How to Keep a Turkey Moist with Mayonnaise

If you’ve ever spent hours basting your bird, only to end up with a dry turkey, you’re not alone. The truth is that even experienced home cooks struggle to keep their birds moist during a long roast. This Thanksgiving, the secret to a moist turkey isn’t hours of brining or constant basting. It’s mayonnaise. Yes, really.

This simple trick, made famous by home cooks and chefs alike, helps you create a juicy roast turkey with golden, crispy skin and tender meat every time. Here’s everything you need to know about making a mayo roast turkey that will give you and your guests something to be thankful for.

A perfect turkey starts with proper prep. Begin by thawing your turkey. Allow about 24 hours in the refrigerator for every 4–5 pounds of bird. That means a 16-pound turkey will take roughly four days to thaw completely.

Once thawed, remove the giblets and pat the turkey dry with paper towels. This step is essential because the mayonnaise mixture, and any additional seasonings you want to add, need a dry surface to stick to. A wet bird prevents even browning, so take your time to dry it thoroughly inside and out.

Here’s where the magic happens. The secret to a moist turkey isn’t complicated or messy. It’s simply mayonnaise. Mayonnaise locks in moisture, replaces the need for brining, and ensures even browning.

Unlike butter, which can burn or slide off during roasting, mayo clings to the skin and forms a protective barrier that keeps juices inside. It also promotes that picture-perfect golden crust we all want on a holiday roast.

Best of all, mayonnaise locks in the flavors of your seasonings and spices, helping every little bite stay juicy, tender, and full of flavor – with beautifully golden, crisp skin,

Mayonnaise is made from oil, egg yolks, and a touch of acid. The same ingredients that help tenderize and brown meat. When you slather mayo over the turkey, it creates a thin, even coating that helps:

Seal in natural juices during roasting
Encourage browning for a beautifully golden skin
Distribute flavor evenly when combined with herbs and spices

The result is a moist, tender roast turkey. No brining, no stress, and no dry slices at the table.

To make a juicy mayo-roasted turkey, start with a simple mixture. Combine about 1 cup of Hellmann’s® Real Mayonnaise with your favorite herbs and seasonings. Think rosemary, thyme, garlic, paprika, and lemon zest.

Rub the mixture generously over and under the skin of the turkey. Don’t skip under the skin; that’s where you lock in the most flavor and moisture. If you like, you can also spoon a bit of the mayo mix inside the cavity to add extra richness.

For the full recipe, visit Hellmann’s for easy, step-by-step instructions on their Moist Thanksgiving Roasted Turkey.

Once you’ve covered your bird with mayo, it’s time to roast. Preheat your oven to 325°F and place the turkey breast-side up on a rack in a large roasting pan.

Cooking time: Roast about 15 minutes per pound for an unstuffed turkey, or until a meat thermometer reads 165°F in the thickest part of the breast.
Tenting: Halfway through cooking, cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.
Basting: If you want extra flavor, you can baste the bird with pan juices every 45 minutes

Remember, the key to a juicy roast turkey is not overcooking. Once the turkey hits temperature, remove it from the oven immediately.

Resist the temptation to carve right away! Let your turkey rest for at least 30–45 minutes before slicing. It allows the turkey to rest and redistribute the juices throughout the meat, ensuring every bite stays tender.

When carving, remove the legs first, then the breasts. Slice the breast meat across the grain for maximum juiciness. Arrange on a platter and drizzle with pan juices or gravy.

Here are a few extra ways to keep your Thanksgiving turkey juicy and flavorful:

Skip the stuffing. Stuffing the cavity increases cooking time, which can cause the meat to dry out. For best results, cook your Classic Thanksgiving Stuffing separately.

Serve with gravy. Even a perfectly roasted turkey loves a little sauce. Try pairing it with Hellmann’s Super Moist Creamy Mashed Potatoes or Sweet Potato Casserole
Use a meat thermometer. Overcooking is the biggest culprit behind dry turkey. Invest in a digital thermometer for foolproof results.
Let it rest. It’s worth repeating. Resting time is crucial for moisture retention.

For even easier, delicious holiday dishes, check out Hellmann’s Thanksgiving Recipes

If you’ve ever wondered, “Does mayo keep turkey moist?” The answer is yes. It’s the easiest, most reliable way to make a juicy mayo-roasted turkey that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

This Thanksgiving, skip the brine, skip the stress, and reach for the mayonnaise. With Hellmann’s, you’ll have a perfectly moist roast turkey: golden, tender, and bursting with flavor.

So go ahead. Make the mayo roast turkey your new holiday tradition. Your guests (and your leftovers) will thank you.

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