Turkey Roasting Guide

Turkey Roasting Chart

(Room temp. turkey 1 hour prior to roasting)

For unstuffed turkey:

  1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
  2. Remove all giblets from neck and body cavities.
  3. Rinse turkey with cold water, inside and out.
  4. Pat dry with paper towels.
  5. Rub turkey with softened butter or margarine. If desired, season with salt and pepper.
  6. Place turkey in roasting pan, breast side up, and cover entire pan loosely with aluminum foil.

Use cooking chart below to determine oven time:

WEIGHT (POUNDS) OVEN TIME FOR UNSTUFFED TURKEY
10 TO 14 3 TO 3 ½ HOURS
14 TO 18 3 ½ TO 4 HOURS
18 TO 20 4 TO 4 ½ HOURS
20 TO 24 4 TO 5 HOURS
24 TO 30 4 ½ TO 5 ½ HOURS

These times are approximations. We suggest the use of a meat thermometer to ensure proper preparation. When done, meat thermometer should read 180 degrees Fahrenheit at inner thigh.

Remove aluminum foil for the last 45 minutes of cooking to brown and crisp the skin. Let turkey rest 20 minutes after removing from the oven.

If you stuff the turkey, follow steps 1 through 4 above, then:

  1. Important: when mixing stuffing, be sure all ingredients are cold (45 degrees or less).
  2. Stuff the body and neck cavities with stuffing (do not stuff too tightly; the crumbs should remain somewhat loose). Stuff turkey as close to roasting time as possible.
  3. Close the neck and body cavities with a trussing needle or needle and thread.
  4. Rub turkey with softened butter or margarine. If desired, season with salt and pepper.
  5. Place turkey in roasting pan, breast side up, and cover entire pan loosely with aluminum foil.

Use cooking chart below to determine oven time:

WEIGHT (POUNDS) OVEN TIME FOR STUFFED TURKEY
10 TO 14 3 ½ TO 4 HOURS
14 TO 18 4 TO 4 ½ HOURS
18 TO 20 4 ½ TO 5 HOURS
20 TO 24 5 TO 5 ½ HOURS
24 TO 30 5 ½ TO 6 ½ HOURS

These times are approximations. We suggest the use of a meat thermometer to ensure proper preparation. When done, meat thermometer should read 180 degrees Fahrenheit at inner thigh.

Remove aluminum foil for the last 45 minutes of cooking to brown and crisp the skin. Let turkey rest 20 minutes after removing from the oven. Remove all threads or strings before carving.

Print this page

Thanksgiving Made Simple

Our Thanksgiving Order Guide has everything from fresh turkeys and turkey breasts to sides and desserts, or you can order a cooked turkey or complete turkey dinner from our kitchen, and all you have to do is heat and serve!

Shop early to avoid lines if you have the refrigerator space because almost anything you order from Butcher Boy can be picked up as early as four days ahead, and even earlier for some items. You can pick up uncooked turkeys up to a week ahead of time due to the way they are packaged.

If you’re interested in cooked options from our kitchen, you can order whole, cooked turkeys or complete family-style dinners – see details here.

Make us your one-stop-shop for all your ingredients and groceries, including beverages. Browse our beer, wine, and spirits selection while you’re here and avoid the extra running around.

Wondering how long to cook your dinner, and at what temperature? Bookmark or print our Turkey Roasting Guide for at-your-fingertips information on the big day.

What are your favorite Thanksgiving foods? We’d love to hear from you – share your holiday meal photos with our community on Facebook or tag @ButcherBoyMarket on Instagram.

Preparing Your Thanksgiving Meal

It’s time to start the countdown to Thanksgiving! If you are hosting the big meal for family and friends, there’s a lot to think about. Don’t stress about it, though. Let Butcher Boy help you every step of the way!

It starts with a fresh whole turkey. Depending on how many people you want to feed – or leftovers to have! – we can advise you on the size that’s just right for your crowd. Order it now and pick up your order starting the Monday before Thanksgiving. The same goes for side dishes and desserts. Use our order guide to see the options and quantities we have available.

Thanksgiving Meal

Roasting your turkey doesn’t have to be a difficult or intimidating task, either. Follow our step-by-step guide for a perfectly cooked turkey, whether you choose to stuff it or not.

Speaking of stuffing, many families have their go-to recipes and preferences for their favorite flavors. Some include sausage, some use cornbread, others call for fruit like dates and apples. If you’d like to try something new this year, bacon parmesan stuffing sure sounds delicious. Can’t decide which direction to go in? Try this basic stuffing recipe, then simply add whatever you’d like.

Do you have some other favorite Thanksgiving recipes you just can’t imagine the holiday dinner without? Consider those traditional flavors, with an update.  Skip the canned cream of mushroom soup and give the standard green bean casserole a slightly more homemade taste with fresh mushrooms and shallots. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper will give your casserole a kick, no matter which recipe you use. You can even pump up the creaminess of mashed potatoes with cream cheese. It also adds a layer of unexpected flavor without complicating a basic recipe.

Remember to save room for dessert. Apple and pumpkin are the traditional favorites. You can find these and many more pies and scrumptious desserts right at Butcher Boy.

When dinner is finished cooking, don’t be overwhelmed by carving your bird. Follow these simple techniques to get the most meat out of your turkey.

If you’re more interested in spending less time in the kitchen, take a break from cooking and order your entire Thanksgiving meal from Butcher Boy. We do all the prep work and cooking, including the turkey, and have it ready for you to pick up the day before Thanksgiving. All you have to do is heat and serve! We’ll give you instructions for that, too. Call us today!

 

Cheers to a happy holiday season!

Countdown to Thanksgiving: A Checklist

Thanksgiving DinnerWhether you are hosting a big crowd for your Thanksgiving meal or the holiday will be a more intimate dinner with a small group of family and friends, planning can be stressful. But it doesn’t have to be! Stick to our Thanksgiving checklist that will help you organize the shopping, prepping and cooking so that you’re not rushed or stuck in the kitchen.

Early November

1. Establish the guest list. Extend your Thanksgiving invitation to friends and family. The headcount will help determine your menu, from the size of the turkey to the number of side dishes, which you might select based on ease of preparation for the number of people you expect.

2. Order your turkey as well as any prepared sides or Order a full Thanksgiving meal prepared for you.

Two Weeks Before Thanksgiving

1. Confirm your guest list, and ask if there are food allergies or special dietary needs you should consider.

2. Set the menu. Traditional Thanksgiving fare can be delicious, but if you’re inspired to raise the bar on what to serve with the turkey, check out these suggestions for easy sides to take the holiday meal to the next level.

3. Create shopping list. Butcher Boy’s Thanksgiving Order Guide can lead the way, along with your recipes. Use it to make sure your pantry is stocked ahead of time.

4. Shop for non-perishables. A couple of weeks ahead of Thanksgiving is not too soon to buy the ingredients that won’t spoil.

5. Count your plates, platters, cookware, serving bowls and utensils to ensure you have everything you need. – rent, purchase, or borrow additional if necessary.

6. Count chairs and place settings – rent, purchase, or borrow additional if necessary. Don’t forget the kids table if you need one!

One Week Before Thanksgiving

1. Decorate the house. Make it easy by using what’s available in nature – or in our produce section! You can create centerpieces with gourds of various shapes, sizes and colors.

2. Set up the bar. Check out Butcher Boy’s selection of micro-brews and wine. Set out clean glasses, pitchers and ice buckets.

3. Clear out your fridge and freezer. You’ll need to make room for your shopping bounty as well as the leftovers that come later. Purchase a supply of to-go containers, wrap and bags so that you can send your guests home with food and store the rest.

4. Pick up your turkey and shop for the rest of the items on your shopping list.

Two Days Before Thanksgiving

1. There is a lot you can do to prep the meal ahead of time and save yourself a full day in the kitchen on Thanksgiving Day.

a. Prep the stuffing (but don’t bake it) This may involve cubing the bread and setting it out to stale a step one or if you don’t want to go through the trouble, you can order our traditional bread stuffing with Bell’s seasoning or our bread stuffing with dried apples and dried cranberries.

b. Prep the glaze for the turkey and make the gravy base (we found a great recipe for bourbon gravy for a twist on the traditional) To save time, you can also order our homemade turkey gravy.

c. Prep the cranberry sauce and any additional sides.

d. Just refrigerate and everything will be ready to go when it’s time to pull your whole meal together on Thursday.

2. Got pie? Make them now if you didn’t already put in an order to our bakery for an Apple crumb pie, pumpkin pie, cheesecake, or fruit tart.

3. Pick up any last-minute items you may need. Don’t forget the dinner rolls!

Thanksgiving Eve

1. Chop the vegetables and refrigerate. If you don’t think you’ll have the time, you could also order vegetable dishes from our guide to include: mashed potatoes with real dairy, butternut squash, and green beans almandine.

2. Chill wine and beer.

Thanksgiving Day

1. Happy Thanksgiving! Consult our turkey roasting guide for notes on preparation and cooking times for your bird. Set your cooking schedule for the rest of the meal accordingly. Don’t forget the turkey should rest out of the oven for at least 20 minutes before serving, so you’ll still have time to finish preparing side dishes if necessary.

Day After Thanksgiving

1. Heat up leftovers, make turkey sandwiches, continue to savor the flavors of Thanksgiving

Traveling or out of time? Let us help! Order freshly prepared dishes that can be heated and served as a delicious complement to any holiday table or you can order your entire Thanksgiving dinner complete with sides and dessert. All the details are available in our order guide.

We are taking Thanksgiving orders now so be sure to reserve your turkey and anything else you may need today!

 

Healthy Recipes for the New Year

Make a resolution to serve filling and healthy meals to your family this year. Last year, we featured nutritious lamb, pork, and salad recipes packed with big flavor to start the new year off right.  

This year, it’s all about chicken and sausage! Turkey and chicken sausage are low in fat compared to pork and are just as delicious. We offer several kinds of sausage in-house, that can be used in many sensational recipes. Boneless chicken is a fantastic base that can be dressed up with light marinades and sauces.

Stay healthy throughout the year with these wholesome recipes: 

Boneless chicken recipes:

1) Hummus-Crusted Chicken

hummus-crusted chicken
via Gimme Some Oven

Hummus isn’t just for crackers. Gimme Some Oven uses the creamy chickpea spread as a sauce that forms a light crust on the chicken. The extra hummus oozes over the veggies, complementing the citrusy juice of a squeezed lemon. Prep time is only 10 minutes, making this a perfect dinner for busy weeknights.

2) Hawaiian Chicken & Coconut Rice

Hawaiian chicken coconut rice
via Tide & Thyme

When the weather outside is frightful, this tropical-marinated chicken with coconut rice from Tide & Thyme will definitely warm up your night. Soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and pineapple juice meld together to create a marinade that beautifully harmonizes with the coconut. Serve the chicken on bed of the rice, with additional scallions on top.  

3) Chicken Kale Caesar with Crispy Artichokes

Chicken Kale Caesar
via Health.com

Jazz up the traditional caesar salad with Health.com‘s hearty recipe. The artichokes are dipped in a combination of seasoning, egg, and panko, then broiled until crisp. Seasoned, sliced chicken and onion are combined with the kale, which is drenched with half of the buttermilk dressing. Drizzle remaining dressing on top and serve. 

These recipes can feature either turkey or chicken sausage: 

1) Turkey Sausage Spaghetti 

turkey sausage spaghetti
via The Blond Cook

Who says spaghetti can’t be healthy? Whole grain noodles mix with turkey sausage, artichoke hearts, mushrooms, and spinach in this perfectly seasoned dish from The Blond Cook. Bonus, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes, if you make the sauce and noodles at the same time.

2) Turkey Sausage Skillet with Brussels Sprouts and Sweet Potatoes 

Turkey Sausage Skillet with Brussel Sprouts and Sweet Potatoes
via Primavera Kitchen

Primavera Kitchen recommends using a pre-seasoned skillet for this easy one-pot dish. First, the turkey sausage is browned in the pan, removed, sliced, and set aside. Diced sweet potatoes and chopped brussels sprouts are cooked until soft, then the sausage and seasonings are added to the pot. Serve garnished with fresh green onions and feta cheese.

3) Healthy One-Pan Sausage and Veggie Bake

One-Pan Turkey Sausage  and Veggie Bake
via Forkly

One-pan dinners are a quick way to make a healthy meal, especially with a busy schedule. With bell peppers, sweet potatoes, green beans, and brussels sprouts, Forkly‘s dish packs a powerful flavor punch with minimum clean-up after. Simply coat the sliced veggies and sausage with oil and seasonings, then add to the pan. Top with parmesan and serve over quinoa or rice.

4) Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Zucchini Pasta with Parmesan

Chicken Sausage and Broccoli Zucchini Pasta with Parmesan
via inspiralized

Spiralized noodles are a great way to get your daily dose of veggies. This dish from inspiralized is as unique and it is tasty. Brown and crumble the savory chicken with a wooden spoon, then add broccoli to the pan. Toss together with zucchini noodles and cook until the pasta is al dente. Add parmesan cheese and divide into bowls to serve.

Happy New Year from Butcher Boy Market!

Want more healthy dinner ideas?

Stop by our store in North Andover. We’re always here to answer your questions.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest to get the latest tips and know-how.

Need-to-know Gravy and Stuffing Recipes For Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is about family, friends, and food. You've got family and friends covered, we've got the turkey. Choose your bird from our Meat Department, or order a fully cooked turkey from our Thanksgiving Order Guide to pick up before the big day.

While turkey certainly is the main focus of Thanksgiving dinner, with sides a close second, no turkey is complete without gravy or stuffing.

Dress up your bird with these delicious gravy and stuffing recipes:

1) Turkey Gravy Recipe

A great-smelling kitchen isn’t the only thing you produce when roasting a turkey. Turkey drippings contain the wonderful flavors and seasonings added to the bird, producing a rich and tantalizing gravy. Natisha’s Kitchen promises this recipe will make you forever shun powdered or canned turkey gravy. Once your bird has been transferred from roasting to resting, strain the pan into a measuring cup to catch the drippings. Let the drippings settle, then cook with other ingredients. Add salt and pepper to taste.

2) Caramelized Shallot Bacon Gravy

Carmalized Shallot Bacon Gravy
via Just Putzing Around The Kitchen

Combining different meats can create an experience that thrills the taste buds. Just Putzing Around The Kitchen brings this concept to their gravy, substituting bacon drippings for turkey. Start by cooking the drippings with shallots and stock, then add a shaken flour-water combination to thicken the gravy. This recipe is fantastic on mashed potatoes and stuffing, but will really wow on top of the turkey.

3) Sage Apple Cranberry Dressing

Sage Apple Cranberry
via The Complete Savorist

Give your traditional Thanksgiving meal a fruity twist with The Complete Savorist‘s Sage Apple Cranberry Dressing. Packed full of apples, cranberries, and sage, this dish will delight your guests with its herbaceous notes and savory taste. This recipe is delicious hot and cold. So if you’re sick of cooking, you can enjoy it the next day straight from the fridge.

4) Classic Traditional Thanksgiving Stuffing

Classic Thanksgiving Recipe
via Averie Cooks

Dine in stuffing heaven with this old-fashioned simple recipe from Averie Cooks. First, grab a loaf of French bread to cube and dry overnight. This will keep the bread from getting mushy when baked with the other ingredients. The finished dish will be lightly crusted on top, with a soft, buttery flavor revealed underneath. Technically this recipe is a dressing as it’s baked outside the bird, but you can cook it stuffed inside the turkey as well.

Consult our roasting guide and know-how tips on cooking the perfect turkey. We also make a variety of sides and desserts ready to order from our Thanksgiving Order Guide to complete your meal.

Happy Thanksgiving from Butcher Boy Market!

Want more ideas for Thanksgiving?

Stop by our store in North Andover. We’re always here to answer your questions.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest to get the latest tips and know-how.

Pack the Perfect Back-to-School Lunch

The school season is soon to begin. While pencils, notebooks, and other supplies are crucial purchases, the most important tool they’ll need for learning is nutrition.

A well-rounded lunch provides students the energy they need to get through a full-day of classes and activities. We carry fresh bread for sandwiches and cold cuts from Applegate, Boar’s Head, as well as Italian cold cuts at our deli department.

Pick up fruit and veggies, treats, and other ingredients from our store to pack this perfect lunch.

1) Maple Honey Turkey Wrap

Maple Honey Turkey Wrap
via Boar’s Head

Create lunchbox envy with this nutritious turkey wrap recipe from Boar’s Head. Sweetness is found in the maple honey glaze on the turkey, and honey mustard spread on the whole wheat wrap. Toasted walnuts, apples, and Swiss cheese are layered with turkey in the center of the wrap. Fold the flaps of the wrap, roll up, and cut in half to serve.

2) Three Ingredient Fruit Roll-Ups

Fruit Roll-Ups
via Live Eat Learn

An oven can make a delicious meal, but did you know it could also be used as a dehydrator? This simple recipe from Live Eat Learn for homemade fruit roll-ups is both delicious and fun. A combination of fruit, lemon juice, and sweetener are blended together, then spread out thin on a pan with plastic wrap. Dry for 4-6 hours on the lowest temperature that your oven allows. Slice into strips, and use a piece of colorful ribbon to hold the individual strips together.

3) Baked Sweet Potato Chips

Baked Sweet Potato Chips
via A Spicy Perspective

A good lunch has a little crunch. A Spicy Perspective‘s healthy recipe for baked sweet potato chips takes a half hour to make, and will fill a week’s worth of lunch boxes. Slice the sweet potatoes into paper-thin rounds, coat with oil and salt. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until crisp. Let the chips cool for 5 minutes before serving or storing.

4) Oatmeal Energy Bites (Easy No-Bake Snack)

Oatmeal Energy Bites
via Hip 2 Save

These bites from Hip 2 Save are the perfect afternoon snack. Packed full of energy, the bites are a quick to make, convenient to store, and great to eat. Combine almond butter, rolled oats, chocolate chips, honey, and flaxseed in a large bowl. Roll out teaspoon sized balls and set in the freezer for one hour.

5) Lunchbox Smoothies

Lunchbox Smoothies
via East Coast Mommy

East Coast Mommy has figured out the ultimate drink hack with this recipe for Lunchbox Smoothies. Frozen strawberries and bananas are blended together with orange juice, vanilla yogurt, and honey to create vitamin-filled treat. Start each week by making a large batch to store and pack for lunch throughout the week.

Happy start of school from Butcher Boy!

Want more back-to-school ideas?

Stop by our store in North Andover. We’re always here to answer your questions.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest to get the latest tips and know-how.

Sensational Sausage Recipes

There’s no better time to enjoy sausage than summer. Cooking with sausage is as versatile as the many flavors it comes in. Whether the protein is pork, chicken, or turkey, the meal possibilities are seemingly endless. On days when the outdoors call and the grill begs for use, sausage will answer the call. Or, on a rainy day spent indoors, a sausage-filled bake makes a perfect hearty dinner.

Spicy, sweet, or cheese-filled, our homemade sausages will shine in these recipes.

1) Broccoli Rabe with Sweet Italian Sausage

Broccoli Rabe Sweet Italian Sausage
via Epicurious

Broccoli rabe is a wondrous superfood, packed with vitamins and nutrients. Perfect for a night in, Epicurious‘ recipe combines the bitter greens with sweet sausage in a dish as comforting as grandma would make. The rabe is boiled, then sautéed in garlic oil while the sausage broils. Your family will love this tasty way to eat all their greens.

2) Spiralizer Sweet Potato Pasta with Sausage & Spinach

Spiralizer Sweet Potato and Sausage
via Everyday Good Thinking

Spiralized veggies are a unique, delicious way to make a meal healthier. This dish from Everyday Good Thinking is a tantalizing marriage of sweet and spicy, with hot Italian sausage crumbled over spiralized sweet potato pasta. Bright baby spinach elevates the meal with a pop of green, while sprinkled parmesan melts on top.

3) Sun-Dried Tomato, Kale, and Chicken Sausage Quinoa Bake

Chicken Sausage Quinoa Bake
via Fit Foodie Finds

Not only is this recipe from Fit Foodie Finds filling, it has an easy clean-up of only one dish! Chicken sausage is a plump and juicy way to serve everyone’s favorite white meat. The sausages, kale, and sun-dried tomatoes are evenly stacked and spread out on top of the quinoa and chicken stock base. Make this meal on a cool summer night.

4) 30-Minute Quinoa with Sausage and Brussels Sprouts

Quinoa With Sausage and Roasted Brussels Sprouts
via The Weary Chef

Turkey isn’t just for Thanksgiving. Unlike the time it takes to cook a whole turkey, this fantastic quinoa recipe from The Weary Chef bakes in only 30 minutes. Whole grain brown rice soaks up juices from the tomatoes, sausage, and baked brussels sprouts, packing every bite full of flavor.

5) Penne with Sausage, Fennel, and Pecorino

Penne Sausage Fennel
via The Weary Chef

Fennel adds a sweet brightness to a dish, which is why we offer it in our homemade sausage selection. Fine Cooking‘s recipe gets a double-dose of fennel, with fresh bulbs featured in the dish as well. With warm-flavored sage and salty chicken stock, this recipe is anything but your typical pasta dish.

We recommend giving the above recipes a spin with these delicious, homemade Butcher Boy sausages: Tomato Sausage, Tomato & Cheese Sausage, and Garlic & Cheese Sausage.

Want more sausage recipe ideas?

Stop by our store in North Andover. We’re always here to answer your questions.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest to get the latest tips and know-how.

Cooking the Perfect Turkey: 6 Tips to Try This Holiday

Thanksgiving is a big holiday with an even bigger focus on food. To help you get ready for the day with confidence, we put together a list of the important things to remember as you roll up your sleeves and start cooking for the big day.

extra-large-chicken

1) Plan Ahead

How to gauge how large a turkey you need? Plan on about 1 to 1½ pounds of turkey per person. Of course, if you love leftovers as much as we do, no one will complain if you choose a bird that’s a little bigger.

2) More Flavor, Less Effort

For those who would rather skip the stuffing, try loosely filling your bird with aromatics such as herbs, celery, garlic, and carrots. These can add great flavor to your dinner while simplifying your time in the kitchen.

3) Keep Things Juicy

A tasty way to keep your turkey moist is to rub butter under its skin before it goes in the oven. The melting butter will help ensure each bite is juicy and flavorful, guaranteeing full bellies and satisfied smiles from everyone at the table.

4) Patience is a Virtue

It’s a challenge, but try to resist opening the oven door to peek at your turkey while it cooks. Opening the oven lets heat escape and allows temperature fluctuations that can result in a poorly cooked turkey. Try to relax and let the oven do its thing.

5. Know When It’s Done

If you don’t have one already, it’s worth investing in an instant-read thermometer to check your turkey. You want it to reach a minimum internal temperature of 165°. An instant-read thermometer is the best way to get an accurate reading. Just make sure the thermometer isn’t touching the bone, which can give a false reading.

6. Just a Little Longer…

The table is set, the turkey is out of the oven, but don’t start carving just yet. Let your turkey sit and rest after coming out of the oven. This allows the juices to spread through the meat and unlock the best flavor in every bite. It’s hard to wait, but your guests will agree it was worth the wait.

For more details on how to perfectly cook a delicious turkey this Thanksgiving, have a look at our Turkey Roasting Guide. Now, are you ready to get cooking? Check out our Thanksgiving Order Guide to see what we’re offering this holiday, including meat options, sides, desserts, and store hours. And a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving from all of us at Butcher Boy!