How to Cook a Turkey

[@pathall6292]

Used this recipe today and it was the best turkey I’ve ever cooked and I have been cooking turkey for over 40 yrs. My husband doesn’t like rosemary so I mixed in dried thyme, marjoram salt and pepper into the butter that I added to underneath the skin. Not using a rack under the turkey and cooking at 450 for the first 15 minutes….genius!!! I loved the addition of lemon, garlic and onion to the broth. Made for the juiciest turkey we’ve ever had. Better than brined. Thanks so much. I watch all your videos and they are my go to recipes

[@mebyrne]

Yes! I would love for you to do a gravy video! My poor, sainted mother tried so many years to teach how to make gravy and I just never got it. She is in Heaven today for that alone! John, maybe I might be able to comprehend your method.

[@Lightandlove995]

I loved this video. I always have to refresh my memory each year because I only cook a turkey once a year

[@mikeyb.3004]

Followed your exact directions today....17 pound turkey- without a doubt- the absolute best I ever made. It is possible to make a perfect turkey! Thank you John!!!!!!!

[@bina64]

Just wanted to let you know that this weekend, I made your turkey, your dinner rolls and your biscuits. All three were the best I have every made and honestly, the turkey was the best I have ever had! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.

[@PianoLovers2025]

Fake

[@ANGEL-fg4hv]

​@@PianoLovers2025how lol

[@kosdsd6524]

Super fake

[@steppy3736]

I'm a home cook (never to be confused with a professional!) and this is how I've made my turkey for the past thirty years. So glad I've been doing it right all these years. 😊

[@robertakerman3570]

Almost comical - Steppy & Preppy. Like a dynamic Duo

[@jobellegacuya]

Have you ever tried using and oven bag? or you do it exactly like the video? I am trying to decide if I should use an oven bag or not this year! This will be the first turkey I ever make!

[@beccabee8041]

I can't go anywhere else for a perfect turkey recipe. Follow his instructions... It will be perfect. Just rewatching the video is getting me in the mood for the holidays. 🥰

[@Gagazoot]

I am 70 years young. I have cooked many many many turkeys. I had a couple of variations and they were tasty, no complaints from family. BUT, I decided to cook my Turkey your way, and lo and behold, I thought it was the BEST tasting turkey I ever roasted. The butter under the skin created the crispiest dark bird, which we love and the juiciest Turkey. I thought for sure the Turkey was burnt, but no it wasn’t. And I shuddered because I thought the Turkey would be dry with such crispy skin but no, it was delicious!! Thank you!! thank you!!❤ Love all your videos. You’re making a better cook of me. Btw, I had many people in my family ask me for the recipe when I posted a pix of our bronzed beauty. 😂 ❤ Merry Christmas to you and yours.

[@brightfalls6788]

You have got to do more regular food videos. The baking stuff is obviously already great, but you’re style of instruction and just general way you choose to do things is always superior to anything else online. So, adding more frequent food recipes to the channel would be a godsend.

[@sydneysaenz4667]

Decided to try your recipe today for my first turkey EVER. I just about listened to and watched this video about 12 times day of! I added celery and sage in addition to what you had in the turkey and added more spices and fresh parsley to the butter to my liking. HOLY SMOKES. I followed your directions exactly, got my little heat thermometer and everything. I did end up putting foil on the top in the last hour and all was great! The turkey was so juicy that JUICE WAS FLOWING OFF THE CUTTING BOARD. The flavor was insane! And of course I made gravy from the delicious drippings.This was my first year hosting and my guests said it was the best turkey they ever had. You made my holiday, thank you so much! ❤️ much love from my kitchen to yours

[@corkscrewfork]

Please do a gravy video! I'm using things I've learned here for cooking my Thanksgiving Cornish hens, and while I have a general idea of making a gravy, I feel like it can't hurt to get that extra info from a highly trusted source 😸

[@Earthy-Artist]

I second that!

[@gracegs7204]

@@Earthy-Artist I third that

[@suzanneheneghan7334]

Me too, me too!

[@DaveOriginallyfromBrooklyn]

Yes gravy video please.

[@emiliedavenport4923]

would love a gravy video - I am 63 years old and I have never made gravy - my mom made the BEST !!

[@Toughmittens]

Thank goodness. I have been watching turkey videos for a couple of days cus I’m making my first one this year and I’m so glad to have one from my most trusted source ❤

[@kelebogilenametsodavid6298]

We Africans don’t know this things we learn them from the internet am so invested and my house is gonna be different from all African households ❤❤

[@jellybean2032]

I tried your recipe for thanksgiving yesterday and oh my gawd did it turn out FANTASTIC! The moistest and flavorful turkey I have ever cooked. The leftovers are to die for.😊 Thank you so much!

[@KingSquires]

2nd time coming back to this recipe i cooked it last year (my wife and I's first thanksgiving married) and it was honestly the best turkey we've ever had thanks again!!!

[@nicolerince]

I have looked at half a dozen people cook the turkey. You are the only one that gave the temp of the ove . Liked all that you showed. Thant you

[@flygirl4983]

Yes!yes! YES!! The butter under the skin is a game changer! My white meat was so juicy!

[@mauram15]

This will be the second year I’ll be making my turkey following this tutorial. My family was impressed at how good it came out last time. Thanks!!

[@s.m.2535]

A very successful turkey recipe! I’ve tried several others over the years but this is it. So simple, yet the flavor, texture and color were just right.

[@brittneytaylor-mcmurphy7927]

Thanks for putting together a video like this. It really means a lot for me, who LOVES turkey but never prepared one myself.

[@garycraigart3579]

I've been making Thanksgiving dinner for over 50 years, often for large groups of friends, but I'm going total Preppy Kitchen this year and following all your recipes. Including the pumpkin pie, with the pumpkins I grew myself. The only one I couldn't find is the turkey gravy recipe. Love your channel, Thanks!!!!

[@thegirlmcfly1653]

Let’s be honest, although turkey is a staple for Thanksgiving, everyone is mainly there for the sides 😂

[@AllThingsCostco]

Yes!!!!😂😂😂😂

[@phoenix2.020]

True 😂

[@Kyarrix]

No matter what you do to whole turkey it will still be somewhat dry and boring. There are ways to cook it better, spatchcock it, forego turkey entirely and get a duck, roast beef. But if you have to have that picture perfect bird on a platter don't expect it to be delicious. It'll be great in sandwiches but that's pretty much it. And I do know how to cook turkey. If people don't eat all day because they are waiting to feast on Thanksgiving dinner then of course it will be delicious because hunger is the best seasoning.

[@tamarak9393]

@@Kyarrixnot my mom’s turkey. It is the best and never dry. I don’t know if it makes a difference but she cooks a fresh bird, never frozen.

[@Kyarrix]

@@tamarak9393 if you spatchcock it or put the dark meat in the oven first. Otherwise if the dark meat is at temperature the white meat is overcooked by definition. The dark meat is denser and takes longer to get to 165° if your dark meat is at 165° the white meat will be 180°. The only way to get around that is to spatchcock the bird or otherwise separate it so that the dark meat goes in first.

[@bsilva6064]

This is great John for first timers!! I'm going to make one with confidence after watching this. Thank you!! 🎄 😊👏

[@bethotoole6569]

A trick I learned from my mother in law forever ago, was because it could go to the table already cut up, to begin cooking the bird upside down. I know it sounds crazy but I leave it upside down for about 1/3 of the cook time. Then I roll it over and finish cooking it. It can flatten the top a bit so if you’re going for a picture perfect bird this may not help you. But,,, doing it this way I’ve never had a dry bird!

[@luxaeterna9383]

I will be attempting this for Christmas, I hope it works out! It looks so gorgeous.

[@samanthawhang7498]

I do this for my roasted chicken and it works well! 😊 For the butter under the skin I also use 2 crushed garlic cloves. Don’t put the garlic butter over the skin, because it’ll burn. I also put the bird in a 275 degree oven for 1 hr, and then I turn the heat up to 425 degrees to finish cooking (obviously that temp is for chicken). It seems to help all the butter and juices soak in better. And then you can skip leaving the bird on the counter for 2 hours (like he did in the beginning).

[@dob8240]

What would l do without your wisdom..... Thank you for sharing all your secrets. I learn so much from you... You truly are my favorite.... Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

[@greatboniwanker]

I was afraid to make gravy for so many years. Please show everyone how easy it is!

[@tomdececco2806]

Great job as always - hope you and your family have a great thanksgiving 🦃🦃

[@kainenable]

I will admit. I was annoyed when I first watched the video, i just wanted temperates and time. But I went through the whole video and followed your instructions. This was the BEST turkey i have ever had. It tasted amazing. I accidentally put too much rosemary in. It turns out, that is impossible. It was so juicy, and flavorful! Thank you so much, our christmas' and thanksgivings will never be the same.

[@jonimaricruz1692]

Open turkey surgery! The things I learn on on your channel, John! Thank you, happy holidays and best wishes.

[@asugarholicslife]

I have to applaud you for being so calm and also a genius when it comes to baking and your timing of you tube topic releases!

[@kathyrama4570]

I always mix softened butter, salt, pepper, garlic powder and rubbed sage to put under the skin and all over the bird. Such delicious flavor.

[@philipberthiaume2314]

So ppl don't have to look it up: 450f is 230°, 325f is 160°, 165f is 74° and cook time is 22 to 25 minutes per kilo.

[@sandysaurus1010]

I love the random, unpolished moments. Such real life.

[@picklechilli]

Best Turkey I've made was when I did a dry brine (salt, sugar and herbs like rosemary, thyme etc) the day before. And never opened the oven til last 30 or so minutes hoping it was done. But I've done the butter under and on the skin with chicken comes out really good.

[@DWPersianExcursion]

Love and blessings to you all, from Texas ❤🦃

[@catalinasaucedo9755]

I made my fist turkey and stuffing using your recipe AND IT WAS A HIT!!!! Thanks of making it so easy and DELISH!

[@palomasanchez3001]

I’ve been soaking my turkey in water and salt and it’s wonderful and juicy!! Ive done it the last ten years or so, I recommend 👌🏼

[@valentinarodoracio8145]

Brilliant! Thank you so much, I appreciate how you explain step by step instructions . YES PLEASE ! GRAVEY RECEIPE ! ( did I spell that correctly 🤭🤭) Happy Thanksgiving … Grateful for you ! 🙏

[@RaymondHng]

gravy

[@acprive]

If you go out to your garden and gather your herbs before they freeze you can save them for the winter. Simply chop them and put them into ice cube trays and cover with melted butter or olive oil and freeze. Drop the cubes into a ziplock bag and pull one out to throw into your meal you are preparing. 😊

[@grosslawn]

Excellent. Who needs food network? This guy is fantastic and so delightful to watch. Tailored this a bit for a turkey breast only and it was amazing.

[@garyminto8660]

Trying it today, I used sea-truffle salt, pepper and Cajun seasoning! My fingers are crossed! Thanks for the advice!

[@crabionesmargonezz]

can't wait for Thanksgiving! thanks for the video 😀

[@aidanalmeida]

Wow! Happy Thanksgiving John! Thanks! We do the same thing but we actually do 450 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 hours and then 325-350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes.👍🤩😁😇🙏👏

[@kellywhite4460]

Thank you for the video! Im a proud dad cooking turkey dinner today for the family today. This is going to be delicious!

[@patphares6258]

John is our culinary sensei. Great do’s and don’ts review delivered with your usual crispness and charming humor. You are cherished….

[@Kellybergman7529]

Turkey is my absolute favorite. Yum!

[@emilyharsha3875]

I love the design or your kitchen!!! The colors go perfect with each other ❤

[@cookingclips4901]

I started with cooking the turkey for 20 minutes at 450 instead of 15 and then went to 350 because i was worried it wouldn't be cooked in time for a 22 pound turkey and 16 family members coming over for dinner. You tend to panic and think it won't be cooked in time and go with a higher temp. At the end i could tell it was overcooked as you always can tell when you slice up the breast. It wouldn't cut nicely through it was more of a falling apart as you cut the breast. But the legs and thighs were fantastic! I think one must cook a turkey for your own family first as a trial run to feel more comfortable to pull it off. The gravy was incredible so that made the turkey breast much more tender. I need to trust your expertise and go with it.

[@MercedesDoll2012]

I cooked my turkey exactly like this, step by step and it was excellent. ❤

[@liapia7]

Beautiful Turkey! Would love to see you make a gravy video! 👍🏻

[@brookesmith7359]

Thank you for this video! My husband and toddler are both running a fever, one day before Thanksgiving, and we have regrettably decided to not attend my MIL’s dinner like we planned. (Don’t want to share our germs!) I’ve never cooked my own turkey before but now I’m feeling pretty confident that I can do this!

[@melodyayson1416]

I followed this recipe last year for thanksgiving and it turned out very well! Even I couldn’t believe that I was able to cook a turkey for the first time😂 thanks for this recipe!

[@ShadySoulSheep]

I’m hosting a Friendsgiving this Saturday and I am so nervous! I’m excited to try this recipe and wish me luck! 😭😭😭

[@user-qn1up8ml6t]

Cooking for my family this year feel that 😬.

[@thehofmeister]

My first year hosting Thanksgiving, and I have been so nervous about the turkey! I am beyond excited that you posted this! I feel like I can relax now that I have you guiding me in this process lol

[@yourtravelswithbruce]

Never baste a Turkey. Just put the Turkey in the oven at 350 and never opened the door until the bird was ready and GUARANTEED to be soooo moist. Opening the door to baste let’s heat out forces the oven to worked harder and it results in drying out the meat. Turkeys need a slow gentle heat to keep them moist. Yes put butter under the skin or I put bacon over the breast to keep it moist.

[@elhugeo]

Listen the Bruce Or your guests are going to be chewing loudly and hard tomorrow for dinner 🤣🤣

[@picklechilli]

@@yourtravelswithbruce my mom used to put pineapple slices on top of turkey, never thought of bacon.

[@AFairytaleFlavor]

This turkey looks absolutely delicious! Thanks for sharing all your tips and tricks to make a delicious turkey. Hope you and your family have a blessed thanksgiving!

[@lala_bee]

Yes John, I'm gonna need that gravy recipe. Thank you for showing us how to cook a turkey effortlessly. This is doable! I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving! ❤

[@saracalle6603]

PREPPY KITCHEN, you saved my thanksgiving! Haven’t made a turkey in years - my turkey came out so juicy!!! Wowed family & friends - you really are the best!

[@TheShibby777]

Used this method for our Christmas Turkey. Really good. Everybody loved it 👍🏼

[@meganthings]

So we had a turkey in our freezer I decided to cook today and I followed this recipe step for step and it came out great!! Wanted to say thank you!!

[@signiustalas]

I did not brine and followed your instructions exactly. Turkey came out so juicy =) was very delicious. Thank you!

[@bernadette8554]

Just followed this recipe to a T! It was amazing! It was so moist and everyone enjoyed it to where they kinda ignored the ham and beef dishes . Thank you for this recipe it was a Thanksgiving hit tonight!

[@rufusred44]

Looks absolutely beautiful and delicious. I love seeing the different techniques from different cooks. For me, I brine and I don't baste, but I have buttered the bird as such, under the skin, etc, Here's a tip, cut the wing tips off and use them in the stock, which will eventually be your gravy. That alleviates having to protect them from being burned.

[@DiaDia18]

Very nice recipie John! They looks amazing! Have a nice day! 👍👏🍴

[@jennnnnnn13]

Made turkey your way this year and oh my GOODNESS. I've never had a more delicious turkey!!!

[@giniekip]

Happy thanksgiving John!!! Thank you for making this very easy and absolutely AMAZINGLY DELICIOUS recipe! I’ve never made a turkey before and I just finished following your recipe! The turkey turned so well for my first time! I’m beyond impressed thank you so much!!

[@Zumbagirl517]

I love to have fresh sage! I bet it smells incredible! Sage is very a meditative smell!

[@joanshealy1662]

I always turn the wings under the bird to stay moist and not burn 😊

[@oleksandrfesenko5975]

Thank you for sharing your experience! It was my first time cooking turkey, and I went for it just because your recipes turned out great. This one was not an exception - the bird was juicy, perfectly baked, and looked amazing! The smell of the herbs in the house was fantastic, and the "lemon trick" worked out great! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

[@jordanmorris5824]

A gravy lesson would be amazing!

[@tanyan8458]

You are the B E S T, good timing, thank you

[@tanyan8458]

I am back, the best recipe , Thank you AGAIN !!!

[@TheWeezieW]

I prepared 3 small turkeys YOUR WAY for a "Friendsgiving" celebration on the weekend! Turned out absolutely DELICIOUS! My friends now think I can cook! 🤣 Thank you so much and Blessings!

[@I-R_kratos]

I mean you can... You cooked them they were good

[@SilverMoon459]

You can cook

[@rehaboth203]

Do you do brining or no?

[@katherinetomasello3661]

Usually I will carve the turkey, and then place the meat (skin side up) back into the pan with the juices it roasted in. It keeps the meat warm and suuuuper juicy. Way better than gravy, but you can still make gravy by frying the neck and veggies from the carcas in butter, then add flour and broth

[@marri3653]

Is anyone going to talk about how beautiful his garden is tho 🥲💁🏻‍♀️!!

[@MeliStephanie]

This thanksgiving I'll make the turkey for the first time ever! Thanks for the recipe

[@LedaSBotelho]

MELT👏IN👏 YOUR 👏MOUTH👏 TENDER. John is serious people. That looks so advancing. This makes me anxious and want to work on mine. I'm an avid person and always put bacon on the skin. This looks so good. Thank you John as always.

[@markbachman292]

🦃Sound good to me. I love thanksgiving foods! Yummy😋😉👌🏽👍🏼🥰

[@DWPersianExcursion]

My favorite part of the 🦃? The neck🤗

[@lenninmontiel4539]

Never had turkey before is it like duck the taste

[@DWPersianExcursion]

@@lenninmontiel4539 hello✨ I have never had duck, I'm sorry I couldn't answer that. Have you ever had deli Turkey?

[@lenninmontiel4539]

@@DWPersianExcursion honestly no sorry I've only had chicken and ham

[@DWPersianExcursion]

@@lenninmontiel4539 no worries 🌻🌞🙏 you are still loved😋

[@jamesthomas9879]

Perhaps the neck was chopped off when the turkey was slaughtered

[@lelanium1394]

Just made my turkey with this recipe it was awesome I did add some lemon to mine though and I really like that as well!!!

[@sashafretton1049]

Thanks for delicious recipes! You are helping me for Christmas.I going to try.

[@CHRISMED2]

This video is amazing, I feel so much more confident to cook my thanksgiving turkey tomorrow

[@KristieWatts-x4i]

I would really appreciate a video on how to use the drippings in the pan to make gravy. Please!

[@joegonzalez4623]

Once again ! Excellent! This guy really knows it ! 👍

[@antmannwins717]

Trying this tonight. Thanks cause I had no idea where to start!

[@Caribbean_blue39]

I'm gonna watch this video while I make a turkey on Thanksgiving!

[@nmcnmc653]

I can't wait to try making one this year, everything is always well explained, Edit: i never fail at making anything from this chanel .........i really cant wait to buy some cook books and give them as gifts for christmas,

[@ayshiaalshaikh7212]

Looks amazing yeah we would love a gravy recipe 👍

[@michelleblodgettrochell2280]

I used your recipe today for Thanksgiving thank you

[@cheriewheatley8442]

Thanks sooo much for this video. Makes me feel more confident roasting my first turkey. Would love to see how you make the GRAVY!

[@marygallinger648]

Hi 👋 John 😊 🎉😊Happy thanksgiving,thank you for all your amazing videos and recipes.

[@MegaToshia]

Sorry but I cheat lol, I use turkey bags lol. I use apples n onions inside my turkey. Butter my turkey n use Curry powder n sprinkle my turkey 🦃🦃. Yes, you heard right, I use Curry. But, this year, I'm going to replace the apple with garlic n see how it does. I do love Johns cooking. I've learned a lot from him. I'm not afraid to use some cooking new methods. I think it's really awesome he has this channel. Thank you for being such a great cook! Happy Thanksgiving. Ps, would love to see how you do the gravy.

[@joshuamoore24_7]

I only have cooked one turkey and I mesquite smoked it for 9 hours with cranberry cashew stuffing inside of it. I basted it every 30 minutes with chicken broth I poured into the pan before I started about 1-2 quarts of chicken broth. It was gone before the other turkey my stepfather was cooking was done . There was nothing bones left, before the other turkey was ready 45 minutes later. It was best tasting turkey I have ever eaten. The mesquite wood chips smoking it adds mesquite smoked flavor all the way through. I could taste the mesquite smoke flavor in every bite.

[@maryamzizi13]

Great video John😊😊

[@JSLElevatorsTourFan]

Wow

[@shellyrhazeleur6029]

I have learned to trust you. I aim for perfection. You have delivered it more than once. Eclairs is one of the recipes you gave that is my favorite ever! I am trusting you right now and following your instructions without a Shelly twist. I’m Shelly. I love your delivery of your videos as well. They are clear and every moment is useful. Thank you so much. “A growing fan”

[@darianroscoe1017]

Looks good, but I've started cooking my turkey differently the past few years. I make my stuffing, put it on the bottom of my roaster, then place the spatchcocked turkey over the top of it. We love it this way, and you can get much more stuffing flavored with the wonderful juices from the bird. I'm not a fan of stuffing roasted separately from the bird, so this way there's plenty for the table and to have later and freeze, as well.

[@loretta6089]

I also spatchcock my turkey but I never though to put stuffing underneath. I will definitely try that. Thanks for the great idea😃

[@salliwallace7962]

Please do a video on making gravy from turkey drippings. I have learned so much from your videos, and you must have been a wonderful teacher. I am a retired teacher. Happy Thanksgiving from California.

[@linziscarsella6729]

Turkey is my daughter's favorite! I will definitely be using your recipe 🦃 thank you!

[@emilieleduc5590]

Thank you!!! I will be trying this next weekend!

[@amplifiedcakemixrecip5242]

Great recipe John! You sure never disappoint. Happy thanksgiving to you and your family❤