Thanksgiving Cajun Turkey Recipe
You might be looking for a new way to cook your bird this Thanksgiving, don’t worry we got you. This here is called a Cajun butter turkey. It’s smokey with a buttery finish and juicy. This turkey is a nice twist on the classic roast, by infusing its southern charm into your holiday feast.
Ingredients:
- (1) 12-15lb Fresh Turkey
- Butter
- Herbs
- Spices
- Onions
- Lemon
- Carrots
- Celery Stalks
- Aromatic seasoning (Thyme, Rosemary, Sage)
Start by dry brining your turkey overnight. Next create your compound butter using spices and herbs like rosemary, sage, and oregano. (All herbs should be fresh.) After this stuff your turkey with veggies. Use your butter mixture to smother your turkey. Add your turkey to a roasting rack and in your pan underneath add other veggies and pour some white wine into the mixture. With the same mixture you used for your turkey, melt it down, and inject the juices into the turkey. Get your cheesecloth add it to the melted mixture and add it on top of your turkey. (You can go over said cloth with more of the butter after applying.) For those who dont know, the cheesecloth is recommended since it locks in moisture.
Can’t Decide What to Cook?
- Stuffing: Try cornbread stuffing, sausage, and apple stuffing, or maybe wild rice stuffing for variety.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with butter and cream or cheesy mashed potatoes are always a hit.
- Gravy: Don’t forget to make a rich and flavorful gravy to pour over your turkey and potatoes.
- Cranberry Sauce: This is an absolute must to have at your dinner table. Consider making homemade cranberry sauce with orange zest or adding a twist with cranberry chutney.
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courtesy of Kimberly Vardeman Sweet Potatoes: Candied yams, sweet potato casserole, or roasted sweet potatoes with a savory herb twist.
- Green Bean Casserole: A classic side dish with crispy fried onions or try a healthier roasted green bean dish.
- Pumpkin Pie: A Thanksgiving dessert essential. You can also make variations like pecan pie or sweet potato pie.
- Butternut Squash Soup: A warm and comforting soup to start the meal.
Other Tasty Choices
- Brussels Sprouts: Roast them with bacon and balsamic glaze or with maple syrup and pecans.
- Mac and Cheese: A crowd-pleaser, especially if you have kids at the table.
- Cranberry and Brie Bites: A tasty appetizer featuring cranberry and melted brie in puff pastry.
- Vegetarian/Vegan Options: For guests with dietary restrictions, consider dishes like lentil loaf, stuffed bell peppers, or a vegan nut roast.
- Homemade Dinner Rolls: Freshly baked rolls or breadsticks can be a delightful addition to the table.
- Herb-Infused Gravy: Add fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme to your gravy just to add a kick to it.
- Roasted Root Vegetables: A colorful medley of carrots, parsnips, and beets with herbs.
- Cranberry Mojito Punch: A festive and non-alcoholic drink option.
- Pumpkin Cheesecake: A decadent dessert alternative to traditional pie.
Don’t forget it’s always a good idea to have some vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options available, depending on your guest list.
By: Khalyse Hemingway
Sources:
thegreenloot.com: 70+ Easy Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes
foodandwine.com: 28 Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes for a Plant-Based Feast
delish.com: 58 Vegan Recipes Everyone Will Love This Thanksgiving
delish.com: 50 Traditional Dishes You Need For The Ultimate Thanksgiving Menu
thepioneerwoman.com: 50 Best Thanksgiving Dinner Menus to Inspire Your Holiday Feast
tonisrecipes.com: Roasted Cajun Turkey Recipe
Inset image courtesy of Kimberly Vardeman Flicker page -Creative Commons License
Featured image courtesy of Jam A Flicker page -Creative Commons License
