Do you want a perfect Thanksgiving dinner? The Martha Stewart Turkey Cheesecloth Recipe is the best choice.
This famous Martha Stewart Turkey Cheesecloth Recipe makes your bird look like a movie star.
Learning how to make Martha Stewart Turkey Cheesecloth Recipe ensures moist meat every time. This classic Martha Stewart Turkey Cheesecloth Recipe is the only one you need.
What Makes This Recipe Special
This turkey tastes like pure luxury. The butter and wine soak into the meat. It has a rich, salty, and herbal flavor. The skin turns a beautiful golden brown color.
The texture is very juicy and tender. It is never dry or tough. The cheesecloth acts like a magic blanket. It keeps the moisture inside the bird.
It takes some time to prep. However, the cooking process is very simple. You just baste it every thirty minutes. It is easy for any home cook to master.

Equipment List
- Large Roasting Pan: This holds the heavy turkey safely.
- Roasting Rack: It lifts the bird for even heat.
- Small Saucepan: Use this to melt butter and wine.
- Pastry Brush: This helps spread the liquid easily.
- Cotton Cheesecloth: This is the most important tool here.
- Kitchen String: Use this to tie the legs together.
- Meat Thermometer: It checks if the turkey is done.
- Measuring Cups: These ensure your liquid ratios are perfect.
Ingredients You Need for Martha Stewart Turkey Cheesecloth Recipe
- Whole Turkey: This is the main star of your meal.
- Unsalted Butter: It adds fat and a rich flavor.
- Dry White Wine: This provides a nice acidic touch.
- Fresh Thyme: These herbs add a lovely earthy scent.
- Fresh Rosemary: It gives the turkey a piney aroma.
- Yellow Onion: This adds sweetness inside the cavity.
- Fresh Lemons: They provide a bright, zesty note.
- Kosher Salt: This seasons the meat and skin deeply.
- Black Pepper: It adds a little bit of heat.
How to Assemble
- Prepare the Liquid: Melt butter and wine in a small pot. Add your fresh herbs to the warm mixture.
- Prep the Bird: Remove the giblets from inside the turkey. Pat the skin very dry with paper towels.
- Season the Turkey: Rub salt and pepper all over the skin. Put onions and lemons inside the turkey cavity.
- Truss the Legs: Use kitchen string to tie the legs. Tuck the wings under the body of the bird.
- Soak the Cloth: Put the cheesecloth in the butter and wine. Let it soak up all the liquid.
- Drape the Turkey: Lay the wet cloth over the turkey breast. Cover the legs with the cloth as well.
- Start Roasting: Put the turkey into a very hot oven. Let it cook undisturbed for thirty minutes.
- Baste Often: Pour butter and wine over the cloth regularly. This keeps the cheesecloth wet and flavorful.
- Remove the Cloth: Take the cloth off for the last hour. This allows the skin to get very crispy.
- Rest the Meat: Let the turkey sit before you carve it. This keeps the juices inside the meat.
Recipe Success Tips
➔ Use high quality butter for the best flavor.
➔ Fold the cheesecloth into four layers for thickness.
➔ Make sure the turkey is at room temperature.
➔ Do not open the oven door too often.
➔ Always use a thermometer to check the internal temperature.
➔ Let the bird rest for at least thirty minutes.
➔ Squeeze fresh lemon over the bird before serving.
➔ Use a dry wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot.
➔ Keep the cheesecloth fully saturated with the butter mixture.
➔ Remove the cloth gently so the skin stays intact.
How To Store Leftover
- Store your turkey in an airtight plastic container.
- Keep the leftovers in the fridge for three days.
- You can also freeze the meat for two months.
- Separate the meat from the bones before storing.
- Reheat the turkey with a splash of broth.
- This keeps the leftovers from becoming too dry.
- Use the bones to make a delicious soup later.
Sides & Pairings Suggestions
- Serve this turkey with creamy mashed potatoes.
- Add a side of sweet cranberry sauce.
- Roasted Brussels sprouts pair very well with this.
- Try it with a warm sourdough stuffing.
- A glass of white wine matches the flavors.
- Honey glazed carrots add a nice sweet crunch.
- Don’t forget a boat of rich turkey gravy.
Nutritions
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 42g
- Total Fat: 28g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
- Sodium: 520mg
FAQs about Martha Stewart Turkey Cheesecloth Recipe
Q: Can I use oil instead of butter?
A: Butter provides much better flavor for this specific recipe. Oil will not give you that classic Martha Stewart taste. Stick to high-quality unsalted butter.
Q: What if the cheesecloth burns in the oven?
A: The cloth will not burn if it stays wet. You must baste it with the butter and wine. Keep the liquid warm on the stove for basting.
Q: Does the cheesecloth make the skin soggy?
A: No, it actually helps the skin brown evenly. Removing the cloth at the end ensures a very crispy finish. It protects the meat from drying out.
Q: Can I skip the white wine?
A: You can use chicken or turkey broth instead. However, the wine adds a special depth of flavor. Broth is a safe and tasty alternative for families.
Final Thoughts
The Martha Stewart Turkey Cheesecloth Recipe is truly a holiday classic. It makes the most beautiful turkey you have ever seen.
Your family will love the juicy meat and crispy skin. Following the Ingredients for Martha Stewart Turkey Cheesecloth Recipe is very simple.
It takes a bit of love and basting. However, the results are worth every single minute spent. Happy cooking and enjoy your wonderful feast!
More Amazing Recipes
- Martha Stewart Tartar Sauce Recipe
- Ina Garten Icebox Cake Recipe
- Martha Stewart Blueberry Scones Recipe
- Tiramisu Yule Log Cake Recipe

Martha Stewart Turkey Cheesecloth Recipe
Equipment
- Large roasting pan
- Roasting Rack
- Small saucepan
- Pastry brush
- Cotton Cheesecloth
- Kitchen String
- Meat thermometer
- Measuring Cups
Ingredients
- 1 Whole Turkey 12-14 Lbs
- 2 Cups Unsalted Butter
- 1 Bottle Dry White Wine
- 2 Tbsp Kosher Salt
- 1 Tbsp Black Pepper
- 1 Large Yellow Onion
- 2 Whole Lemons
- 4 Sprigs Fresh Thyme
- 3 Sprigs Fresh Rosemary
Instructions
- Prepare the Liquid: Melt butter and wine in a small pot. Add your fresh herbs to the warm mixture.
- Prep the Bird: Remove the giblets from inside the turkey. Pat the skin very dry with paper towels.
- Season the Turkey: Rub salt and pepper all over the skin. Put onions and lemons inside the turkey cavity.
- Truss the Legs: Use kitchen string to tie the legs. Tuck the wings under the body of the bird.
- Soak the Cloth: Put the cheesecloth in the butter and wine. Let it soak up all the liquid.
- Drape the Turkey: Lay the wet cloth over the turkey breast. Cover the legs with the cloth as well.
- Start Roasting: Put the turkey into a very hot oven. Let it cook undisturbed for thirty minutes.
- Baste Often: Pour butter and wine over the cloth regularly. This keeps the cheesecloth wet and flavorful.
- Remove the Cloth: Take the cloth off for the last hour. This allows the skin to get very crispy.
- Rest the Meat: Let the turkey sit before you carve it. This keeps the juices inside the meat.













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