Flip the script this holiday season with an upside-down turkey! This method guarantees a juicy, tender bird that will have everyone talking.

If you've never tried roasting a turkey upside down, now's the perfect time! With the breast side down, this method ensures a juicy, perfectly cooked bird.

Why Roast a Turkey Upside Down?

Roasting a turkey upside down lets the juices flow down, making the breast meat unbelievably moist and tender. Plus, the dark meat cooks faster thanks to its proximity to the heat. It’s a foolproof method for a flavorful feast.

Ingredients for an Upside-Down Turkey

This simple recipe requires just three key ingredients. Here's what you'll need to cook your turkey upside down:

· Turkey: A 12-pound turkey works best for this recipe. Adjust the size and cooking time if your bird is larger or smaller.
· Butter: Rub butter both over and under the skin to lock in moisture and bring out the turkey's natural flavors.
· Water: Water helps prevent the turkey from drying out. For added flavor, try using chicken broth or apple juice instead.

Feeling adventurous? Experiment with seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, rosemary, or thyme to customize your turkey's flavor.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking an Upside-Down Turkey

For a quick overview of what to expect, here’s a sneak peek before you dive into the full step-by-step upside-down turkey recipe below:

1. Prepare the Turkey: Place the clean, dry turkey in a roasting pan with the breast side up. Generously butter both the inside and outside of the turkey. Add water to the pan and cover with foil.
2. Roast the Turkey: Roast at 350°F until the internal temperature of the thighs hits 180°F.

Additional Turkey FAQs

At Dinogo, we’ve mastered the art of a perfect Thanksgiving spread. That’s why we’re here to answer all your turkey-related questions. Browse through our top tips, tricks, and guides below:

· How to Brine a Turkey
· 3 Safe Methods to Thaw a Frozen Turkey
· How Much Turkey Do You Need Per Person?
· Easy Guide to Trussing a Turkey
· How to Smoke a Turkey
· Stuffing a Turkey the Right Way
· Carving a Turkey Made Simple

Check out our full range of Thanksgiving Tips and Ideas to make your feast unforgettable.

Tips and Praise from the Dinogo Community

"I swapped out the water for apple juice and it made the turkey the best I’ve ever cooked!" says KIMMERSTWO. "Everyone was talking about it after their first bite. It was so tender and juicy! I'll never roast a turkey the traditional way again!"

"It was amazing," says Lidia Fernandez Jones. "We'll never cook turkey any other way. My only tweak was making herb butter with fresh sage, rosemary, thyme, and garlic, which I mixed with melted butter the night before."

"This is the only method to get an incredibly moist turkey," says MeganPC. "In addition to cooking breast side down, I brine my turkey overnight for about 12 hours and cook it in a turkey bag."

Written by Corey Williams

Ingredients List

• 1 (12 pound) whole turkey

• ½ cup butter

• 1 cup water

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Remove the giblets and discard. Rinse the turkey and pat it dry. Place the turkey upside down (breast side down) in a roasting pan.

3. Place half of the butter inside the turkey cavity. Cut the remaining butter into chunks and rub it all over the outside of the turkey. Pour water into the roasting pan and cover with foil.

4. Roast in the preheated oven until the thigh’s internal temperature reaches 180°F (80°C), about 3 to 3 1/2 hours.

Pro Tip

Nutritional Information (per serving)