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Irresistible Root Beer Float Turkey Recipe Perfect for Holidays

root beer float turkey - featured image

A unique and flavorful turkey recipe infused with sweet and earthy root beer flavors, perfect for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1214 pounds whole turkey, thawed
  • 3 cups root beer (regular, not diet)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and prepare the roasting pan by lining it with foil for easy cleanup.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine root beer, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, cinnamon, cloves, orange zest, salt, and pepper. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels and place it on the roasting rack. Pour half of the marinade over the turkey, ensuring it coats the skin evenly.
  4. Brush the turkey with melted butter for added moisture and flavor.
  5. Place the turkey in the oven and roast for approximately 3-3.5 hours, depending on its size. Baste with the remaining marinade every 30 minutes.
  6. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast.
  7. Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and tent loosely with foil. Let it rest for 20 minutes before carving to retain its juices.

Notes

[‘Regular basting ensures the turkey stays moist and develops a caramelized skin.’, ‘If the turkey browns too quickly, tent it with foil to prevent burning.’, ‘Prepare the marinade up to two days in advance to save time.’, ‘For a richer glaze, reduce a cup of the marinade on the stovetop until thickened and brush it onto the turkey during the final 15 minutes of cooking.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: root beer turkey, holiday turkey recipe, Thanksgiving turkey, sweet-savory turkey, glazed turkey