My No Baste Holiday Cheesecloth Turkey is the only turkey recipe you’ll ever need. I’ve made at least 8 of these turkeys roasted with cheesecloth and every time, they come out perfect. Crispy skin. Moist meat. No stress!
As turkey recipes abound, I’m just like everyone else. I only cook a turkey once a year, so I watch all the cooking shows, and read the latest news on turkey cooking. When Michael Symon draped his turkey in a cheesecloth on the Chew a few years ago, and said “this bird will not need basting,” I knew I was in.
I didn’t use his Greek flavor profile, choosing my own, so feel free to adjust the recipe according to your favorite seasonings. I used oranges, thyme, sage, rosemary and shallots to season the bird and I made my own turkey stock.
Cooking a turkey can be intimidating, especially if you want it to turn out moist and juicy. Many cooks have turned to unconventional techniques like deep frying or spatchcocking to achieve the perfect bird. However, one of the simplest tricks is wrapping your turkey in cheesecloth while it roasts Here’s why this old-fashioned method works so well
What is Cheesecloth?
Cheesecloth is a lightweight gauzy cotton fabric available at most grocery stores. It has a loose open weave that allows for airflow and moisture release. Cheesemongers use it for straining curds when making cheese, hence the name. The fabric can also be used for straining stocks and custards.
In cooking, cheesecloth offers a protective barrier that allows heat and smoke to penetrate while keeping food tender. It provides a constant self-basting as juices drip through the weave. The cloth can be soaked in wine, stock or other flavorful liquids to further infuse foods.
Why Use Cheesecloth for Turkey?
Wrapping a turkey in cheesecloth serves several purposes:
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Retains Moisture – The loose weave allows steam to escape, preventing the turkey skin from becoming rubbery. At the same time, it protects the delicate breast meat from drying out. The constant self-basting ensures juiciness throughout the roasting process
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Promotes Even Cooking – Cheesecloth helps insulate the thinner breast area while allowing better heat penetration to the thighs. This evens out cooking times so no part is over or underdone.
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Infuses Flavor – Soaking the cheesecloth in an aromatic liquid like wine, broth or herb butter allows it to permeate the turkey as it cooks. The fabric acts like a flavor sponge, providing constant basting to the meat.
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Easy to Use – Cheesecloth is simple to handle and conform to the turkey shape. Just drape it over the bird, tucking it around any cavities. No special skills or tricky folding is required.
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Minimal Hassle – Unlike frequent basting, the cheesecloth only needs occasional replenishment of the soaking liquid. Once wrapped, the turkey can be left alone for longer periods.
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Crisps the Skin – The cheesecloth is removed in the last 30-45 minutes allowing the skin to crisp and brown beautifully. Unlike bulky foil, it doesn’t create a steamy environment that results in flabby skin.
Step-By-Step Method for Cheesecloth Turkey
Follow these simple steps for a foolproof moist and flavorful turkey:
1. Prepare the Cheesecloth
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Cut a piece of cheesecloth about 2x the size of your turkey. Fold it into a large rectangle shape.
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In a saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter with 2 cups broth or wine.
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Dip the cheesecloth into the melted mixture, letting it soak completely.
2. Prepare the Turkey
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Pat the turkey dry and place on a rack in a roasting pan. Add 1 cup water to the bottom of the pan.
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Separate the skin from the breast meat and rub an herb butter mixture underneath. Stuff the cavity if desired.
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Tie the legs together with kitchen string and tuck the wing tips under.
3. Wrap in Cheesecloth
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Drape the soaked cheesecloth over the turkey, covering the breast and tucking it around the sides.
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Pour any remaining soaking liquid over the turkey. Add 2 more cups of liquid to the pan.
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Keep melted butter mixture warm on the stove to use for basting.
4. Roast and Finish
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Roast at 300°F, basting every 30 minutes until the thighs reach 180°F.
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Remove cheesecloth during the last 30-45 minutes to allow the skin to brown.
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Let rest 15 minutes before carving for juicy, flavorful meat!
The protected roasting environment helps retain moisture while allowing flavors to permeate the meat. Follow this cheesecloth technique and you’ll have the most tender, succulent turkey imaginable.
Enjoy ultra-juicy turkey all year long with this clever cheesecloth roasting trick. The gauzy fabric acts as a constant self-basting system while evenly distributing heat. Turkey is infused with delicious flavors while staying tender and moist. For simplicity that delivers perfect results, wrap your next bird in cheesecloth!
Temperature and Roasting Times for Roast Turkey
Turkey that is fresh, defrosting takes approximately 13 minutes per pound. Many ovens comes with a probe, which will release once the turkey (at the thigh) reaches the temperature you set, which should be 165° F. If you don’t have a built-in probe, use an instant read meat thermometer. Measure at the thigh, away from the bone. You may also want to check the temperature of your oven with this oven thermostat.
Tell me, do you watch cooking shows and use the recipes for your Thanksgiving dinner?
My Best Thanksgiving Recipes from Spinach Tiger
Click here or on this picture for over 60 of my tested Thanksgiving Recipes. I have made most of these recipes several times, and they are winners!
Check out the Thanksgiving Food Pinterest Board for some great recipes by top bloggers.
If you’re looking for sides and desserts, I have you covered in my Holiday Recipes Category. Don’t forget to check out my Turkey Leftovers post below. For fun, I’ll be cooking/baking lots of dishes on instagram stories, so please follow me there.
Juicy Roast Turkey Using Butter Cheesecloth
FAQ
Should I use a cheesecloth on my turkey?
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.
How many layers of cheesecloth to use on turkey?
Cut a 20-inch piece of cheesecloth and fold twice, creating 4 layers. Submerge the cloth in the melted butter, making sure it is completely saturated with it. Gently squeeze the cloth, then re-form so there are 4 layers and place on top of the turkey, covering it completely.
What does cheesecloth do for meat?
You can use cheesecloth to keep in moisture as you slow-roast poultry like turkey or chicken. After soaking the cheesecloth with neutral oil, drape it over the bird. Remove it during the last bit of cooking for crispy browned skin.