Cajun Turkey

This Cajun turkey recipe is a whole turkey coated in butter and homemade seasoning mix, then roasted to golden brown perfection. A fabulous holiday main course offering that is packed with flavor and simple to make.

Course Main

Cuisine American

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 4

Brining Time 1

Total Time 1 4 20

Servings

Calories 352kcal

Author Sara Welch

Ingredients

For the Cajun seasoning

1 tablespoon sweet paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

For the turkey

1 recipe turkey brine optional but highly recommended
15 lb turkey
10 tablespoons butter softened
1 small onion quartered
1 stalk celery cut into 2 inch pieces
1/2 green bell pepper seeded and cored
Fresh herbs and fruit for garnish optional

Instructions

For the Cajun seasoning

Place all the seasoning ingredients in a small bowl and stir to combine.

For the turkey

Prepare the brine according to recipe directions. Brine the turkey for 18-24 hours before cooking.
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
Remove the turkey from the brine; rinse and pat dry. Let the turkey stand at room temperature for 20 minutes. Tuck the turkey wings under the body.
Place the onion, celery and bell pepper into the cavity of the turkey. Tie the turkey legs together with kitchen twine.
Place the Cajun seasoning and butter in a bowl and stir until well combined.
Rub the Cajun spice butter all over the outside of the turkey and under the skin of the breast.
Place the turkey in a roasting pan and bake for 30 minutes.
Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F and continue roasting, basting the turkey every 30 minutes with pan drippings, until the turkey is done.
This process will take approximately 3 1/2 hours and you'll know that the turkey is done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the turkey thigh or breast registers at least 165 degrees F.
If the turkey seems like it's getting overly browned during the cooking process, cover it with foil.
Remove the turkey from the oven and tent loosely with foil. Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes. Slice, then serve.
Garnish with fruit and herbs if desired.

Notes

You can make this recipe with a turkey larger than 15 pounds, simply add 15 minutes more to the cooking time per pound.
If you don't have time to make your own Cajun seasoning, use 1/4 cup of store bought seasoning instead.
It's best to cook your turkey on a rack to help keep it from sitting in all the juices in the bottom of the pan.

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