Carolina Insight: How to Make the Perfect Thanksgiving Turkey

WCCB Rising,

CHARLOTTE, N.C. —ย Chef James Loftus, Catering Director and Executive Chef of Reidโ€™s Fine Foods Myers Park, stops by to show us how to make the perfect Thanksgiving Turkey!

How to cook the perfect turkeyย 
  • Dry brine your turkey 48 hours in advance
  • Dry brine is essentially pre-salting
  • Only use natural turkeys, as kosher and self-basting are already brined
  • Dry brine recipe:ย 6 tablespoons kosher salt to 3 teaspoons of dried herbs (thyme and rosemary).ย Rub dry brine liberally all over inside andย outsideย of turkey, and leave uncovered in fridge
  • Advantages of dry brining vs wet brining:
    • saves space in the fridge
    • less mess to clean up
    • perfectly browned crispy skin
    • retaining natural juice instead of soaking up water
  • How to cook the turkey:
    • Preheat oven to 325 degrees
    • Rub turkey with butter and fresh herbs
    • Place turkey on a roasting rack
    • Cook uncovered 15-20 minutes per pound
    • Using digital thermometer, check breast and thigh for internal temperature of 160 degrees
    • Letย turkeyย rest for 15 minutes before carving
  • FYI:ย Stuffing and basting the turkey both slow the cooking process
Reidโ€™s also offers cooked turkeys, sides and dessert for ย Thanksgiving. All you have to do is call and place an order, and theyโ€™ll have it ready for you for pick-up onย Nov. 22ย with warming instructions. Phone number:ย 704-377-1312. ย www.reids.comย for the full Thanksgiving menu.