The Best Cast Iron Skillet Turkey Recipe You’ll Ever Try

Cast Iron Skillet Turkey: A Delicious and Easy Thanksgiving Dinner

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to start thinking about the main course. If you’re looking for a delicious and easy way to cook your turkey, look no further than the cast iron skillet.

Cast iron skillets are a great option for cooking turkey because they evenly distribute heat and produce a crispy, golden brown skin. Plus, they’re oven-safe, so you can cook your turkey all in one dish.

To make a cast iron skillet turkey, you’ll need:

* A 12-inch cast iron skillet
* A 15-pound turkey
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 tablespoon butter
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Season the turkey inside and out with salt and pepper.
3. Heat the olive oil and butter in the cast iron skillet over medium heat.
4. Add the turkey to the skillet and sear for 5 minutes per side.
5. Transfer the skillet to the oven and cook for 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
6. Let the turkey rest for 15 minutes before carving.

Serve your cast iron skillet turkey with your favorite sides, and enjoy!

Ingredients Instructions Image
– 1 large (3-4 pound) turkey breast, bone-in and skin-on
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. Season the turkey breast with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat.
4. Place the turkey breast in the skillet, skin-side down.
5. Cook for 15 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown.
6. Flip the turkey breast and cook for an additional 15 minutes, or until cooked through.
7. Transfer the turkey breast to a baking sheet and pour the chicken broth into the skillet.
8. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the juices run clear.
9. Let the turkey breast rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

What is a Turkey Cast Iron Skillet?

A turkey cast iron skillet is a large, deep skillet made of cast iron. It is typically used for cooking turkeys, but can also be used for other large cuts of meat, such as roasts or hams. Turkey cast iron skillets are typically made of cast iron because this material is known for its heat retention and durability. Cast iron skillets can also be seasoned, which helps to create a non-stick surface that makes them easy to clean.

Turkey cast iron skillets come in a variety of sizes, so you can choose one that is the right size for your needs. The most common size is a 12-inch skillet, which is large enough to cook a whole turkey. However, you can also find smaller turkey cast iron skillets, as well as larger ones.

Benefits of Using a Turkey Cast Iron Skillet

There are many benefits to using a turkey cast iron skillet. Here are a few of the most notable:

* Heat retention: Cast iron is a great material for heat retention, which means that your food will cook evenly and slowly. This is important for cooking large cuts of meat, such as turkeys, because it prevents them from drying out.
* Durability: Cast iron skillets are very durable and can withstand years of use. They are also easy to clean, making them a great option for busy cooks.
* Non-stick surface: Cast iron skillets can be seasoned, which creates a non-stick surface that makes them easy to clean. This is especially important for cooking turkeys, because it prevents the meat from sticking to the skillet.
* Versatile: Turkey cast iron skillets can be used for a variety of dishes, including turkeys, roasts, hams, and other large cuts of meat. They can also be used for cooking vegetables, fish, and other dishes.

If you are looking for a versatile and durable skillet that can handle large cuts of meat, a turkey cast iron skillet is a great option. They are easy to use and clean, and they will last for years to come.

Turkey cast iron skillets are a great option for cooking large cuts of meat, such as turkeys. They are made of durable cast iron, which retains heat well and creates a non-stick surface. Turkey cast iron skillets are also easy to clean and can be used for a variety of dishes.

How to Cook a Turkey in a Cast Iron Skillet

Cast iron skillets are a great way to cook a turkey because they evenly distribute heat and can be used to sear the skin and lock in the juices. This method of cooking also produces a crispy skin and moist meat.

To cook a turkey in a cast iron skillet, you will need the following ingredients:

* A 12- to 14-pound turkey
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or sage
* 1 cup chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Rinse the turkey inside and out and pat dry with paper towels.
3. Season the turkey inside and out with the salt, pepper, and herbs.
4. Heat the olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat.
5. Place the turkey breast-side up in the skillet and sear for 5 minutes per side.
6. Transfer the turkey to a roasting pan and roast for 1 hour and 15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
7. Baste the turkey with the chicken broth every 30 minutes while it roasts.
8. Remove the turkey from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Tips for Cooking a Turkey in a Cast Iron Skillet

* Use a large cast iron skillet that is at least 12 inches in diameter.
* Make sure the skillet is well-seasoned before using it.
* Preheat the skillet over medium heat before adding the turkey.
* Sear the turkey for 5 minutes per side to brown the skin and lock in the juices.
* Baste the turkey with the chicken broth every 30 minutes while it roasts.
* Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Troubleshooting Tips

* If the turkey skin is getting too brown, cover the skillet with aluminum foil.
* If the turkey is not cooking evenly, rotate the skillet halfway through the cooking time.
* If the turkey is not done cooking, continue to roast it for another 15 minutes per pound.

Cooking a turkey in a cast iron skillet is a delicious and easy way to prepare a holiday meal. This method produces a crispy skin and moist meat that is sure to please everyone.

Q: What is a turkey cast iron skillet?
A: A turkey cast iron skillet is a large, deep skillet that is specifically designed for cooking turkeys. It is typically made of cast iron, which is a good material for heat retention and distribution. Turkey cast iron skillets often have a long handle and a wide rim, which makes them easy to use and maneuver.

Q: What are the benefits of using a turkey cast iron skillet?
A: There are several benefits to using a turkey cast iron skillet, including:

* Even heat distribution: Cast iron is a good conductor of heat, which means that it will heat evenly throughout the skillet. This is important for cooking a turkey evenly, as it will prevent the outside from burning while the inside remains undercooked.
* Long-lasting durability: Cast iron is a durable material that can withstand high heat and repeated use. This means that you can cook your turkey in a turkey cast iron skillet many times without having to worry about it wearing out.
* Easy to clean: Cast iron skillets are easy to clean, as they can be simply wiped down with a damp cloth. This is in contrast to other materials, such as stainless steel, which can be more difficult to clean.

Q: How do I use a turkey cast iron skillet?
A: To use a turkey cast iron skillet, you will need to:

1. Preheat the skillet over medium heat.
2. Add oil to the skillet and swirl to coat.
3. Place the turkey breast-side up in the skillet.
4. Baste the turkey with the pan drippings every 30 minutes.
5. Cook the turkey until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Q: What are some tips for cooking a turkey in a cast iron skillet?
A: Here are some tips for cooking a turkey in a cast iron skillet:

* Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey. This is the best way to ensure that the turkey is cooked to perfection.
* Don’t overcrowd the skillet. A crowded skillet will not allow the turkey to cook evenly.
* Baste the turkey frequently. This will help to keep the turkey moist and flavorful.
* Let the turkey rest before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy turkey.

Q: What are some common mistakes people make when cooking a turkey in a cast iron skillet?
A: Here are some common mistakes people make when cooking a turkey in a cast iron skillet:

* Not preheating the skillet. This can cause the turkey to stick to the skillet and burn.
* Using too much oil. This can make the turkey greasy and unhealthy.
* Not basting the turkey frequently. This can cause the turkey to dry out.
* Overcrowding the skillet. This can prevent the turkey from cooking evenly.

Q: Where can I buy a turkey cast iron skillet?
A: Turkey cast iron skillets are available for purchase at a variety of retailers, including online retailers and brick-and-mortar stores. Some popular brands of turkey cast iron skillets include Lodge, Le Creuset, and Staub.

cast iron skillets are a versatile and durable cooking tool that can be used to cook a variety of dishes, including turkey. When cooking turkey in a cast iron skillet, it is important to preheat the skillet over medium heat and then add a small amount of oil. The turkey should be seared on all sides before being transferred to the oven to finish cooking. Cast iron skillets can also be used to make delicious gravy from the drippings. By following these tips, you can cook a perfectly roasted turkey in a cast iron skillet.

Author Profile

Mike Thompson
Mike Thompson
Hello, fellow turkey enthusiasts! I'm Mike Thompson, a proud resident of the picturesque state of Missouri, renowned for its thriving turkey population and favorable hunting conditions. For over a decade, I've roamed the woods, valleys, and peaks of our beautiful state, learning every nook, cranny, and secret that turkey hunting has to offer. My track record? Well, let's just say I've bagged more turkeys than there are days in November, and each hunt has added a story to my ever-growing book of experiences.

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From understanding turkey behavior, tracking techniques, and the best equipment to use, to the do's and don'ts of turkey hunting, this site is a comprehensive guide to all things turkey. So, strap on your boots, pick up your gear, and let's embark on a journey together into the world of turkey hunting. Welcome to my site, and happy hunting!