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Butter and Wine-Soaked Cheesecloth Turkey (Martha Stewart-Inspired) Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 59 reviews
  • Author: lina
  • Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 12-14 1x

Description

This Butter Cheesecloth Turkey recipe inspired by Martha Stewart features a perfectly roasted turkey wrapped in butter-soaked cheesecloth, which keeps the bird moist and flavorful throughout roasting. The turkey is seasoned inside and out, stuffed with aromatic vegetables and apple, and basted with a butter and white wine mixture for a delicious golden-brown finish and succulent texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Turkey and Seasoning

  • 12–14 pound turkey
  • 2 teaspoons coarse Kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

Stuffing

  • 1 white onion, quartered
  • 1 rib celery, cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 1 red apple, cored and cut into wedges
  • 4 cloves garlic, lightly smashed

Butter Mixture

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • ½ cup white wine

Other

  • 20–30 inches of cheesecloth
  • Cooking twine for trussing

Instructions

  1. Bring Turkey to Room Temperature: Allow the thawed 12-14 pound turkey to sit at room temperature for 1 hour to ensure even cooking.
  2. Preheat Oven and Prepare Roasting Pan: Preheat the oven to 425°F with the rack in its lowest position to accommodate the turkey. Prepare a roasting pan and set aside.
  3. Season Turkey: In a small bowl, mix 2 teaspoons coarse Kosher salt and 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper. Rub the inside and outside of the turkey with this seasoning, working under the skin when possible to maximize flavor infusion.
  4. Stuff and Truss the Turkey: Fill the turkey cavity with quartered white onion, celery pieces, apple wedges, and smashed garlic cloves. Truss the legs shut with cooking twine, fold the wing tips under, and tuck the neck flap underneath for compact roasting.
  5. Melt Butter: In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt 1 cup unsalted butter until fully liquid.
  6. Whisk Butter with Wine: Remove melted butter from heat and whisk in ½ cup white wine to create the basting mixture.
  7. Soak Cheesecloth: Fold cheesecloth into four layers, then immerse it in the warm butter and wine mixture for 2-3 minutes until fully saturated. Use gloves to protect your hands as the mixture will be hot.
  8. Place Turkey in Roasting Pan: Position the turkey breast-side up in the prepared roasting pan.
  9. Apply Cheesecloth: Carefully lift the cheesecloth from the butter mixture, letting excess drip back into the bowl. Lay the soaked cheesecloth evenly over the turkey to cover as much surface as possible.
  10. Initial Roast: Roast the turkey at 425°F for 30 minutes to brown the skin.
  11. Baste and Adjust Temperature: Baste the cheesecloth and any exposed turkey areas with reserved butter mixture. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F.
  12. Continue Roasting with Basting: Roast the turkey further, basting and rotating the pan 180° every 30-45 minutes. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil. Total roasting time will be about 2½ to 3½ hours, approximately 10-12 minutes per pound.
  13. Finish and Remove Cheesecloth: Remove turkey from oven, discard the cheesecloth, and baste with pan juices and remaining butter mixture for added flavor and moisture.
  14. Check Doneness: Use an instant-read digital thermometer to check internal temperatures. Target 160°F for the breast, 180°F for the thigh, and 165°F if you’ve stuffed the cavity. Retain carry-over cooking by removing slightly early.
  15. Rest the Turkey: Tent turkey loosely with aluminum foil and let rest for 30 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.
  16. Share Your Experience: After enjoying this recipe, consider leaving comments or star ratings to share your feedback.

Notes

  • Letting the turkey come to room temperature before roasting helps ensure even cooking and juicier meat.
  • The cheesecloth soaked in butter and wine helps keep the turkey moist and bastes the skin, creating a beautiful golden crust.
  • Use gloves when handling the hot cheesecloth to avoid burns.
  • Trussing the turkey keeps it compact and promotes even cooking.
  • Rotate the roasting pan periodically to ensure even browning and cooking.
  • If the turkey skin begins to brown too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
  • Always rely on a meat thermometer to check doneness for food safety and best texture.
  • Allow the turkey to rest after roasting to keep it tender and juicy when sliced.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: butter cheesecloth turkey, roasted turkey, Thanksgiving turkey, moist turkey, Martha Stewart turkey, cheesecloth turkey, white wine turkey, holiday turkey recipe

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Find it online: https://yummybylina.com/butter-and-wine-soaked-cheesecloth-turkey-martha-stewart-inspired-recipe/