Roast Turkey with Cheesecloth Method

Whether you’re a first-time cook or a seasoned host, this roast turkey with cheesecloth method will save your family dinners in the future. Juicy, golden, and full of flavor—it’s a recipe rooted in tradition and shared from one table to another across generations.

Hosting Thanksgiving is like a two-edged sword. Do I enjoy hosting it? Yes. Do I loose sleep worrying over cooking the perfect turkey? Also yes.

But after years of experimentation, fumbles, and turkey dinners where everyone drowned their turkey in gravy just to make it edible, I discovered the secret weapon that changed everything: cheesecloth.

This method, along with the accompanying mushroom gluten free stuffing, passed down from a friend’s grandmother, combines the old-world wisdom of using simple kitchen tools with the bold flavors of wine, herbs, and butter. If only I knew about roasting turkey with cheesecloth years ago – how much smoother (and juicier) my thanksgivings would have gone … but I’m sharing it with you guys so you don’t have to repeat my mistakes!

Why Use Cheesecloth in Cooking?

Cheesecloth is a humble kitchen tool with a long culinary legacy. When soaked in a flavorful butter mixture and draped over poultry, cheesecloth acts as a self-basting cover, locking in moisture and allowing for even browning without constant supervision.

Uses for cheesecloth span a range of recipes. For example, in Homemade Labaneh Balls, cheesecloth helps strain yogurt into a thick, creamy spread. It ensures a light, smooth texture in desserts like Light-as-Air Israeli Cheesecake with Crumb Topping and Raspberry Coeur à la Crème. Cheesecloth is equally important in savory classics, from draining cheese in Gluten-Free Cottage Cheese Pancakes (Russian Syrniki), to curing fish in My Grandma’s Recipe for Russian Cured Salmon, and flavoring broth in How to Make Homemade Gefilte Fish with Beet Chrein.

It’s in this spirit of traditional yet practical cooking that we present our favorite holiday centerpiece: turkey and cheesecloth, together at last.

After use, wash and dry your cheesecloth thoroughly. A clean cloth can be reused multiple times, saving money and reducing waste!

Ingredient Highlight: Turkey

Make sure your turkey is fully thawed before roasting—this is crucial. If you’re working with a deep-frozen bird, allow at least 24 hours of thawing in the fridge for every 4 pounds. Rushing this step can result in uneven cooking. Also, there’s no need to brine the turkey for this recipe. The butter-soaked cheesecloth locks in moisture beautifully, so you can skip the extra prep without sacrificing juiciness.

Instructions for Roast Turkey Recipe with Cheesecloth

Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Remove the giblets and pat the turkey dry inside and out—dry skin is key to achieving that beautifully crisp finish. Season generously with salt and pepper, including the cavity. Always roast your turkey breast side up for optimal cooking.

Make the Herb Butter Basting Mixture

In a bowl, combine melted butter and white wine. Add herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage if desired. Soak the cheesecloth in the mixture until fully saturated.

Roast with Cheesecloth Turkey 

Place the turkey breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Drape the soaked cheesecloth over the bird, covering the breast and legs. Roast at 425°F (220°C) for 30 minutes to start crisping the skin. Then reduce the heat to 350°F (175°C) and continue roasting.

Baste the turkey with the remaining butter-wine mixture every 30 minutes.

Remove Cheesecloth and Final Browning

About 30 minutes before the cheesecloth roasted turkey is done, remove the cheesecloth to allow the skin to crisp further. Roast until the internal temperature in the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C).

Rest and Serve

Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving. This gives the juices time to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and moist.

While the cheesecloth turkey rests, whip up an easy kale apple salad or a roasted sweet potato salad for some veggie!

Thanksgiving Turkey Storage and Leftover Instructions

Leftover turkey keeps well when stored properly. Place cooled meat in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. And if you get board of days of cold turkey sandwiches after Thanksgiving, use your leftover turkey for my leftover turkey gluten free French toast bake, ground up the turkey and stuff it in a pepper, or used it for turkey kofta Pia sandwiches.  

To freeze, wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap, or place in a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

Recipe