Super flavorful, roasted to perfection with crispy golden skin, this turkey cannot be beat. It’s my favorite way to prepare a turkey for any time of year, but on Thanksgiving especially, it makes a delicious statement. To say it’s incredible wouldn’t even do it justice.
Gosh, 2020 is just such a weird year. Are you planning on celebrating Thanksgiving this year? I live for Thanksgiving – it’s basically my superbowl. Because I cook so much, it’s an easy meal for me to prepare and one that I also enjoy. I also LOVE cooking for family and friends. I had such high hopes this year of doing a fun Friendsgiving and then our traditional Thanksgiving, but 2020 has dashed those hopes.
Instead, we are keeping things small in our house, with just our parents who are already in our pod of people that we’ve been seeing. I am so thankful that they all live close and are still able to do this. If you’re not in the same boat, all the love to you.
So, today I’m showing you how to perfect this Thanksgiving meal – by grabbing your turkey at ALDI! ALDI has frozen Butterball turkeys that you can grab and the best part is – they come in a variety of sizes.
I’m super excited to partner with ALDI today to bring you the MOST delicious Citrus Butter and Sage Turkey recipe. Regardless of how you plan to spend your Thanksgiving this year – with a small group of family or virtually on zoom, or even just in a household of two – ALDI has everything you need at seriously unbeatable prices. Their products are so high quality while being incredibly affordable – which helps make this crazy 2020 Thanksgiving a breeze.
I highly recommend making ALDI your one stop shop this holiday season. You can shop in store, with curbside pickup, or with Instacart, the latter being my preference. I’ve been able to find all of my ingredients, from cranberries to potatoes to pumpkin at ALDI with great success. It’s one of my favorite places!
Turkey and sage have been paired together for holiday meals for generations The earthy, peppery flavor of sage complements the mild taste of turkey perfectly But why has this herb become so synonymous with turkey dinners, and is it really the best choice? Let’s take a closer look at this classic combination.
The History of Sage and Turkey
Using sage as a seasoning for poultry dates back to ancient times. This aromatic herb was used in cooking across Europe since the Middle Ages. It grew wild and was easy to cultivate, making it a kitchen staple. The first settlers brought sage to North America and soon incorporated it into their holiday cooking traditions.
By the 19th century, sage became established as a quintessential seasoning for roasted turkey and chicken. Traditional bread stuffing recipes also relied on sage for flavor. Over time the association between sage and turkey became cemented as the definitive holiday flavor pairing.
Why Sage Works So Well With Turkey
There are a few key reasons why sage makes an ideal pairing for turkey:
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Complimentary flavors – Sage has a robust, woodsy flavor with hints of pine, citrus and pepper. These strong notes stand up well to the rich, savory flavors of turkey. The sage adds dimension but doesn’t overpower the meat’s natural taste.
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Reduces gaminess – Turkey can sometimes have a slight gaminess or sour taste. The bold, earthy notes from sage help mask these off-flavors.
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Aromatic properties – When heated, sage releases a lovely fragrance that evokes the essence of autumn and the holidays. It instantly makes the whole house smell like Thanksgiving!
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Texture – The soft, tender leaves of sage contrast nicely with the crispy turkey skin and give dishes visual appeal.
Best Ways to Use Sage With Turkey
There are a few classic methods for using sage to add flavor to your holiday turkey:
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Herb butter – Blend chopped fresh sage with softened butter and spread it under the turkey skin or use it as a baste while roasting. The butter keeps the meat moist.
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Seasoning rub – For a more intense sage flavor, combine dried sage with salt, pepper and herbs like thyme and rosemary to make a rub. Coat the turkey with it underneath and on top of the skin.
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Turkey cavity – Stuff the cavity with whole fresh sage sprigs, onions and garlic to perfume the meat from the inside out.
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Gravy – Add sage to your gravy by using the flavorful pan drippings or incorporate ground or chopped sage.
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Bread stuffing – Fresh or dried sage is a quintessential addition to any Thanksgiving stuffing along with herbs like parsley, thyme and marjoram.
Creative Ways to Use Sage With Turkey
Looking to shake up the classic sage and turkey tradition? Here are some more unique ways to incorporate this herb:
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Make a compound butter by whipping sage into butter with citrus zest, garlic, maple syrup or bourbon.
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Infuse olive or grapeseed oil with sage leaves to use for roasting or salad dressings.
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Mix ground sage into the turkey burger patties for an earthy flavor.
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Combine sage with crunchy nuts like pecans or walnuts for a twist on traditional stuffing.
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Whirl fresh sage into a pesto to serve over turkey breast or use as a sandwich spread.
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Skewer turkey breast cubes, onions, sage leaves and bacon to make Thanksgiving kabobs on the grill.
Other Herbs That Go Well With Turkey
While sage might be the most expected herb for holiday turkey, it’s not the only option. Here are some other great herb combinations to try:
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Rosemary – The piney, woodsy notes pair nicely with turkey. Use whole sprigs in the cavity while roasting.
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Thyme – Gentler than sage, thyme adds warm, subtle flavor. Mix with butter under the skin.
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Marjoram – Has an aromatic, slightly sweet taste that accents turkey beautifully.
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Oregano – Earthy and bright, oregano gives a Mediterranean flair. Use dried leaves in rubs.
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Parsley – Fresh parsley brightens up the flavor and texture. Mix into stuffing or use as a garnish.
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Bay Leaves – Add a subtle, tea-like aroma. Place whole leaves into the cavity while roasting.
Putting It All Together for the Perfect Turkey
Now that you know why sage works so well with turkey and how to use it, here are some tips for putting it all together for a show-stopping holiday centerpiece:
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Dry brine the turkey with salt and herbs a day or two before roasting for the most flavorful, tender meat.
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Rub an herbed butter under and on top of the skin right before roasting. Sage pairs well with thyme, rosemary, parsley and lemon.
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Roast the turkey low and slow, basting every 30 minutes with pan drippings.
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Make a flavorful gravy from the drippings and add extra sage for intensity.
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Let turkey rest for 30 minutes before carving for juicy meat.
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Garnish with extra chopped sage and serve alongside sage bread stuffing for the perfect holiday meal.
With its earthy, savory flavor, sage will always be a staple for seasoning turkey. But don’t be afraid to branch out and try other herb combinations too. The possibilities are endless when it comes to infusing your holiday centerpiece with flavor.
Citrus Sage Roasted Turkey
Now the citrus sage roasted turkey!
Let’s do a quick run-down.
To make this incredible turkey recipe the star of the show, we’re doing a dry brine of sage salt, then a cheesecloth baste of butter, wine and citrus. It may sound fancy, but I promise it’s simple. And it will be the best turkey you’ve ever tasted!
This recipe is based off of my butter and wine roasted turkey. This method is honestly the BEST way of preparation. I’ve done it for years and everyone is always blown away at how beautiful the turkey looks, but also how wonderfully juicy and tender it tastes. I’m telling you, it’s foolproof! I won’t prepare my turkey any other way.
The first step is doing a dry brine. Grab the Butterball turkey from ALDI this season and let it thaw in the fridge. Make sure you leave enough time to do this – you want the turkey fully thawed at least two days before you roast it. Once the turkey is thawed and prepared, mix together kosher salt and Stonemill Ground Sage. Sprinkle it inside the turkey, under the skin, on the skin – everywhere!
Once this is done, let the turkey sit in the fridge for 24 to 48 hours – uncovered. This is the secret to extra crispy, delicious golden skin. Trust me.
When it comes time to roast, the Exquisite Collection Chardonnay from ALDI is your new BFF. We’re going to infuse melted butter with citrus rind and then stir in the Chardonnay. Soak a piece of cheesecloth in the wine and butter mixture, then place it directly on the turkey and roast it. It looks kind of funky at first, but it is DIVINE. Your house will smell like the best Thanksgiving candle that could ever exist.
The Perfect Thanksgiving Turkey
FAQ
Is sage good to put on turkey?
Turkey pairs well with a variety of herbs that can enhance its flavor. Here are some of the best herbs to use: Sage: A classic pairing, sage has a warm, earthy flavor that complements turkey, especially in stuffing and marinades. Thyme: This herb adds a subtle, savory flavor.
What are the best herbs to use for turkey?
Herbs for turkey: For a classic and aromatic flavor, we recommend using a blend of rosemary, thyme, and sage, which we think are the best fresh herbs for turkey. These herbs infuse your bird with a fragrant, savory taste, perfect for the holidays. You can use fresh or dried herbs.
What’s best to stuff a turkey with?
You can make stuffing with bread or rice or matzoh or vegetables, you can flavor it with sausage, or fresh or smoked oysters, or clams, or turkey giblets, or cranberries or apples or other fruit, or candied or dried fruit, or you can stuff the turkey with a duck that is stuffed with a smaller animal.
What meat is sage good on?
Any meat, especially veal, pork chops, and chicken work well, or go the extra mile and grind it into a breakfast sausage or add it to a sausage gravy for an …Dec 28, 2023