How Does Ree Drummond Cook a Turkey for Thanksgiving?

Come November, Ree Drummond, aka The Pioneer Woman, has turkey on the brain As she prepares to host Thanksgiving dinner for her family and friends on the ranch, Drummond has honed a tried-and-true method for roasting the perfect holiday bird. Her recipe results in a golden brown, juicy turkey that steals the show as the centerpiece of her celebrated Thanksgiving feast

Drummond’s Turkey Roasting Tips

Over the years. Drummond has mastered a few key techniques that lead to turkey success

• Brining – Drummond believes brining is essential for a moist, well-seasoned turkey. She makes a brown sugar and herb brine a day ahead.

• Low and Slow – Cooking the turkey at a low 275°F for most of the roasting time keeps it tender.

• Butter Baste – Basting the turkey with a rosemary-orange butter mixture the last hour crisps the skin.

• Resting – Allowing the turkey to rest before carving lets juices redistribute for maximum juiciness

Drummond also recommends using a meat thermometer for perfect doneness and starting with the best quality fresh or thawed turkey you can find.

The Step-by-Step Process

Here is how Ree Drummond roasts her famous Thanksgiving turkey from start to finish:

1. Brine the Turkey

• Make a salt, sugar, and herb brine 1-2 days before cooking.
• Submerge turkey in brine and refrigerate 16-24 hours.
• Rinse turkey, soak to desalt, and pat dry.

2. Prep the Turkey

• Place turkey breast up on a roasting rack in a pan.
• Tie legs together with kitchen string.
• Tuck wings under body.

3. Stage One Roasting

• Preheat oven to 275°F.
• Cover pan with foil, tenting over turkey.
• Roast approximately 10 minutes per pound.

4. Make Herb Butter

• Soften 1 stick butter.
• Add chopped rosemary, orange zest, salt, and pepper.

5. Uncover and Butter

• Remove foil after stage one roasting.
• Raise heat to 350°F.
• Spread herb butter all over turkey skin.

6. Stage Two Roasting

• Roast uncovered, basting with pan juices every 30 minutes.
• Cook until thigh temperature reaches 165-168°F.

7. Rest and Carve

• Lightly cover turkey and let rest 15-20 minutes.
• Carve turkey and arrange on platter.

Drummond’s Turkey Tips

Ree Drummond has a few additional turkey tips she swears by for the perfect bird:

• For even cooking, only stuff the turkey right before roasting.
• Use a meat thermometer for foolproof doneness.
• Let the turkey rest before carving for juicier meat.
• Save the pan drippings for gravy.
• Store leftovers in the fridge within two hours of cooking.
• Reheat thoroughly to 165°F and use within 3-4 days.

Delicious Results

Drummond’s unique roasting technique, with the initial low temp stage followed by high heat and herb basting, delivers consistent rave-worthy results. The turkey turns out tender and full of flavor, with crisp, golden brown skin. Her generous use of herb butter during roasting amps up the flavor even more.

For Ree Drummond, and the lucky guests at her Thanksgiving table, following these tips takes the turkey from good to spectacular. With Drummond’s guidance, you can relax knowing the star of your Thanksgiving meal will be a total showstopper.