Turkey Rub Butter
Ten minutes in November, and the turkey takes care of itself on the day.
Dry turkey breast is the most common Christmas dinner complaint, and butter under the skin is the simplest fix there is. Charlie makes his in November, freezes it in a roll and forgets about it until the big day.
Serves 6 to 8 · Prep 10 mins · Cook as per your turkey · Make Ahead, On the Day
Ingredients
- 250g soft salted butter
- 2 tbsp Ross & Ross Roast Turkey Rub
- 1 turkey
Method
- Mash the rub into the butter. Roll it into a sausage shape in clingfilm and chill, or freeze for up to a month.
- On the day, slide your fingers under the breast skin to loosen it and tuck in slices of the butter.
- Rub a few more slices over the skin and roast as your turkey's instructions say, until the juices run clear, or a meat thermometer reads 70°C in the thickest part of the thigh.
Charlie's cheat
Make the butter in November. Rest the turkey under foil for 45 minutes while the oven is free for the roasties.
Make it special
Mix fresh grated garlic, grated lemon and orange zest and chopped fresh herbs into the butter: rosemary, sage, thyme, parsley or tarragon.
Why it works
Butter under the skin bastes the breast from the inside while it roasts, and the rub seasons the meat directly rather than just the skin, which is why it stays juicy and full of flavour.
Your questions answered
Can I make turkey butter ahead?
Yes. Roll it in clingfilm and keep it in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze it for up to a month. Defrost it in the fridge overnight before Christmas Day.
How long should I rest a turkey?
Rest it under foil for at least 30 minutes and up to 45. It stays hot, the juices settle, and the oven is free for the roast potatoes.
How do I know my turkey is cooked?
The juices should run clear when you pierce the thickest part of the thigh, or a meat thermometer should read 70°C there.
Made with Roast Turkey Rub.
More from Charlie's Christmas Kitchen
- The Crispiest Roast Potatoes
- Pigs in Blankets
- Sprouts People Actually Eat
- Ross & Ross guide to roasting a Christmas turkey
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