The Best Turkey Recipe for the Holidays Using EVOO & Balsamic Vinegar

The Perfect Holiday Turkey Using Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

A holiday turkey should be juicy, flavorful, and beautifully golden—and extra-virgin olive oil from Verde Valley Olive Oil is the secret ingredient that makes it happen. Olive oil performs exceptionally well at high roasting temperatures, helping you achieve crisp skin, tender meat, and deep, delicious flavor.

Whether you’re cooking for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a festive gathering, this olive-oil turkey method will take your holiday dinner to the next level.

🧈 Why Olive Oil Is the Best Choice for Turkey

Unlike butter, which can burn or brown unevenly, high-quality EVOO offers:

✔️ Higher heat tolerance
✔️ More even browning
✔️ Naturally juicy, tender meat
✔️ Healthier fats
✔️ Beautifully crisp, golden skin
✔️ Rich flavor (especially with flavored olive oils)

This method works with any size turkey.

🍗 How to Prepare a Turkey with Olive Oil (Step-by-Step)

1. Add Olive Oil Under the Skin

If you don’t have a flavor injector, gently lift the turkey’s skin (especially over the breast) and rub EVOO directly onto the meat.
This helps the turkey breast stay moist and flavorful.

2. Inject Olive Oil for Extra Juiciness (Optional)

If you have a flavor injector, fill it with Verde Valley Extra-Virgin Olive Oil and:

Inject into the thickest parts of the breast
Inject into the thighs and drumsticks

This delivers deep, rich flavor and moisture right into the meat.

🧄 3. Season Well

Sprinkle the turkey inside and out with:

Salt
Pepper
Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, sage)
Garlic or herb-infused EVOO (optional)

🔥 4. Coat with Olive Oil Before Roasting

Rub the entire turkey with EVOO to help the skin crisp and brown evenly.

🕒 5. Re-Coat During the Last 30 Minutes

In the final half-hour, brush the bird again with EVOO.
This step ensures:

✔️ Deep golden color
✔️ Extra crispy skin
✔️ Beautiful shine for serving

🍽 6. Drizzle with Olive Oil Before Serving

Right before carving, drizzle a tablespoon of EVOO over the turkey meat for added moisture and flavor.

🍇 Optional: Add a Balsamic Glaze

For a gourmet touch, finish the turkey with a drizzle of:

Traditional Balsamic
Fig Balsamic
Cranberry Pear Balsamic

This adds sweetness, acidity, and depth—perfect for holiday flavor.

🛎 Flavor Variations Using Verde Valley Olive Oils

Try these options:

✨ Garlic Olive Oil Turkey
✨ Herb-Infused Olive Oil Turkey
✨ Meyer Lemon Olive Oil for a bright finish
✨ Tuscan Herb EVOO for Italian-style seasoning

🛒 Shop Holiday Essentials

Explore premium olive oils and balsamic vinegars for holiday cooking:
👉 https://vvoliveoil.com

🦃 Conclusion

Using extra-virgin olive oil for your holiday turkey results in moist breast meat, perfectly crisp skin, and rich, festive flavor. Whether injected, rubbed under the skin, or used as a glaze, EVOO brings out the absolute best in your holiday bird.

With Verde Valley Olive Oil, your turkey becomes the unforgettable centerpiece of the holiday table.