This fragrant, beautifully browned Apple Thyme Roasted Turkey produces very flavorful meat and pan juices that make the base for the perfect gravy.

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This easy to make Apple Thyme Roasted Turkey is so delicious! Check out our video below for visual instructions.

Thanksgiving can be a daunting time for new cooks. With the pressures of cooking an entire meal for a crowd, and cook it perfectly is not an easy task. Even as a seasoned cook, I still get stressed out every year.

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The one thing I love about Thanksgiving is that it only comes once a year. This means that you can virtually serve the same menu every year and people will actually look forward to it! Over the years I have perfected my menu. This Apple Thyme Roasted Turkey is my absolute favorite way of making the bird. It is full of flavor, easy to make, juicy, and of course makes my house smell ah-maze-ing!

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Whether you're making the whole meal, or just one thing, grab a glass of wine and enjoy the process. It is a beautiful holiday with friends and family that is shared around a table with good food and wine. Something we can all be thankful about.Do you use Shopkick? If so, head over here for some great Thanksgiving savings.

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Apple Thyme Roasted Turkey

Prep Time

30 mins

Cook Time

4 hrs

Total Time

4 hrs 30 mins

 

Author: Jackie

Ingredients

Brine

• 1 Gallon Apple Cider
• 1 cup kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons dried sage or ¼ cup fresh sage leaves
• ¼ cup fresh thyme
• ½ teaspoon ground or whole cloves
• 1.5 gallon ice water
• 11-14 pound turkey neck and giblets removed

Roasting

• 8 tablespoons butter softened
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 apples cut in half
• Fresh thyme

Instructions

1. In a large stock pot big enough to fit your turkey (and fit in your fridge) heat cider on medium high heat.
2. Add salt, herbs and spices and bring to a boil while stirring occasionally.
3. Remove from heat and cool completely until room temperature.
4. Add ice water then the Turkey.
5. Brine Turkey for at least 12 hours before serving, but the longer the better.

To Roast the Turkey-

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Pat turkey dry inside and out with paper towels; brush skin with butter and place butter slices under the skin on the breasts.
3. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and fresh thyme over skin and in the cavity of the turkey.
4. Stuff with apples.
5. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wings under the body; place in a large roasting pan fitted with a rack and tent breast loosely with a piece of foil.
6. After about 2 hours of roasting, remove turkey from oven, remove foil, and baste with pan juices.
7. Continue to roast the turkey until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F or juices run clear (not pink) when you poke thigh with a paring knife, about 1-1.5 hours more. Transfer turkey to a platter and let rest 30 minutes before carving.