Dry Brined-Herb Roasted Turkey

By charlotteh371

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons kosher salt
• 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons rubbed sage
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 (12- to 14-lb.) whole fresh or frozen turkey, thawed
• 1/2 cup butter, softened $
• Wooden picks
• Kitchen string
• Vegetable cooking spray $
• Preparation

Preparation

Step 1

1. Stir together first 6 ingredients.

2. Remove giblets and neck from turkey; pat turkey dry. Sprinkle 1 Tbsp. brine into cavity; rub into cavity. Reserve 1 Tbsp. brine, and sprinkle outside of turkey with remaining brine; rub into skin. Chill turkey 10 to 24 hours.

3. Preheat oven to 350°. Stir together butter and reserved 1 Tbsp. brine. Loosen skin from turkey breast without totally detaching skin; spread butter mixture under skin. Replace skin, securing with wooden picks.

4. Tie ends of legs together with string; tuck wing tips under. Place turkey, breast side up, on a lightly greased (with cooking spray) rack in a large roasting pan.

5. Bake at 350° for 2 hours and 30 minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted in thickest portion of turkey thigh registers 165°. Remove from oven; let stand 30 minutes before carving.

Cajun Brine Roasted Turkey: Prepare recipe as directed, substituting paprika for sage, dried oregano for dried thyme, and 2 tsp. ground red pepper for black pepper.

Jerk Brine Roasted Turkey: Prepare recipe as directed, substituting allspice for sage and onion powder for garlic powder and adding 2 tsp. ground cumin to brine mixture.

Five Spice Brine Roasted Turkey: Prepare recipe as directed, substituting Chinese five spice for sage and ground ginger for thyme.