Roast Turkey with Apple Cider Gravy

Transform your holiday feast into a show-stopping celebration with this Roast Turkey with Apple Cider Gravy. Infused with a rich medley of fresh herbs like sage, rosemary, and thyme, this 12-pound turkey is basted in a flavorful blend of apple cider and stock, ensuring juicy, tender meat in every bite. Caramelized pan drippings are whisked into a golden roux and enriched with cider for a velvety smooth gravy that is the perfect balance of sweet and savory. With aromatics like garlic, onion, and hearty vegetables tucked inside, this turkey roasts to perfection, delivering an unforgettable centerpiece for your festive table. Ideal for Thanksgiving or any holiday gathering, this recipe pairs classic comfort with a gourmet twist sure to impress your guests.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:240 mins

Total Time:270 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 12 pounds Whole turkey
• 1 cup Unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh sage (chopped)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh rosemary (chopped)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh thyme (chopped)
• 4 Garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 tablespoons Salt
• 2 teaspoons Black pepper
• 4 cups Apple cider
• 2 cups Chicken or turkey stock
• 1 Onion (quartered)
• 2 Carrots (chopped)
• 2 Celery stalks (chopped)
• 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).

Step 2

Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey cavity. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels and place it on a roasting rack inside a large roasting pan.

Step 3

In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, chopped sage, rosemary, thyme, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well blended.

Step 4

Carefully loosen the skin of the turkey breast by sliding your fingers underneath it. Spread half of the herb butter mixture under the skin, evenly distributing it over the breast meat. Rub the remaining butter mixture all over the outside of the turkey, ensuring it is well coated.

Step 5

Stuff the turkey cavity with the quartered onion, chopped carrots, and chopped celery.

Step 6

Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wingtips under the body of the turkey to prevent them from burning.

Step 7

Pour 2 cups of apple cider and 1 cup of chicken or turkey stock into the bottom of the roasting pan. Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables in the pan (if desired).

Step 8

Place the turkey in the oven and roast for approximately 15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F and the thighs reach 175°F. Baste the turkey every 30 minutes with the pan juices. Add additional cider and stock to the pan if the liquid evaporates too quickly.

Step 9

Once the turkey is cooked, remove it from the oven and tent it loosely with aluminum foil. Allow it to rest for 20-30 minutes before carving.

Step 10

To make the gravy, strain the drippings and juices from the roasting pan into a measuring cup. Skim off excess fat, reserving about 2-3 tablespoons.

Step 11

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the reserved fat and flour to create a roux. Cook for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.

Step 12

Gradually whisk in the strained pan juices, remaining apple cider, and remaining stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.

Step 13

Season the gravy with additional salt and pepper to taste, if needed.

Step 14

Serve the turkey with the apple cider gravy on the side. Enjoy your holiday meal!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(7773.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	10069.0

Total Fat 414.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 181.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.0g
Cholesterol 4326.8mg	0%
Sodium 19529.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 177.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.6g	0%
Total Sugars 114.4g
Protein 1320.7g	0%

Vitamin D 116.7IU	0%
Calcium 995.3mg	0%
Iron 66.5mg	0%
Potassium 15641.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 38.4%

Protein: 54.3%

Carbs: 7.3%