Slow-Roasted Turkey with Apple-Cranberry Gravy

Slow-Roasted Turkey with Apple-Cranberry Gravy

3600 mins
medium
12 servings

A succulent slow-roasted turkey, complemented by a vibrant apple-cranberry gravy, perfect for a Thanksgiving feast or any special occasion.

GravyThanksgivingTurkey

Equipment Needed

  • Brining Bag or Large Ziploc Bag
  • Meat Thermometer
  • Roasting Pan

Ingredients

  • 1.00 lbTurkey (14 lb)(Fresh or thawed frozen, neck and giblets removed)
  • 3.00 mediumApples (Fuji or Honeycrisp)(Cored and sliced)
  • 1.00 cupCranberries(Fresh or frozen)
  • 2.50 quartsButtermilk(For brining)
  • 0.50 cupGranulated Sugar(For brining)
  • 0.50 cupSea Salt(Coarse)
  • 1.50 tbspBlack Peppercorns(Toasted and ground)
  • 1.50 tspCayenne Pepper(For brining)
  • 8.00 freshBay Leaves(For brining and roasting)
  • 2.00 tbspOlive Oil(For roasting)
  • 0.50 cupButter(Unsalted)
  • 0.25 cupAll-Purpose Flour(For gravy)
  • 2.00 tbspBrandy (optional)(For gravy)
  • 1.00 mediumLemon(For stuffing)
  • 1.00 small bunchFresh Thyme(For stuffing)
  • 10.00 slicesGinger(For stuffing)
  • 12.00 clovesGarlic(Sliced)
  • 1.00 mediumOrange(For stuffing)

Instructions

1

Prepare the brine by combining buttermilk, sugar, salt, pepper, and cayenne.

Estimated time: 15 minutes

2

Place the turkey in a brining bag and immerse in the brine. Refrigerate for 48-72 hours.

Estimated time: 48 minutes

3

Preheat oven to 450°F. Roast the turkey until browned.

Estimated time: 30 minutes

4

Reduce oven temperature to 300°F and continue roasting until almost cooked through (150°F in thickest part of breast, 160°F in thigh).

Estimated time: 240 minutes

5

Uncover and baste with pan juices. Roast uncovered until skin is browned and meat reaches 155°F in breast and 165°F in thigh.

Estimated time: 45 minutes

6

Let the turkey rest slightly before carving.

Estimated time: 15 minutes

7

Make the gravy by smashing pan contents and straining the juices.

Estimated time: 20 minutes

8

Melt butter, whisk in flour until golden brown.

Estimated time: 5 minutes

9

Add strained juices and brandy (if using), simmer until thickened.

Estimated time: 10 minutes

10

Season gravy to taste and serve with carved turkey.

Estimated time: 5 minutes