Are you discouraged by the dry, bland turkeys of your past? Preparing a turkey can feel intimidating, but it doesn't have to be!
If your turkey hasn't turned out as you hoped in the past, you may be making one of these 3 common mistakes. Use the tips below to make this year a turkey triumph!
1. Not Brining It.Nothing elevates your turkey more than brining it (you can use a wet or dry brine). Not only does it add flavor, but it helps the meat stay moist during cooking. Note: if you purchased a pre-brined turkey, you can skip this step.
2. Overcooking It.This one is the most important! Overcooking your turkey will render it dry and tough (aka you'll be trying to hide it under Turkey Gravy). Plan out your timing using the chart in my How Long to Cook a Turkey post, then check it with an instant read thermometer.
3. Carving It Too Early.Yes, this matters. After your turkey has finished cooking, you must allow it to rest for at least 30 minutes (this is the perfect time to use the oven for reheating Cornbread Stuffing or Garlic Mashed Potatoes). If you don't allow the turkey to rest, the juices won't have time to reincorporate into the meat, and your turkey will be dry.
LOOKING FOR MORE TIPS ON COOKING THE PERFECT TURKEY?
Don't miss my Thanksgiving Turkey post, which takes you through the process step-by-step.
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