

Directions

1. Unwrap the turkey and remove the neck and giblets (reserve for gravy). Rinse the turkey under cold water and pat dry. Combine 1/3 cup salt, the sugar and 1 teaspoon pepper in a bowl. Rub all over the turkey and inside the cavity. Put on a rimmed baking sheet and refrigerate, uncovered, at least 8 hours or overnight. Rinse well and pat dry. (A dry brine is a good choice if you're short on fridge space.)
2. Mix the butter, parsley, sage, thyme, 1 teaspoon pepper, the paprika and cloves until combined. Reserve 4 tablespoons of the butter, then rub the rest under the turkey skin on the breasts and legs. Rub 2 tablespoons of the reserved butter on the skin; chill and save the rest for your gravy. Let the turkey stand 30 minutes at room temperature before roasting.
3. Put the oven rack in the lowest position; preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Put the turkey breast-side up on a rack in a large roasting pan, tucking the wing tips under. Tie the drumsticks together with twine. Roast until the skin is golden brown and a thermometer inserted into the thigh registers 165 degrees F, about 15 minutes per pound. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest 30 minutes before carving. Whisk the reserved 2 tablespoons flavored butter into your gravy just before serving, if desired.

4. Cook’s Note

   This recipe is not for a Kosher Bird, which is already brined. Use only for a frozen or fresh bird.

https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/dry-brined-turkey-with-classic-herb-butter-recipe-1973633