As Thanksgiving and the winter holidays approach, home cooks everywhere start thinking about how to prepare the perfect turkey. For many, that means getting a Butterball turkey. With their reputation for juicy, flavorful meat right out of the package, Butterball is one of the most popular turkey brands for holiday meals. But some cooks still wonder – do Butterball turkeys need any extra seasoning before roasting?
Why Butterball Turkeys Don’t Require Seasoning
Butterball earned its sterling reputation by producing turkeys with moist, tender meat without the cook doing anything special. Here’s why Butterball turkeys come pre-seasoned with delicious flavor:
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Proprietary brining process – Butterball injects its whole fresh and frozen turkeys with a solution of water, salt, spices and natural flavors. This process keeps the meat super juicy and gives it a mild, pleasant taste.
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No added hormones or steroids – Butterball turkeys are raised without any artificial hormones or steroids, meaning their natural flavor shines through.
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Special feeds – The turkeys eat a diet optimized for flavor. This gives their meat a naturally robust turkey taste.
So between their brining, feeds and hormone-free growing standards Butterball provides all the moistness and flavor a turkey needs right off the farm. Many home cooks find these turkeys perfect for roasting without any added seasoning.
The Case for Seasoning Butterball Turkeys
Even though Butterball turkeys don’t require extra seasoning, many cooks still like to add their own signature flavors. Here are some reasons you may want to season a Butterball turkey:
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Enhance flavor – While Butterball meat is moist and tasty, herbs, spices and rubs can provide an extra flavor boost
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Get crispy skin – Coating the skin with dried herbs, salt, pepper and oil results in super crispy turkey skin
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Tenderize meat – Salt, acidic marinades and enzyme-containing ingredients like papaya and pineapple help break down turkey proteins for more tender meat.
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Moisten meat – Injecting or soaking the turkey in a broth, marinade or melted butter can make it even moister.
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Custom flavors – With the right blend of seasonings, you can give your turkey unique flavors like Italian, Southwest or Cajun.
Best Practices for Seasoning Butterball Turkeys
If you opt to season your Butterball turkey, here are some tips for making it shine:
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Dry brine – Rubbing the turkey all over with salt and letting it rest overnight draws out moisture and concentrates flavor.
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Use restraint – Complement rather than overwhelm the turkey’s natural flavors with subtle seasoning.
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Get seasoning under the skin – Slipping spices and herb butter under the skin directly coats the meat for amazing flavor.
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Make a flavorful paste – Combine olive oil, dried herbs, garlic, citrus zest and pepper into a paste and rub it all over and under the skin. The oil helps the seasonings stick.
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Inject flavor – Using an injection needle to infuse broth, butter, marinades or liquefied herbs deep into the meat amps up moisture and taste.
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Stuff the cavities – Packing the neck and body cavities with aromatic vegetables, fruits and herbs perfumes the meat from the inside out.
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Make a marinade – Soaking a spiced oil and acidic liquid marinade into the turkey for up to 2 days maximizes flavor.
With the right technique, seasoning a Butterball turkey can take its already delicious flavor to the next level. Just remember – a light hand is best to let the turkey taste shine through.
Frequently Asked Questions About Seasoning Butterball Turkeys
Here are answers to some common questions about seasoning Butterball turkeys:
Do you need to brine a Butterball turkey?
You don’t need to brine a Butterball turkey since they are pre-brined. But you can brine one for up to 4 hours for extra juiciness and taste. Reduce the salt when brining a pre-brined turkey.
What flavors go well with turkey?
Classic herb flavors like thyme, sage, rosemary, marjoram and parsley pair wonderfully with turkey. Spices like garlic, onion, pepper, paprika, cumin and chili powder also complement turkey nicely. For bolder flavor profiles, cajun or southwest seasoning blends work well.
Should you put butter under the turkey skin?
Slipping butter under the skin is a great way to add flavor and moisture. Combine softened butter with minced garlic, herbs and citrus zest and gently work under the skin without tearing it.
Can you over-season a turkey?
It is possible to over-season a turkey if you aren’t careful. Use a delicate hand and layer flavors for a nuanced taste. Remember, you can always add more seasoning, but you can’t take it away once it’s on the meat.
What’s the best way to season a spatchcocked turkey?
For a spatchcocked turkey, coat the meaty side with an oil-based seasoning paste. Flip and season the bone side too. Let it marinate in the fridge up to 2 days for maximum flavor penetration before cooking.
When cooked properly, a Butterball turkey already has super moist, delicious meat. But the right seasoning can take it to the next level of taste. Follow these tips to find the ideal seasoning blend that perfectly complements your turkey’s inherent qualities.
