If you're tasked with making Christmas dinner this year, it can be quite overwhelming. It's not just another Sunday roast; it's the main event, and the entire day often centres around it. No matter how good your roast potatoes [1] are and how delicious your gravy [2], everyone will remember the year you set the turkey on fire. (And still no one really cares about the brussels sprouts [3].) So let's turn to the pros. Here's how your favourite chefs make their Christmas turkeys truly special.
Jamie Oliver: With Flavoured Butter
Jamie is a fan of classics, but he always steps it up a notch at Christmas, and that means putting a cranberry-flavoured butter under the skin [4]. Not only will this keep the turkey moist (and make the skin super crispy!), but it'll also add a delicious festive flavour. Don't forget his famous Christmas gravy [5].
Nigella Lawson [6]: Brined
Nigella's turkey is so popular, it made its way into the Gavin & Stacey Christmas special. That's because she brines it before roasting [7] — in a pan of salted water with oranges and Christmassy herbs and spices. Never tried this method before? Heston Blumenthal's a fan of the brine [8], too.
Gordon Ramsay [9]: Flavours of the Mediterranean
Everyone's favourite angry chef keeps things pretty simple with his turkey, taking his inspiration from the Med with lemon, parsley, and garlic [10].
Mary Berry: Tradition
Of course Mary Berry sticks to a traditional turkey recipe [11], and if you want to follow the same route, you can't go wrong.
Delia Smith: Go For a Crown
Delia goes down the tradition route, too, with a sage and pork stuffing [12], but she's also got a turkey crown recipe [13] with apricots, pancetta, and pistachio — perfect if you're not cooking for a huge group but can't quite convince yourself that chicken is festive.
Nigel Slater: Keep It Simple
Of all the chefs on this list, Nigel Slater certainly offers up the simplest recipe. This is a great option if you're hosting for the first time! Pick the best bird you can afford and let the oven do its thing [14]. Then go to town on the stuffing.
The Hairy Bikers: Double-Stuffed
The bearded duo keep things interesting with two different stuffing flavours [15]. And they cook it quickly, so if you don't fancy getting up at the crack of dawn to get your turkey on, this is the recipe for you.