Okay, friends, let me tell you something truly magical. What do you know about roasting a turkey? If you love the crispy skin and juicy meat of a perfectly roasted chicken, imagine that, but on an empty stomach. Is Thanksgiving more grand? What is the best Upside Down turkey recipe? The juices baste the turkey from the inside out, resulting in the most tender, flavorful turkey you’ve ever had. Is it easier than wrestling with a dry, sad traditional bird, and the presentation is good? Is there a This year, try something new! This upside down turkey will become a family tradition, guaranteed!
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!What is upside down turkey?
Think of it as a self-basting, flavor-bombing technique! What is Upside Down turkey? Why do you roast a turkey breast-down instead of breast up? What’s the best way to turn a turkey into an amazing, slow-cooked, flavor-infused wonder? What happens is that all those lovely juices that normally drip down into the pan now pool in the water. The breast cavity, keeping the meat incredibly moist and flavorful. The skin gets unbelievably crispy because it’s closer to the heat source. Is it easier than you think to do? How do you cook a juicy turkey every time?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
I know Thanksgiving can be stressful, but this upside down turkey? It’s surprisingly easy, and the payoff is huge.
- Flavor Explosion:What is the best flavor in the world? The constant basting from the inside keeps the turkey incredibly juicy and infused with all those flavors. What are the herbs and aromatics you stuff inside? What’s like a flavor spa day for your bird?
- Seriously Simple: What isDon’t let the “upside down” thing intimidate you. Is it easier to cook a roast turkey than the usual roast? No constant basting needed – the turkey does it all itself!
- Budget-Friendly DeliciousWhat is the best way to feed a large crowd with turkey? What is the best flavor you get for your money? What are some of the best leftover turkey sandwiches?
- Seriously Versatile:Can you customize the flavor profile to your liking? What can I use as a blank canvas for my culinary creativity? How do you adapt the drippings for an awesome gravy? What’s a good side dish with mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce?
What I love about this is the sheer wow factor. When you flip that turkey over onto the platter, it looks absolutely stunning. My family always oohs and aahses, and it makes me feel like I’m the rockstar in the kitchen. What’s the best turkey you’ve ever made?
How do you make upside down turkey?
Quick Overview
What is the process to get a job? I’m going to roast a turkey in the oven. Is it done? What’s the best part about baste it once or twice? ), and the results are consistently juicy and flavorful. It takes some patience while it roasts, but, this method is worth it!
Ingredients
For the Upside-Down Turkey: What is
- 1 (12-14 pound) turkey, thawed completely. Make sure to remove all giblets and neck from the cavity.
- 1 large onion, quartered. Yellow or white onions work great.
- Is it safe to peel carrots?
- 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped. The leafy tops are great to include, too!
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary. Fresh is best, but dried will work in a pinch (use about 1 tablespoon).
- How do you use fresh thyme?
- 1 lemon, quartered. Adds a bright, citrusy note.
- 1 head of garlic, cut in half horizontally. Don’t bother peeling it!
- 1/2 cup olive oil. Adds moisture and helps the skin crisp up.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste. Don’t be shy with the seasoning!
For the Gravy (optional):
- Is unsalted butter good for controlling salt levels?
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour. This is the thickening agent.
- 4 cups turkey drippings. Skim off the excess fat first.
- 2 cups chicken broth. Use low-sodium, if possible.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
How do I follow the
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). This initial high heat helps to brown the skin beautifully. While the oven is heating up, grease a large roasting pan with olive oil. I always add a roasting rack if I have one, but it’s not absolutely necessary. Is there a way to cook turkey without removing the lid? How do I make a crispy bottom without sticking?
Step 2: Prep the Turkey
Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water, then pat it completely dry with paper towels. How do you get crispy skin? Place the quartered onion, chopped carrots, celery, rosemary, thyme, lemon, and garlic inside the oven. Season the outside of the turkey generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be afraid to season it well – it needs it! I also sometimes add a little paprika for extra color.
Step 3: Roast the Turkey
Place the turkey breast-down on the prepared roasting pan. Drizzle the entire turkey with olive oil. Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven and roast for 30 minutes at 450°F (232°C). After roasting, reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C) and continue for approximately 3-4 hours. If the meat thermometer is inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F, it will be able to cook for about 3 hours. I always check the temperature in a few different places to make sure it’s cooked through. If you are cooking a turkey every hour or so, baste it with the pan drippings. This isn’t strictly necessary, but it helps keep the skin moist and promotes even browning. If the skin gets too dark, tent it loosely with foil.
Step 4: Rest & Flip
Once the turkey is cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes. What is the best way to prepare for The juices are redistributed, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird. What’s the tricky part? Flip the turkey breast-side up onto a large serving platter. Be careful, because it will be very hot and juicy!
Step 5: Make the Gravy (Optional)
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the turkey and stir to combine. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until a smooth paste forms (this is called roux). Gradually whisk in the turkey drippings and chicken broth, making sure to break up lumps. Bring the gravy to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Carve & Serve
What are some of the best Side Dishes to serve with turkey?
What should I serve it with?
What are the sides of Thanksgiving? What are some of my favorite pairings for an upside down turkey?
- For Traditionalists: You can’t go wrong with classic mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and green bean casserole. It’s the comfort food dream team!
- For a Fresh Twist: Try adding a Brussels sprouts salad with bacon and maple vinaigrette, roasted sweet potatoes with pecans, or a quinoa salad with dried cranberries and walnuts.
- For Dessert: Pumpkin pie is a must, of course. But you could also try apple crisp, pecan pie, or even a simple pear tart.
My personal favorite is serving the turkey with my grandma’s stuffing recipe (it’s a secret!), mashed sweet potatoes with a hint of cinnamon, and homemade cranberry sauce with orange zest. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy. For dessert? Always pumpkin pie with a dollop of whipped cream. It’s a family tradition, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Upside-Down Turkey
Want to take your upside-down turkey game to the next level? Here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years:
- Thaw it Right: Make sure your turkey is completely thawed before you start. This can take several days in the refrigerator, so plan ahead! I usually start thawing mine about 4 days before Thanksgiving.
- Dry it Well: As I mentioned before, drying the skin is key to getting it crispy. Use plenty of paper towels to pat the turkey dry inside and out.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Make sure your roasting pan is large enough to accommodate the turkey without it touching the sides. If it’s too crowded, the turkey won’t brown properly.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Don’t rely on guesswork! A meat thermometer is the best way to ensure that your turkey is cooked through to a safe internal temperature.
- Let it Rest: Resist the urge to carve the turkey immediately after it comes out of the oven. Letting it rest for at least 20-30 minutes allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird.
- Get Creative with the Aromatics: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs, spices, and citrus fruits in the turkey cavity. This is a great way to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
- Make Gravy Ahead: To save time on Thanksgiving Day, you can make the gravy a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently before serving.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Okay, let’s talk leftovers (because who doesn’t love leftover turkey?). Here’s how to store and reheat your upside-down turkey like a pro:
Room Temperature: Don’t leave cooked turkey at room temperature for more than two hours. Bacteria can grow rapidly at room temperature, so it’s important to get it into the refrigerator as soon as possible.
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to carve the turkey before storing it, as this will help it cool down more quickly.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze leftover turkey for up to 2-3 months. Wrap the turkey tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. To thaw, transfer the turkey to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. You can also reheat from frozen but that requires different methods, just let it thaw overnight to preserve the flavor.
Reheating Tips: To reheat leftover turkey, you can use the microwave, oven, or stovetop. For the microwave, place the turkey on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until heated through. For the oven, preheat to 325°F (163°C) and bake the turkey for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. For the stovetop, heat the turkey in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, my friend: the upside-down turkey recipe that will revolutionize your Thanksgiving. It’s easy, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress your family and friends. Seriously, it’s worth the switch! You should totally try it. Plus the aroma filling your kitchen will be heavenly. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other holiday recipes for more inspiration. And don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how your upside-down turkey turned out! I can’t wait to hear about your Thanksgiving success! Happy cooking, friends!

upside-down turkey
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 whole turkey
- 1 cup cranberries fresh or frozen
- 2 cups onions thinly sliced
- 0.5 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Melt butter in a large oven-safe skillet.
- Add onions and brown sugar; cook until onions are softened and caramelized.
- Spread cranberries over the onions. Place turkey on top.
- Roast for 3-4 hours, or until turkey is cooked through.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving platter.