There’s a certain magic that fills the kitchen when the air shimmer with the scent of orange and thyme mingling with perfectly roasted turkey. Every year, as the holiday season creeps in and the days grow colder, I find myself reaching for this incredible Roast Turkey Crown recipe. It’s not just a meal; it’s a cherished centerpiece that brings people together around the table, offering both comfort and cheer.
Crafted with tender, succulent meat and a crisp, golden skin, this dish transforms your Christmas dinner into a culinary masterpiece without the stress. In just 10 straightforward steps, you can impress your family and friends with a feast that’s equally healthy and delicious, serving up to 10 people. Join me as we dive into the delightful flavors and warmth of the holidays, ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied and full of cheer!
Why choose a roast turkey crown?
Cooking your own roast turkey crown is a game-changer for your holiday celebrations!
- Unforgettable Flavor: The infusion of orange and thyme guarantees a festive taste that will wow your guests.
- Effortlessly Impressive: Just 10 simple steps transform your kitchen into a banquet, making you the star of dinner.
- Healthy Choice: Packed with protein and low in sugar, this dish aligns perfectly with your wellness goals.
- Time-Saving: With faster cooking than a whole turkey, you can spend more time enjoying the company of loved ones.
- Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for family gatherings—this centerpiece is sure to leave everyone raving about your cooking!
Roast Turkey Crown Ingredients
• Prepare with these essential components for a flavorful roast turkey crown.
For the Turkey
- Turkey Crown – 2.2kg/4lb 14oz; the main protein for a juicy centerpiece.
- Chopped Thyme Leaves – 2 tsp; adds aromatic depth; can substitute with rosemary for a different herbal note.
- Butter (softened) – 50g/1¾oz; ensures moisture and richness; can use olive oil for a dairy-free version.
- Oranges – 2 small; one thinly sliced and one halved for juicing inside the turkey; substitutes with lemons for a different acidity.
- Vegetable Oil – 1-2 tbsp; used for rubbing the turkey to help achieve crispy skin; can use olive oil or melted butter.
For the Gravy
- Plain Flour – 3 tbsp; used for thickening gravy; can be substituted with cornstarch for gluten-free.
- Port – 6 tbsp; adds sweetness and depth to gravy; can replace with dry sherry or omit if necessary.
- Hot Turkey/Chicken Stock – 450ml/¾ pint; provides essential flavor for gravy; can use vegetable stock for a lighter option.
- Worcestershire Sauce – Splash; enhances umami flavor in gravy; can replace with soy sauce.
- Soy Sauce – 2 tbsp; adds richness; for a gluten-free option, use tamari sauce.
- Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper – To taste; essential for seasoning.
How to Make Roast Turkey Crown
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Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/Gas 6. This ensures a hot start to roasting, leading to a beautifully crisp skin on your turkey crown.
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Loosen the skin on the turkey crown gently with your fingers. Mix chopped thyme with softened butter and smear this aromatic blend under the skin, enhancing flavor and moisture.
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Arrange orange slices and one half of an orange beneath the skin. This will infuse a delightful citrus flavor into the meat as it bakes.
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Place the turkey in a roasting tray. Rub the outer skin generously with vegetable oil, then season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
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Roast for 1½-2 hours, checking every 30 minutes. Baste the turkey with its juices to keep it moist, and cover with foil if it begins to brown too quickly.
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Juice the remaining orange half over the turkey 15 minutes before the end of cooking. This helps to achieve a beautiful golden-brown color on the skin.
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Rest the turkey covered with foil for 30 minutes after roasting. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is juicy and tender.
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Pour the reserved juices from the roasting tray into a jug. Skim off excess fat, and heat the juices in a saucepan for the gravy.
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Whisk in the flour, followed by port and hot stock, simmering until thickened. This creates a deliciously rich gravy to accompany your turkey.
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Season the gravy to taste and serve it warm alongside the roast turkey crown for an unforgettable meal.
Optional: Garnish with fresh thyme for a lovely finishing touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Roast Turkey Crown
Fridge: Keep leftover roast turkey crown in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, ensuring it stays moist and flavorful.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the turkey crown wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat slices in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. Enjoy your deliciously tender roast turkey crown again!
Make-Ahead Tip: Roast the turkey crown a day in advance, and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Reheat with gravy to keep it moist and delicious.
Roast Turkey Crown Variations
Feel free to put your own spin on this delightful dish with these simple yet exciting variations.
- Dairy-Free: Swap butter for olive oil or vegan butter to keep it rich while maintaining a dairy-free recipe. Enjoy the same moisture!
- Citrus Twist: Substitute one of the oranges for a grapefruit or tangerine for a uniquely zesty flavor that surprises the palate.
- Herb Medley: Mix and match herbs like rosemary, sage, or oregano with thyme for fresh, herbaceous notes that elevate your turkey crown.
- Apple Accents: Add thinly sliced apples along with oranges, introducing a sweet contrast that enhances the overall flavor and offers a delightful crunch.
- Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy heat, incorporate chili flakes into the herb butter for a warm, spicy finish that excites the taste buds.
- Maple Glaze: Brush a maple syrup glaze over the turkey during the last 30 minutes of roasting for a sweet, caramelized crust that enhances the savory notes.
- Fruit Infusion: Experiment with other fruits like cranberries or figs placed around the turkey for added natural sweetness and a pop of color.
- Nut-Free Crunch: Top with toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds after roasting for a delightful crunch that fits nut-free dietary needs.
Each of these variations allows you to create a turkey crown that feels uniquely yours while still embracing the essence of this festive dish!
Expert Tips for the Best Roast Turkey Crown
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Resting is Key: Allow the roast turkey crown to rest for at least 30 minutes before carving to maintain its succulent juices.
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Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 75°C. This ensures safety and ideal moisture levels.
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Avoid Drying Out: Cover the turkey with a combination of baking paper and foil during roasting to prevent it from drying out.
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Thaw Properly: If cooking a frozen roast turkey crown, make sure it’s completely thawed in the fridge before preparation for even cooking.
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Flavor Boost: For added depth, consider incorporating apple slices along with orange in your turkey preparation for a delightful twist.
What to Serve with Roast Turkey Crown?
As you prepare to gather friends and family this holiday season, envision the cozy atmosphere filled with delightful flavors that enhance your festive feast.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The buttery softness pairs perfectly with the tender turkey, offering a comforting classic that’s sure to please every palate.
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Sweet and Tangy Cranberry Sauce: This vibrant addition complements the savory turkey and adds a burst of acidity that brightens each bite.
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Garlic Green Beans: Their crisp-tender texture brings freshness to the plate, balancing the richness of the turkey and gravy beautifully.
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Herbed Stuffing: Aromatically seasoned with herbs, this dish absorbs the turkey juices, creating a harmonious flavor mix that’s utterly irresistible.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Caramelized edges provide a nutty, sweet crunch that enhances the meal, adding a delightful earthiness to contrast the turkey.
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Warm Dinner Rolls: Fluffy and buttery, these rolls are perfect for mopping up gravy and add a comforting touch to your festive spread.
For dessert, consider a spiced pumpkin pie that rounds off the meal with warmth and nostalgia, or a traditional yule log that visually stands out and adds a hint of decadence to your holiday table.
Make Ahead Options
These roast turkey crown preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time on the big day! You can season the turkey crown and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before roasting, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Additionally, prepare the gravy base by skimming the reserved juices and mixing them with flour and stock, refrigerating for up to 3 days. This way, when it’s time to serve, simply roast the turkey as instructed and reheat the gravy mixture on the stovetop while the turkey rests. By prepping in advance, you ensure a stress-free cooking experience while still delivering a delicious, festive meal that your family will love!
Roast Turkey Crown Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best turkey crown for roasting?
Absolutely! When selecting your turkey crown, look for one with a bright, smooth skin and minimal visible bruising. A weight of about 2.2kg/4lb 14oz is ideal for a festive gathering, serving approximately 8-10 people. Moreover, fresh turkey crowns should be firm and free of dark spots or discoloration. If you’re shopping around the holidays, pre-ordering is a great way to ensure quality and availability.
How should I store leftover roast turkey crown?
Very important! After your Christmas feast, store leftover roast turkey crown in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure to slice the turkey for easier storage and even reheating! For best flavor and texture, consume leftovers within this timeframe.
Can I freeze leftover turkey crown?
Absolutely! Leftover roast turkey crown can be frozen for up to 1 month. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. For a great meal repeat, heat slices in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture.
What’s the best way to reheat the turkey crown without drying it out?
Great question! When reheating, I suggest placing your turkey slices in an oven-safe dish, covering it with foil to retain steam. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and warm for 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the slices. Alternatively, you can reheat in a microwave, but do so in shorter bursts on medium power to keep it tender.
Are there any dietary considerations with roast turkey crown?
Very much so! This roast turkey crown recipe is naturally nut-free and egg-free, making it a safe choice for those with specific dietary restrictions. However, always check for allergies in your guests—ingredients like Worcestershire sauce contain anchovies and soy sauce has gluten. You can easily substitute with gluten-free tamari or omit these completely for a unique flavor.
What common issues might arise while cooking a roast turkey crown?
I often encounter a few challenges! If your turkey crown isn’t browning as expected, you may not be using enough oil or seasoning. Alternatively, if it’s browning too quickly, cover the skin with foil to prevent burning. Additionally, using a meat thermometer ensures turkey reaches an internal temperature of 75°C, guaranteeing it’s cooked thoroughly while staying juicy. Don’t hesitate to check for doneness frequently as roasting progresses!
Juicy Roast Turkey Crown with Orange and Thyme Magic
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/Gas 6.
- Loosen the skin on the turkey crown gently with your fingers. Mix chopped thyme with softened butter and smear this mixture under the skin.
- Arrange orange slices and one half of an orange beneath the skin.
- Place the turkey in a roasting tray. Rub the outer skin with vegetable oil, then season with salt and pepper.
- Roast for 1½-2 hours, checking every 30 minutes. Baste the turkey with its juices.
- Juice the remaining orange half over the turkey 15 minutes before the end of cooking.
- Rest the turkey covered with foil for 30 minutes after roasting.
- Pour the reserved juices from the roasting tray into a jug and heat for the gravy.
- Whisk in the flour, then add port and stock, simmering until thickened.
- Season the gravy to taste and serve warm alongside the roast turkey crown.