Thanksgiving Turkey done in a pizza oven.

Thanksgiving Turkey Wood Fired: Pizza Oven Edition

Time to read 1 min

Prep time

24 Hours

Cook time

3 Hours

Servings

6 pers

Ingredients

  • 1 whole turkey (about 12-14 pounds)
  • For the Brine:
    • 1 gallon water
    • 1 cup kosher salt
    • 1/2 cup brown sugar
    • 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
    • 1 tablespoon allspice berries
    • 4 bay leaves
    • 1 orange, quartered
  • For the Herb Butter Rub:
    • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
    • 3 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
    • 3 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
    • 3 tablespoons fresh sage, finely chopped
    • 2 garlic cloves, minced
    • Zest of 1 lemon
    • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Brining the Turkey

  1. Prepare the Brine: In a large pot, combine water, kosher salt, brown sugar, peppercorns, allspice berries, bay leaves, and orange quarters. Bring to a boil, then cool completely.
  2. Brine the Turkey: Place the turkey in a large container. Pour the cooled brine over the turkey, ensuring it's completely submerged. Cover and refrigerate for 12-24 hours.

Preparing the Turkey

  1. Preheat the Wood-Burning Pizza Oven: Aim for a temperature around 325°F (163°C). This might take some time, so plan accordingly.
  2. Make the Herb Butter Rub: Mix together the softened butter, rosemary, thyme, sage, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
  3. Prepare the Turkey: Remove the turkey from the brine, rinse under cold water, and pat dry. Loosen the skin over the breast and thighs and rub a generous amount of the herb butter under and over the skin.

Cooking the Turkey

  1. Cook in the Pizza Oven: Place the turkey in a roasting pan and set it in the pizza oven. Cook for approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast. Baste the turkey occasionally with the pan juices.
  2. Rest the Turkey: Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for about 20 minutes before carving.

Safety Tips

  • Handling the Oven: Always use heat-resistant gloves when handling the pizza oven door or tools.
  • Temperature Monitoring: Use an oven thermometer to monitor the temperature inside the pizza oven.
  • Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation while using the wood-burning pizza oven to avoid smoke accumulation.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving feast with this uniquely flavored and perfectly roasted turkey from your wood-burning pizza oven!

Turkey for thanksgiving