Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey

Serving Size: 5 oz.          Yield: 20 lbs.

Ingredients

  • Whole turkey (16-20 lbs.)
  • 1 gallon orange juice
  • 1 gallon water
  • 1 cup lemon juice
  • 2 cup salt
  • 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 1 lb. salted butter
  • 1/4 cup fresh thyme chopped

Instructions

  1. Thaw turkey in refrigerator. Allow at least 24 hours of thawing for every 4-5 lbs. of turkey.
  2. After turkey is thawed, remove the neck and liver from the cavity.
  3. Combine orange juice, water, lemon juice, salt, and fresh rosemary in a pot and bring to a boil, then remove from heat.
  4. Let the liquid come to room temperature, then pour over the turkey in a large container. Brine the turkey over night in the refrigerator.
  5. Remove turkey from brine. Drain well and pat dry.
  6. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  7. In a small bowl, mix together softened butter and chopped fresh thyme.
  8. Place butter mixture under the skin and on top of both breasts. 
  9. Roast in a 400°F oven for 20 minutes. 
  10. After 20 minutes, lower the oven temperature to 300°F. Continue to cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  11. Let rest for a half hour, then carve.

Nutrient Analysis per Serving

184 calories, 14.2g total fat ( 5.5g saturated fat),
75mg cholesterol, 182mg sodium, 3.8g carbohydrate, 0.1g dietary fiber, 2.6g total sugars, 9.7g protein.

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