Hey, friends!
Are you ready to elevate your turkey game? I’ve got a fun and tasty recipe for you!
Today, I’m sharing my mouthwatering mayonnaise roast turkey. Yup, you heard that right—mayonnaise!
It keeps the turkey juicy and adds tons of flavor. Perfect for your holiday table or any special dinner.
Trust me, this will be the star of your meal! Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredient Substitutions
Mayonnaise can be substituted with Greek yogurt for a tangy, lower-fat option. Use the same amount of Greek yogurt as mayonnaise, but add a tablespoon of olive oil to maintain moisture. This swap reduces calories while providing probiotics and protein. For a dairy-free alternative, try mashed avocado mixed with a bit of lemon juice, which offers healthy fats and a creamy texture.
Fresh herbs can be replaced with dried versions if unavailable. Use one-third the amount of dried herbs as fresh, as they’re more concentrated. Alternatively, create an herb blend using whatever fresh herbs are on hand, maintaining a similar total quantity to preserve the flavor profile.
Salted butter can be swapped for olive oil or ghee to accommodate dairy-free diets. Use about 3/4 the amount of oil as butter. Ghee provides a similar rich flavor, while olive oil offers heart-healthy fats. Both alternatives will still help crisp the turkey skin during roasting.
| Preparation Time | 15-30 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 90-120 minutes |
| Total Time | 105-150 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 7000-8000
- Protein: 450-500 g
- Fat: 600-700 g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60 g
Ingredients
For the herb mayonnaise rub:
- 2-3 sprigs rosemary
- 5-6 stems fresh thyme
- 2-3 sprigs oregano
- 1.5 cups mayonnaise (I prefer Hellmann’s mayonnaise for its rich flavor)
- 6-7 fresh sage leaves
For the turkey:
- 1-2 tbsp black pepper (freshly ground for best flavor)
- 12-14 lb whole turkey, thawed
- 1-2 tbsp coarse salt (such as kosher or sea salt)
For the roasting pan:
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped (into 1-inch pieces)
- 1/2 cup salted butter
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Turkey
Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
As the oven warms up, lay the turkey in a roasting pan, preparing it for seasoning.
Step 2: Season the Turkey
Remove the leaves from sage, thyme, rosemary, and oregano stems.
Combine these herbs with mayonnaise until well mixed.
Rub the mayonnaise and herb mixture thoroughly over the outside and interior of the bird.
Generously salt and pepper the turkey to enhance flavor.
Step 3: Add Aromatics and Butter
Place celery and onion both inside and outside of the turkey.
Tuck the butter securely inside the cavity to infuse flavor as the turkey roasts.
Step 4: Initial Roast at High Temperature
Roast the turkey in your preheated 450 degrees Fahrenheit oven for 30 minutes.
This initial high heat will help to brown and crisp the skin.
Step 5: Continue Roasting and Monitor Temperature
After 30 minutes, lower the oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, careful not to touch the bone for an accurate reading.
Continue roasting the turkey, uncovered, until the thermometer reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
If desired, cover the legs with foil partway through roasting to prevent over-browning.
Depending on the size of the turkey, the total cook time will be approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Once the thigh is at temperature, also check the breast’s thickest part to ensure it reaches at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 6: Rest and Prepare for Serving
Remove the turkey from the oven and cover it loosely with foil.
Let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes, which allows the juices to redistribute, depending on the size of the bird, before carving.
Remember to reserve turkey drippings and juices as they will be perfect for making gravy.
