Ekani Ella A beautifully roasted turkey with silky, rich gravy is the heart of every festive feast — and this Gordon Ramsay-inspired Christmas turkey recipe brings that magic to your table. Juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and infused with herbs, garlic, and butter, this recipe turns an ordinary bird into a show-stopping centerpiece. It’s simple, elegant, and guaranteed to impress your guests this holiday season.
What is Gordon Ramsay Christmas Turkey with Gravy?
Gordon Ramsay’s Christmas turkey with gravy is a classic holiday dish featuring a perfectly roasted turkey basted with herb butter, served with a luxurious gravy made from pan drippings and aromatic vegetables. The key lies in layering flavors — butter, lemon, garlic, and herbs — to ensure every bite is moist and bursting with flavor. It’s a signature dish that reflects Gordon’s approach to festive cooking: bold flavors, simple techniques, and an unforgettable finish.
Other Gordon Ramsay Popular Recipes
- Gordon Ramsay Christmas Turkey with Gravy
- Gordon Ramsay Turkey with Bacon
- Gordon Ramsay Thanksgiving Turkey
- Gordon Ramsay Miso-Maple Braised Leeks
Reasons to Try Gordon Ramsay Christmas Turkey with Gravy
- Perfectly Moist Meat – The butter-basting technique keeps the turkey juicy and flavorful.
- Restaurant-Quality Flavor – Layers of herbs and citrus create a rich, balanced taste.
- Crispy Golden Skin – Achieved by regular basting and high-heat roasting.
- Rich Homemade Gravy – Made from roasted pan drippings for deep, savory flavor.
- Impressive Holiday Presentation – Makes a stunning centerpiece for your Christmas dinner.
- Beginner-Friendly Process – Straightforward instructions suitable for any skill level.
Ingredients Needed to Make Gordon Ramsay Christmas Turkey with Gravy
- 1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs), cleaned and patted dry
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 lemons (zested and halved)
- 1 garlic bulb, halved horizontally
- Fresh herbs: rosemary, thyme, sage (a few sprigs each)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- Olive oil (for drizzling)
- 2 onions, roughly chopped
- 2 carrots, roughly chopped
- 2 celery sticks, roughly chopped
- 2 cups chicken stock (for roasting and gravy)
- 2 tbsp flour (for thickening gravy)
Equipment Needed
- Large roasting tray
- Oven rack or roasting rack
- Basting spoon or brush
- Meat thermometer
- Saucepan (for gravy)
- Carving knife and board
- Aluminum foil
Instructions to Prepare Gordon Ramsay Christmas Turkey with Gravy
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
- Prepare the herb butter by mixing softened butter with lemon zest, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Loosen the turkey skin gently using your fingers and spread the herb butter evenly under and over the skin.
- Stuff the cavity with lemon halves, garlic, and herb sprigs.
- Place chopped vegetables (onion, carrot, celery) in the roasting tray to form a bed.
- Set the turkey on top of the vegetables, drizzle with olive oil, and season generously.
- Roast at high heat for 20 minutes to brown the skin, then reduce the temperature to 180°C (350°F).
- Baste every 30 minutes using the pan juices to keep the turkey moist.
- Cook until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F) in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Remove from oven and rest covered loosely with foil for 30–45 minutes before carving.
- Prepare the gravy by straining the pan drippings, deglazing with wine (optional), adding flour, and whisking in chicken stock until smooth and thickened.
What Goes Well With Gordon Ramsay’s Christmas Turkey with Gravy Recipe
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes – The smooth texture pairs perfectly with rich gravy.
- Honey-Glazed Carrots – Add sweetness and color to the plate.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Brings a nutty crunch to the meal.
- Cranberry Sauce – A tart contrast to the savory turkey.
- Stuffing or Dressing – Complements the herbs and butter flavors beautifully.
- Yorkshire Puddings – A classic British addition for soaking up gravy.
Key Tips for Making Gordon Ramsay Christmas Turkey with Gravy Recipe
- Start with room-temperature turkey – Ensures even cooking and prevents dryness.
- Butter generously under the skin – Locks in moisture and flavor.
- Don’t skip resting time – It allows juices to redistribute for tender meat.
- Use a meat thermometer – Guarantees perfect doneness every time.
- Add wine to gravy – For a deeper, restaurant-style flavor.
- Keep vegetables chunky – They enhance both the turkey’s aroma and the gravy’s taste.
- Save the drippings – They’re the secret to a flavorful, golden gravy.
Creative Variations of Gordon Ramsay Christmas Turkey with Gravy Recipe
- Maple-Glazed Turkey – Brush with maple syrup in the final 20 minutes for a sweet touch.
- Garlic and Herb Butter Mix – Use parsley, tarragon, or basil for a twist.
- Spiced Christmas Turkey – Add a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg for warmth.
- Stuffed Turkey Variation – Add a bread or sausage stuffing inside the cavity.
- Citrus-Infused Twist – Mix orange zest with butter for a brighter flavor.
- Smoked Paprika Rub – Adds color and a subtle smokiness.
Storage Guidelines for Gordon Ramsay Christmas Turkey with Gravy Recipe
- Cool completely before storing – Prevents condensation and sogginess.
- Refrigerate leftovers – Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for later – Slice meat and gravy separately, freeze up to 2 months.
- Use freezer-safe bags – Remove excess air to maintain freshness.
- Label containers – Helps track storage dates for safety.
Reheating Tips for Gordon Ramsay Christmas Turkey with Gravy Recipe
- Oven method: Preheat to 160°C (320°F), cover slices with foil, and heat for 20 minutes.
- Stovetop method: Warm the gravy in a pan, add turkey slices, and simmer gently until heated.
- Microwave method: Reheat in short bursts (1–2 minutes), keeping meat covered to retain moisture.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 48g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
Gordon Ramsay Christmas Turkey with Gravy
Gordon Ramsay’s Christmas turkey with gravy is a classic holiday dish featuring a perfectly roasted turkey basted with herb butter, served with a luxurious gravy made from pan drippings and aromatic vegetables. The key lies in layering flavors — butter, lemon, garlic, and herbs — to ensure every bite is moist and bursting with flavor. It’s a signature dish that reflects Gordon’s approach to festive cooking: bold flavors, simple techniques, and an unforgettable finish.
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 180
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
-
1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs), cleaned and patted dry
-
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
-
2 lemons (zested and halved)
-
1 garlic bulb, halved horizontally
-
Fresh herbs: rosemary, thyme, sage (a few sprigs each)
-
Salt and black pepper (to taste)
-
Olive oil (for drizzling)
-
2 onions, roughly chopped
-
2 carrots, roughly chopped
-
2 celery sticks, roughly chopped
-
2 cups chicken stock (for roasting and gravy)
-
2 tbsp flour (for thickening gravy
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F).
-
Prepare the herb butter by mixing softened butter with lemon zest, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper.
-
Loosen the turkey skin gently using your fingers and spread the herb butter evenly under and over the skin.
-
Stuff the cavity with lemon halves, garlic, and herb sprigs.
-
Place chopped vegetables (onion, carrot, celery) in the roasting tray to form a bed.
-
Set the turkey on top of the vegetables, drizzle with olive oil, and season generously.
-
Roast at high heat for 20 minutes to brown the skin, then reduce the temperature to 180°C (350°F).
-
Baste every 30 minutes using the pan juices to keep the turkey moist.
-
Cook until internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F) in the thickest part of the thigh.
-
Remove from oven and rest covered loosely with foil for 30–45 minutes before carving.
-
Prepare the gravy by straining the pan drippings, deglazing with wine (optional), adding flour, and whisking in chicken stock until smooth and thickened.
FAQs
How do you keep the turkey moist when roasting it?
To keep the turkey moist while roasting, spread softened butter under and over the skin before cooking. Baste the bird every 30 minutes with its pan juices, and cover it loosely with foil if the skin browns too quickly. Letting it rest for at least 30 minutes after roasting also helps retain juices.
Should you cover the turkey while cooking?
Covering the turkey with foil during part of the roasting process prevents it from drying out. Start uncovered for the first 20 minutes to brown the skin, then loosely tent it with foil while it finishes cooking. Remove the foil for the final 30 minutes to achieve a crispy, golden finish.
What temperature should the turkey be cooked to?
A turkey is perfectly cooked when its internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F) in the thickest part of the thigh. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy, avoiding the bone, and let the turkey rest before carving to ensure tender, juicy slices.
How do you make Gordon Ramsay-style turkey gravy?
To make Gordon Ramsay-style gravy, strain the pan drippings after roasting the turkey. Deglaze the tray with white wine or sherry, stir in flour to form a roux, then slowly whisk in chicken stock until smooth and thickened. Simmer for 10–15 minutes for a rich, flavorful gravy.
Final Words
This Gordon Ramsay Christmas Turkey with Gravy recipe combines simplicity with elegance, giving you a juicy, flavorful bird and rich, comforting gravy that ties the meal together. With a few fresh herbs, a bit of butter, and careful basting, you can turn a traditional holiday dish into a memorable experience your guests will talk about all season long.
