This post has been sponsored by Butterball. As always, all opinions remain my own.

The Holiday Season is fun and exciting, but if you’re cooking a feast, that can be a big job.

Take it from me, you need to host like a boss, and I’m going to give you a simple holiday turkey recipe that will impress all of your guests!

I’m lucky because the holiday dinner work in our house is always divided: my mother-in-law makes the stuffing and mashed potatoes, I make the turkey and vegetables (usually green beans, because I prefer cooked vegetables with turkey rather than cold salad), and my mom makes THE BEST pie ever – tart lemon minus the meringue (I can’t stand meringue). My husband’s job is easy, the wine! Together we make it all happen.

Dividing up the work is the best way to host like a boss.

My other secret? Just relax. If something goes wrong, it’s not the end of the world. Turkey not cooked enough? Stick it back in the oven. Dessert falls flat? Run and get some ice cream. No one is judging (at least I hope not!), and if there’s a crisis, people will just have to get over it.

I think a lot of people freak out over hosting, and it’s just not worth it. Start early, buy a bit more of everything (better to have too much than too little), put on some music in the kitchen as you work, and take a deep breath. You’re going to be great.

Turkey is the #1 choice for holiday dinners, but for some reason, people tend to get anxious about cooking them. Don’t be! A turkey is just like a big chicken, and it’s just as easy to cook – especially with Butterball! They’ve been doing turkey since 1940, and their turkeys always come out perfectly, making it easy to host a great meal during the holidays and anytime.

If you happen to have any turkey questions, Butterball’s experts are ready for you. You can ask Alexa to enable the Butterball Skill, or call the Turkey Talk-Line (it’s been talking turkey for more than 30 years!) at 1-800-BUTTERBALL when you’re in a pickle. Butterball’s website also has tips for cooking turkey, easy holiday recipes and a Turkey Calculator to help you figure out what size turkey to buy, how long to thaw it for and the cook time. Hint: buy a bigger turkey so you have leftovers the next day – Breakfast of Champions is a plate of holiday dinner!

For this recipe, I wanted to keep things really simple for all of you who might be a bit apprehensive about making a turkey.

First, I chose my secret weapon, Butterball’s Cook from Frozen Stuffed turkey, which takes care of both the bird and the stuffing for me. Also, it goes into the oven straight out of the freezer, so there’s no thawing needed. Score.

You can also make this recipe using a frozen unstuffed turkey or a fresh turkey.

I always use a meat thermometer to ensure my turkey is properly cooked. When done, it should read 180°F/82°C in the thigh and minimum 165°F/74°C in the center of the stuffing.

Butterball’s Stuffed and Cook from Frozen turkeys also have a chart on the back of their package to guide you in cooking times. Easy.

 

Foolproof Holiday Turkey with Orange Marmalade Glaze

Don't be afraid to make turkey for your guests! This whole turkey recipe is super easy and delicious, not to mention foolproof!

Ingredients
  • 1 Butterball fresh frozen, or frozen stuffed turkey, between 5-7kg
  • 1/2 stick of butter softened
  • 2-3 cloves of garlic minced
  • 1 large bunch fresh sage chopped
  • Salt and pepper
Glaze
  • 1/2 cup orange marmalade
  • 1/2 cup frozen from concentrate orange juice thawed
  • 2 tablespoons butter melted
Instructions
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven according to your turkey package directions.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the sage, butter, and garlic together.
  3. Spread the butter mixture on the entire turkey, then salt and pepper the bird all over.
  4. Place turkey in roasting pan and into preheated oven and roast per directions on package.
  5. In a small saucepan, combine the glaze ingredients and cook on low heat until melted, whisking occasionally to mix. 

  6. Baste the turkey with the glaze every 15-20 minutes for the last 60 minutes of cooking. Discard unused glaze.

  7. When turkey reaches 180°F/82°C in the thigh and minimum 165°F/74°C in the center of the stuffing, remove from oven and let rest for at least 15 minutes, then carve and serve.

FEAST LIKE A BOSS. Post your holiday photos using the hashtag #howweturkey