As Thanksgiving approaches thoughts turn to roasting the perfect turkey. Achieving ideal doneness with moist juicy meat and crispy browned skin can feel daunting. But there’s a simple trick using humble cheesecloth that helps lock in moisture and flavor – the secret to turkey success!
What is Cheesecloth?
Cheesecloth is a lightweight gauze-like cotton fabric with a loose open weave. It has many culinary uses, from straining stocks to wrapping herbs for bouquet garni. But its absorbent, porous nature also makes it ideal for retaining moisture.
How Cheesecloth Helps Roast Turkey
There are several key benefits to using cheesecloth on turkey:
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Moisture Barrier – The cheesecloth acts as a protective layer, preventing moisture loss so the meat stays tender and juicy.
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Self-Basting – Soaking the cheesecloth in butter, wine, broth etc. allows it to continuously baste the turkey, infusing it with flavor.
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Allows Browning – Unlike foil, cheesecloth doesn’t fully cover the skin, allowing air flow for even browning and crisping.
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Easy to Use – Cheesecloth drapes nicely over the turkey and is simple to secure during roasting.
How to Use Cheesecloth on Turkey
Follow these simple steps for perfect cheesecloth turkey:
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Soak It – Soak a large piece of cheesecloth in melted butter, wine, broth and seasoning of your choice. Make sure it’s fully saturated.
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Drape It – Drain excess liquid from the cheesecloth. Carefully lay it over the breast and body of the turkey.
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Roast It – Roast the turkey according to your recipe, basting the cheesecloth occasionally.
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Remove It – Take off the cheesecloth during the last 30-60 minutes so the skin crisps up.
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Baste It – Baste the turkey with the pan juices after removing the cheesecloth to prevent drying out.
Turkey Cheesecloth Tips
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Use real cheesecloth, not synthetic. Cotton absorbs better.
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Cut cheesecloth much larger than you think. It wraps nicely.
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Don’t skimp on the soaking liquid. The more the better.
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Leave drumsticks and wing tips uncovered for browning.
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If cheesecloth dries out, baste it with more liquid.
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Gently remove cheesecloth if it sticks and baste turkey.
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Let turkey rest after roasting so juices redistribute.
Benefits of Using Cheesecloth on Turkey
There’s good reason this trick has stood the test of time. Turkey prepared with a cheesecloth shield comes out tender and full of flavor.
Juicy Meat – Cheesecloth prevents turkey from drying out for succulent meat.
Crispy Skin – Air circulation under the cheesecloth allows the skin to crisp up.
Infused Flavor – Continuous basting injects richness and seasoning throughout.
Foolproof Method – Cheesecloth helps compensate for common turkey pitfalls.
Dramatic Presentation – Removing the cheesecloth before serving makes for an impressive tableside reveal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What liquid is best for soaking cheesecloth?
Butter, wine and broth are classic choices. Feel free to get creative with citrus juices, herbs, spices etc.
Should I baste under the cheesecloth?
Occasional basting isn’t necessary but can impart extra flavor. Just avoid saturating the cheesecloth.
How long should I leave the cheesecloth on?
Leave it on for at least half the roasting time, up to 2/3. Remove it toward the end for crisping.
Can I stuff the turkey with cheesecloth on?
Absolutely. The cheesecloth only wraps the outer skin so won’t affect the cavity. Stuff as usual.
What if the cheesecloth burns or dries out?
Make sure it’s not directly touching oven heating elements. Baste with more liquid if it dries. Replace if needed.
The Takeaway
For cooks seeking the holy grail of a tender, juicy turkey with crisp mahogany skin, cheesecloth is a handy secret weapon. Keeping the meat shielded from drying oven heat allows it to roast gently while still promoting good browning.
As an added bonus, continuous basting with flavorful liquids gives the turkey a wonderful infusion of taste. This simple trick helps take the guesswork out of roasting the holiday bird to absolute perfection. Just remember to drape generously, baste diligently and time the removal properly, and your Thanksgiving turkey will be the star of the show.
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A great way to prevent the turkey breast from getting too dark and drying out is to use a soaked cheesecloth for the first half of the cook. If you choose to use woods with your turkey, the skin will darken but the cheesecloth will help protect it and give the skin a beautiful golden brown color.
In order to use a cheesecloth, you need to soak it in a liquid, we have a great recipe below for butter and wine sauce. You can also add extra flavor to your turkey by basting it with the extra butter and wine sauce.
Follow the steps below for making this sauce:
Put 1/2 a stick of unsalted butter and 1cup of white wine in a saucepan over medium-low heat until the butter has melted.
Soak the cheesecloth in the wine and butter.
Once it’s cool enough to handle, lift the cheesecloth out of the liquid and gently squeeze any excess liquid out of the cloth. Drape the cloth evenly over the breast of the turkey.
Place the turkey on the grill and following the turkey tips for your grill. Follow our charcoal turkey step-by-step instructions here, our gas turkey tips here and our smoker guide here.
Halfway through the grilling time, carefully remove the cheesecloth from the turkey and use the remaining butter/wine mixture to baste the turkey.
Before you carve into that beautiful bird, share your #BestTurkeyEver photos with us!
Looking for more turkey inspiration? Be sure to check out more tips here.