To roast a turkey what goes in the pan with it?

Here's what you can put in the roasting pan with your turkey, depending on what you want to achieve:

For Moisture and Flavor:

* Vegetables: Carrots, celery, onions, and even potatoes create flavorful broth and keep the turkey moist.

* Herbs and Spices: Rosemary, thyme, sage, garlic, and peppercorns are classic additions.

* Wine or Broth: A cup or two of white wine or chicken broth will add depth of flavor and keep the bird from drying out.

* Butter: A pat or two of butter on top of the turkey will help to crisp the skin.

* Lemon or Orange: Adding slices of citrus fruit can add a refreshing brightness to the turkey.

For Crisp Skin:

* A rack: Place a roasting rack in the bottom of the pan to elevate the turkey, allowing air to circulate and promote crispier skin.

* High heat: Start your roasting at a high temperature (450°F) for the first 30 minutes to help the skin crisp up.

For Flavorful Drippings:

* Butter: A few pats of butter in the pan will melt and mix with the turkey drippings, making a delicious gravy base.

* Vegetables: As mentioned before, vegetables release their juices and combine with the drippings for a rich flavor.

Things to avoid:

* Water: Water in the pan will steam the turkey and prevent the skin from crisping.

* Too much liquid: Excessive liquid can make the turkey soggy.

* Overcrowding: Don't cram the pan too full, as this can prevent the turkey from cooking evenly.

Important Note: When using a roasting rack, make sure you have a pan large enough to accommodate both the rack and the turkey without the bird touching the sides.