Turkey troubles? We’re here to help! 🦃 Welcome to The Turkey Takedown, where we’re breaking down the three biggest mistakes to avoid for a Thanksgiving bird that’s all flavor, no flop. We are here for the tips to up your turkey game!
Turkeys may not fly, but they sure dry out fast without a little prep. 🦃 If your turkey dreams often fall flat, it might be time to embrace the brine! A quick soak does wonders to keep that bird juicy and full of flavor. Dry turkey is the Thanksgiving myth no one wants to be true, yet it happens more often than we’d like. Here’s the trick: brine it up! Whether it’s a wet brine or a dry rub, this step helps lock in moisture and infuses every inch with flavor. Tip: start your brine 12–24 hours in advance, so your turkey soaks up all the goodness and tastes anything but bland. Check out our video here where Charlie McKenna walks you through brining the bird. HERE
The Turkey Takedown, Part 2: The Overcooking Catastrophe We’ve all been there—waiting, watching, then bam! Suddenly, the turkey’s been in the oven so long it’s auditioning for a spot on the Thanksgiving dessert table. 🍪 Keep it tender, don’t bake it into oblivion. Turkey overcooking isn’t just a kitchen oops—it’s a tragedy. The trick? Set your sights lower. When the breast meat hits around 155°F, it’s time to pull it out. Carryover cooking will get it to the safe 165°F without the dreaded dryness. Pro tip: a good meat thermometer is your best friend (and it doesn’t hurt to start checking early).
The Turkey Takedown, Part 3: The Carving Crisis Resist the urge! Carving too soon is like opening a present early—it spoils the magic. 🔪 Let that turkey chill for a minute. Trust us, your patience will pay off in juiciness. Hot turkeys hold juicy secrets. Letting your bird rest for 20-30 minutes after it comes out of the oven means all those flavorful juices redistribute, making for moist, tender slices. You’ve waited this long—another half hour only makes it better. So grab a snack and let the turkey work its magic!
The best gatherings need only a few essentials: loved ones, good food, and a dash of flavor to bring it all together. This Thanksgiving, we’re savoring every moment and every spice that makes it special. We love our Q-Rub and Brisket Pepper for a classic turkey. However, give our Citrus Blend, Herb Blend or Carolina Dirt a try to up your flavor this year.
