It’s time to talk turkey and we’re here to help! Our Turkey Talk-Line is now open. Call 1-800-Butterball or text 1-844-877-3456 for answers to your turkey questions.
HOURS
| Dates | Day | Time (EST) |
| October 5th – October 6th | Saturday – Sunday | 11AM – 7PM |
| October 7th – October 10th | Monday – Thursday | Closed |
| October 11th | Friday | 12PM – 7PM |
| October 12th – October 13th | Saturday – Sunday | 11AM – 7PM |
| October 14th | Monday (Thanksgiving) | 11AM – 7PM |
It’s turkey time and we’ve got you covered. Each year, our Turkey Talk-Line experts answer more than 100,000 calls from home cooks across North America. From thawing inquires to questions about what to do when your son tries stuffing the turkey with Lego, they’ve heard it all.
We asked our Turkey Talk-Line experts the top four questions they receive each year. Their answer? The four Ts, of course!
Thawing
Each year, Butterball’s Turkey Talk-Line receives thousands of questions about how and when to thaw turkeys. The safest method is refrigerator thawing. For this method, simply place the whole unopened turkey breast-side-up on a tray in your refrigerator. You’ll need one day (24 hours) of thawing for every four pounds of turkey. For example, a 16 LB turkey will take 4 days! Check out our how-to thaw video here.
Temperature
Wondering if your turkey is done? It’s time for a temperature check! Always use a meat thermometer to determine when your turkey is fully cooked. The turkey should reach 180° F in the thigh, 165°-170°F in the breast and 165° F in the center of the stuffing.
Don’t worry, we’ve got a video for this too. Click here for temperature tips.
Two-Hour Rule
Got chatting with your family and lost track of time? Don’t worry. Your turkey can remain on the counter for up to two hours after cooking.
Pro Tip: Cover your turkey with tinfoil when it comes out of the oven to keep it warm for serving. This will help free up space in your oven to heat-up side dishes and buy you some time to add the finishing touches to your Thanksgiving feast!
Three Days to Eat
You miss 100% of the leftovers you don’t eat. After dinner, make sure to store leftover turkey in an airtight container. It can stay in your fridge for up to three days. Any longer and it’s time to hit the freezer. In need of some leftover turkey recipe inspo? We have everything from shepherd’s pie and turkey casseroles, to soups and pastas! Click here for recipes.
We’re taking the liberty of adding a fifth T – telephone. Call 1-800-Butterball or text 844-877-3456 for answers to your turkey questions. Click here for Turkey Talk-Line hours!
A Butterball whole turkey is not just meant for holidays, and if you don’t believe us, just ask Don Butt – The star of this edition of Turkey Tales.
Don has cooked over 1000 Butterball turkeys in his lifetime! How has he cooked so many, you might ask? Don is a strong believer that a Butterball turkey is a great way to bring the family together to enjoy a meal, at any time of year. This family tradition keeps his freezer full of Butterball turkeys, and Don typically cooks one every few weeks.
And, unsurprisingly, Don never lets any part go to waste – His leftovers are used in his famous Butterball Turkey Soup recipe. When we asked Don his secret to perfecting the creation – He told us it was the quality of Butterball turkey the perfect flavour that he and his family have enjoyed for so many years.
Craving a steamy, hearty, homemade soup now? We sure are. Here’s Don’s famous Butterball Turkey Soup recipe!
Leftover Turkey Soup
Ingredients
Directions
When thawed properly, a frozen turkey is just as juicy, tender and delicious as one that is fresh. We’ve put together a guide to help you perfectly thaw your turkey.
How to thaw a frozen turkey in the refrigerator
Thawing your turkey in the fridge is not the fastest method but it is the safest as it keeps the meat cold throughout the entire process.
All you need to do is:
This method should be planned well in advance to ensure you’ve given the turkey enough time to thaw.
How to thaw a frozen turkey in cold water
If you don’t have the time to thaw your turkey in the fridge, this is one of the fastest ways.
All you need to do is:
No thawing is necessary with these items.
If you prefer not to thaw a frozen turkey, then here are some perfect options for you:
Do you have turkey questions? Check out our FAQ page for more helpful tips!
Both experienced and new cooks alike worry about how long to cook their turkey. The Butterball brand has been around since 1954, so when turkey cooking advice is needed just ask our experts. You can check our website, call, email or even text during the holiday period. We will help you prepare the perfect turkey dinner.
Turkey cooking times will vary with size or if you are roasting a frozen turkey so the best and safest way to be sure your turkey is done is to check with a meat thermometer. The temperature must be 180˚F/82˚C in the thigh and minimum 165˚F/74˚C deep in the center of the stuffing.
Refer to the turkey cooking chart on the package or online. Half an hour before you expect your turkey to be done check temperatures with your thermometer. Keep in mind that it can take longer for a turkey to cook than the time listed on a chart.
Oven Temperature: Roasting charts are created using perfectly calibrated ovens. If your oven is a few degrees cooler than the recommended 325˚F/165˚C your turkey will take longer to cook. An inexpensive oven thermometer will let you know to set the dial a few degrees warmer.
Oven Opening: Anxious cooks who open the oven every 15 minutes to check the turkey allow heat to escape and as a result their turkey can take up to an hour longer to cook.
Foil or Shiny Pan: Your turkey can take longer to cook when you use a foil or shiny roasting pan that does not conduct heat.
After removing your perfectly-cooked Butterball turkey from the oven let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. Juices will redistribute throughout the meat and your turkey will be moist and flavourful.
Relax and enjoy time with your friends and family. Don’t stress over the turkey. Let your kitchen buddy, the meat thermometer, let you know when your turkey is cooked and ready to serve.
When it comes to preparing a perfect turkey there are many different ideas and preferences; we’re here to share our easy prep recommendations for a turkey that’s perfect every time.
Step One: Thawing Your Turkey
Thawing can happen a couple of ways; for instance, you can place your unopened turkey, breast down, in a sink full of cold water and change the water every half hour. This method requires more attention, but significantly cuts down the thawing time (30 minutes per pound).
When thawing in the fridge, leave your frozen turkey in its’ original plastic wrapper and place it on a tray. Allow one day of thawing for every four pounds (454 g) of turkey. The catchword here… patience.
Step Two: Preparing Your Turkey
Before preparing your turkey pre-heat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
Prepping the turkey seems to be the most complex step for first-timers, but it’s quite easy. After removing the packaging, simply remove the neck from the body cavity and the giblets from the neck cavity. Untuck the legs, drain any juices and pat dry with paper towels. The turkey is now ready for the roasting pan.
Choose a roasting pan with shallow sides (max 3 inches) and place a rack in the bottom. If you don’t have a rack, improvise with rolls of foil or raw carrots. It’s important to get the turkey up off the bottom of the pan to allow proper air flow for cooking. Place the turkey, breast facing up, on the rack.
Now that the turkey is in the pan you can add your favourite seasonings or check out our recipes for some Butterball suggestions. However, when you cook a Butterball turkey, all you really have to do is brush it with vegetable oil (canola is our choice) to prevent the skin from drying and achieve a perfect golden brown appearance.
If you choose to stuff, add the stuffing now, just before the turkey goes in the oven. Once your turkey is prepared and stuffed, re-tuck the legs and prep is complete. Do not cover or add water to the pan.
Step Three: Roasting your Turkey
Place your Butterball turkey on the middle rack of your preheated oven (325°F/160°C). About half an hour before you expect the turkey to be cooked you should check temperatures. The turkey is done when the thigh temperature reaches a minimum 180°F (82°C) and the center of the stuffing reaches a minimum 165°F (74°C). Note: If your turkey is becoming too brown while roasting, loosely tent with foil until it reaches the proper temperatures.
After removing your cooked turkey from the oven, loosely tent with foil and let it sit for at least 20 minutes so the juices can re-distribute before carving.
Cooking a turkey should not be intimidating. Just follow these three easy steps for a tender, juicy, perfect Butterball turkey.
Iconic brand introduces voice assistance to help cooks “Host Like a Boss”
Toronto, ON (November 1, 2018) – From questions about what to do
when your son tries stuffing a turkey with Lego, to inquiries about the
jacuzzi-defrosting technique, Butterball’s Turkey Talk-Line experts have heard
it all. Now, the experts are empowering cooks with more turkey resources than ever. With people increasingly
turning to their smart speakers for guidance, it’s the perfect time to integrate
Butterball’s expertise into their new hands-free, in-kitchen helper: Amazon Alexa.
For more than 65 years, Butterball has empowered cooks to shake off the stress of holiday meal prep and host like a boss. The Turkey Talk-Line has already evolved to offer support through text, email, live chat, and this year, the Turkey Talk-Line is extending its presence to the voice space with the help of Amazon Alexa.
Through the new Butterball skill for Amazon Alexa – now available on Alexa-enabled devices – a simple voice command (“Alexa, ask Butterball…”) allows cooks to hear trusted Turkey Talk-Line experts share answers to frequently asked questions and provide turkey preparation advice. Users can also watch how-to videos on compatible devices like Echo Show, Echo Spot and Amazon Fire TV Cube. To use the Butterball skill for the first time, Alexa users can say “enable Butterball skill” to their Alexa-enabled device or enable directly by visiting the Alexa Skills Store through the Alexa app or Amazon.com.
“The Turkey Talk-Line is focused on one-on-one help for cooking turkey – whether it’s a first-time cook or a 20-year veteran,” said Nicole Johnson, Co-Director of the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line. “Nothing will ever replace a phone call with an expert; but our goal is to reach cooks where it’s convenient for them and give them the confidence to ‘Host Like a Boss’ through as many means as possible.”
Teaming up with Alexa enables the Turkey Talk-Line to deliver expert advice via the voice service, Alexa. To learn more about the skill and the ways the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line is supporting cooks everywhere, visit Butterball.ca or Butterball’s social channels, like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
“The new Butterball skill for Alexa lets customers tap into years of expert cooking advice on how to prepare a turkey – even when their hands are full in the kitchen,” said Rob Pulciani, Vice President, Amazon Alexa. “We’re excited that Alexa can help make the holidays a little easier for our customers.”
Expert Advice Anytime, Anywhere: Butterball Turkey Talk-Line experts are available Nov. 1
through Dec. 24. With decades of helping home cooks under their belts,
Butterball’s experts are a holiday staple and a source of vital turkey knowledge.
With Butterball experts taking care of the turkey questions, hosts can spend
more time putting their own stamp on the day and truly “Host Like a Boss.” You
can reach the Turkey Talk-Line via:
About the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line
One of the first national, toll-free consumer help lines, the Turkey Talk-Line has
helped almost 50 million consumers since its first season in November 1981.
Each November and December, professionally trained turkey experts assist more
than 4 million cooks through the Turkey Talk-Line, Butterball.com, Facebook,
Twitter, Instagram, live chat and emails in the United States and Canada. With
more than 50 staff members, the Turkey Talk-Line has the resources to answer
questions from both English- or Spanish-speaking callers and respond to
questions via email.
For more information contact Elizabeth.Krock@ZenoGroup.com.
The trickiest moment at many Thanksgivings is a seemingly simple one: lifting your turkey from its roasting pan to the serving tray.
A simple turkey lifter, made from a few lengths of kitchen twine can take that weight off your shoulders. And remember, no matter
how amazing and incomparable the turkey lifter is, always be cautious when you handle hot food.
What do I need?
How do I make it?
See How To Make a Turkey Lifter on our Butterball Canada YouTube channel.
Turkey is a delicious and healthy protein for any meal. People take great care and put a lot of time and effort into how they prepare the whole turkey. But, what comes after dinner is over?
Butterball offers a number of turkey recipes that use leftovers to help you and your family get the most out of that delicious turkey dinner.
Turkey Soup
Ever considered turkey soup? This is a great way to put those turkey leftovers to good use. Our turkey soup recipe will give you a zesty taste experience that will have your family coming back for more.
Get the recipe here: https://www.butterball.ca/recipes/turkey-salsa-soup.
Casseroles
Casseroles are always a quick and excellent way to use leftover turkey. Tip: throw leftover sides in your casserole for even more flavour.
Get the recipe here: https://www.butterball.ca/recipes/turkey-tetrazzini
Hearty Recipes
If you’re looking for filling dish that uses leftover turkey, a potpie will do the trick. Crispy crust, delicious turkey… now we’re getting hungry!
Get the recipe here: https://www.butterball.ca/recipes/hearty-turkey-pie
Sandwiches
If all else fails, why not go with a more traditional method and put together sandwiches with your leftover turkey? Add a little Dijon mustard or cranberry sauce for something extra!
Looking for some scary good ways to celebrate Halloween in 2020? We dare you to read further…
Here are some fun and safe ways to get your family excited for October 31.
Put on a show
All dressed up and nowhere to go? Just because you’re not leaving your house to celebrate Halloween doesn’t mean you can’t strut around in a fun costume. Consider making your own costume using old clothing and supplies around your house. Plan a costume show, complete with a runway, chairs, music, flashing lights and a photographer (that’s you, mom).
Scary delicious snacks
Halloween is all about tricks and treats. With just a few simple ingredients and a pinch of creativity, your Halloween snacks can be transformed into a wicked work of art.
A twist on a favourite snack, Eve Mayrand’s Mini Mummy Pizzas are an easy, tasty appetizer that will get you right into the Halloween spirit. Plus, they’re made with Butterball’s Turkey Pepperoni, which has 50 per cent less fat than regular pepperoni. Click here for the recipe.
Need a witch-approved potion to wash things down? We recommend grape juice with candy worms or lemon-lime Kool Aid.
Plan a scavenger hunt
The best part about Halloween is the candy, always. Even if you or your kids aren’t headed out the door for some trick-or-treating this year, you can still go on a hunt for some tasty treats. Hide your favourite Halloween candies around the house and send your kids on a hunt. Whoever finds the most candy, wins! But we recommend dividing things up at the end to avoid any sad little ghosts.
Turn your home into a haunted house
Bring on the haunted house vibes! Decorate your house with some haunted Halloween decorations, put on some scary music (we’re fans of The Monster Mash) and turn out the lights. Assign each person in your household to a spooky role—a zombie, a clown, a mummy—and take turns scaring each other as you walk through the house.
Make things extra spooky by telling ghost stories in your haunted abode.
Haunted film festival
Want to keep things a little more low-key? Cozy up on the couch, put on your favourite Halloween movies and prepare for a scare. From Hotel Transylvania and Coraline, to The Conjuring and Insidious, there is a never-ending list of movies perfect for a Halloween viewing party.
Show us how you’re celebrating Halloween by posting your monstrous, bone-chilling and boo-tiful photos using the hashtag #ButterballEasy.
By Chef Shahir Massoud
The holidays are here, and no matter how you celebrate, you’ll likely have turkey on the table. This year, I’ll be enjoying a delicious dinner with my wife Mila and our three-year-old son, Kairo. Given it’s just the three of us, I expect we’ll have some leftovers, but I’m not complaining.
Leftovers are one of my favourite parts of a holiday meal (besides the turkey… and the company). From Turkey Ramen to Potato and Stuffing Gnocchi, you can take leftovers from boring to brilliant with just a touch of creativity.
Check out my absolute favourite holiday leftover recipes below (and my secret to the ultimate broth) or browse Butterball.ca for some more inspiration.
The Best Turkey Broth
Turkey broth is a triple threat—it tastes amazing, it’s good for you and it’s relatively easy to make. All you need are the leftover turkey bones from your holiday dinner, some vegetable oil, a couple of spices and some fresh vegetables.
Are you here for the secret? Roast your bones first, then deglaze the pan. This will help make your broth even more flavourful!
Ingredients
Bones from 1 turkey, chopped into smaller pieces
3 Tbsp. vegetable oil
2 carrots, roughly chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 white onion, chopped
1/4 cup tomato paste
4 bay leaves
5 cloves garlic
1 bunch thyme
1 bunch rosemary
Instructions
Turkey Ramen Soup (serves 6)
While regular turkey noodle soup is timeless, and delicious, I’m all about taking things up a notch. This Turkey Ramen recipe is the perfect dish to cozy up with on cold winter nights. The best part? It tastes amazing and it’s super easy to make.
Ingredients
2 L turkey stock
6 eggs, soft boiled for 7 minutes
2 bunches green onions, finely sliced
2 cups leftover turkey, shredded
2 Tbsp. sesame oil
2 Tbsp. chili oil (optional)
300 g fresh noodles
4 nori sheets
Instructions
Potato and Stuffing Gnocchi (serves 4–6)
We always have a lot of leftover stuffing in our house. It’s delicious on its own, but we’re trying to encourage our son to try different things. This recipe is great for involving kids in the kitchen, showing them how to get creative and for expanding their palates.
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups mashed potatoes
1 cup stuffing
1 egg
1 3/4 cup flour
Instructions
Cranberry Mostarda
Cranberry sauce is a must for any holiday dinner, big or small! I don’t know about you, but we rarely use the whole can and sometimes struggle to find ways to repurpose the leftover sauce. Problem solved – the perfect combination of sweet and savoury, this jammy Cranberry Mostarda can be enjoyed on just about anything.
Ingredients
2 cups cranberry sauce
2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
2 Tbsp. brown sugar
1 tsp chili flakes
1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
There you have it—some seriously delicious ways to use up those holiday leftovers. Who knows, you might like these recipes so much you’ll cook another turkey next week!
By: Denise Wild
I hate to say it, but summer is winding down, and it’s time to get back into those school and work routines. I, personally, will be trying to squeeze every minute out of the remaining sunny summer days with my family, while also prepping for fall. And if you’re like me, the last thing you need during this busy time of year is to be spending hours in the kitchen preparing meals. That’s why I turn to my go-to healthy meal ingredient: Butterball Turkey. With Butterball, I know I am not only feeding my family something healthy, but I am making my life easier since there are so many effortless recipes that I can whip up for any meal of the day. Here are two of my favourite back-to-school recipes, perfect for a packed lunch or a meal at home when you’re learning online.
Easy Pizza Bites
A favourite around my house for lunch or dinner is pizza. I mean, who doesn’t love pizza? But as a mom, I’m always looking for the healthiest options of my daughter’s favorite foods. That’s why this simple, delicious pizza recipe includes Butterball Turkey Pepperoni. Since Butterball Turkey Pepperoni contains 50% less fat than regular pepperoni and is made of 100% turkey raised without antibiotics, I know my family is only eating the best. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
How-To:
Turkey Fruit Kebabs
This time of year, I also love recipes that can be used for last-minute picnics, day trips, or school lunches. Turkey fruit kebabs are fun, nutritious, and easy to transport. Plus, they’re easy enough for kids to help assemble, so everyone can get involved in the kitchen. And guess what? They’re the perfect upgrade for leftovers! When you cook a Butterball Boneless White & Dark Turkey Roast for dinner, you may have some delicious leftovers for lunch the next day or quick weeknight dinners. So, this leftover alternative is a perfect, unexpected transformation! Butterball makes their roasts so easy to prepare, and they always come out juicy, tender, and delicious—it doesn’t get better than that in my books! Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
How-To:
Whether you are backyard BBQing or elsewhere this summer, the secret weapon to leveling up your turkey game is with a delicious marinade. Not only does a good marinade bring moisture and juiciness, but can also intensify flavour. Intimidated by the marinade? Chef Shahir Massoud has shared his best marinating tips to set you and your family up for a summer of savour. Try them out for yourself with Chef Shahir’s “Double” Caesar Salad recipe featuring Butterball Easy Fresh Boneless Turkey Breast and this Spicy Caesar drink featuring Butterball Franks.
Marinades are about Flavour
Most people think that marinades are meant to tenderize (which they can to a small extent), but really, they’re about flavour! When it comes to keeping your turkey tender, it’s way more important to select a high-quality turkey like Butterball and manage your cook time and temperature. So, always have your thermometer ready!
Make Extra
If you’re going to the trouble of making a delicious marinade, make extra and set it aside, but be sure that the leftover marinade hasn’t touched any raw turkey! Serve that extra batch as a dipping sauce or brush it on your meat at the end of the cooking process!
Think Yogurt
Most marinades have some form of acidity—lemon juice, vinegar, etc. So, yogurt is a great way to introduce tang and offers superior colour and char on the grill!
Sugar, Sugar, Oh Honey Honey
Some marinades call for brown sugar, orange juice, etc. But, be careful with these amounts, high sugar marinades can burn easily on the grill! Also, you can try honey as a healthier alternative, especially if you’re choosing a healthier protein like turkey.
Plan Ahead
Marinating your turkey overnight is always best. But if you forget, try to get your turkey in your marinade at least a couple of hours before hitting the grill—the extra time makes a big difference in allowing the flavours to penetrate!
Inspired? Get started on your marinating journey by entering in our Instagram giveaway, and you could win the ultimate Butterball and Tabasco Prize Pack!
Whether you’re a BBQ veteran or this your first time firing up the grill, a DIY burger bar is the perfect way to impress your family this summer. To help you get grilling, we teamed up with Chef Shahir Massoud to share his gourmet burger bar tips and recipes, using Butterball Turkey Burgers.
Start with the perfect patty – It all starts with the perfect patty. A lean source of protein, Butterball Turkey Burgers are the perfect canvas for your gourmet burger toppings. With less than half the fat of beef burgers, you’ll feel good knowing you made a healthy choice.
Serve a variety of tasty toppings – When it comes to the ultimate burger, balance is key. Serve a selection of toppings with different textures, flavours and colours. This will allow everyone to get creative with their flavour combinations. Here are some ingredient profiles and recipe ideas to keep in mind when shopping for your burger bar toppings:
Don’t forget the buns – From bagels and bread to pretzel rolls and sesame seed buns, there are many bun options to choose from. Put together a bun basket with some lighter alternatives, such as thin pitas and lettuce wraps as well as some more indulgent options like ciabatta rolls and cheese buns. This will help take the customized burger experience to a whole other level. Check out these gourmet burger bar recipes for more inspiration.
Don’t forget to share your #ButterballEasy burger bar creations on Instagram and Facebook, tagging @Butterball_ca.
Roasted Roma Tomatoes
Grilled Veggies
Grilled Chili Lime Pineapple
Pickled Cucumbers with Cilantro
Chipotle Mayo
Truffle Mayo
Simple Avocado Spread
Creamy Slaw
Grilled Kale
Cheeses
It’s summertime and the grilling easy! We’ve teamed up with Broil King to help bring you the ultimate BBQ experience this summer. From delicious recipes and fool-proof grilling tips to a sizzling summer giveaway, we’ve got everything you need to make the most of BBQ Season.
The Contest
Let’s start with the good stuff. We’re giving away $100 in Butterball gift certificates and a Regal Pellet 500 Smoker and Grill to one lucky Canadian. Click here to enter for your chance to win.
Fool-Proof Tips and Tricks
Grilling can be intimidating but we’ve got you covered. Follow these simple tips and tricks and you’ll be a grill master in no time.
Must-Try BBQ Recipes
Now that you’ve got the skills, you need the recipes. Here are some of our favourites.
BBQ Turkey Pizza Turkey Tangdi Kabab Detroit-Style Turkey Coney Dog Peri-Peri Turkey Burger
BBQ Season? That’s #ButterballEasy
What better way to celebrate mom, than by making her feel like royalty with a modern high tea? Not only is this a thoughtful gift she’ll love it can also be a fun and educational activity for the whole family.
Grab your apron, wash your hands and follow these simple steps and recipes to make this Mother’s Day the best one yet.
Cooking together can be an educational bonding activity for young children. From colours and counting to spelling and reading – the kitchen is a classroom in disguise. As a chef and father, Butterball spokesperson, Shahir Massoud, recommends the following tips for making the most out of cooking with kids:
High tea is all about great food, good company and a beautiful table setting. Short on décor? Don’t worry! Here are some fun DIY projects you can do with children to help decorate:
As the quintessential food for high tea parties, finger sandwiches are a must-have! Spice up your favourite sandwich recipes with a modern twist by adding new seasonings, like tarragon and sea salt, and healthy proteins like Butterball Applewood Smoked Turkey Bacon. By incorporating contemporary ingredients, you’ll transform your high tea to a modern experience and expand your children’s pallets.
Check out these easy recipes for some inspiration!
There you have it, the ultimate modern high tea to celebrate Mother’s Day.
Enjoy!
by Abby Langer
It’s Nutrition Month and what better way to celebrate than talking turkey? Turkey is a great source of lean protein, which is fundamental for a healthy diet. Not only does protein help build and maintain muscle mass, but it also plays a big role in developing antibodies to fight viruses and bacteria. As an added bonus, when we eat protein, our bodies release hormones that make us feel full for longer.
As a Registered Dietician, I always recommend around 20–25 grams of protein with each meal and, of course, turkey is one of my favourites. Here are five reasons why:
It’s a high-quality, lean protein.
Turkey breast is a high-quality protein, meaning that it can easily satisfy my 20–25 grams recommendation in a reasonable portion size.
A 4oz serving of turkey has 32 grams protein and is low in saturated fat. A lot of people choose turkey breast because it has less fat and fewer calories. But, when you look at the numbers closely, there is little difference. For every ounce, there’s just 1 more gram of fat and approximately 4 more calories in dark meat, compared to white. Dark meat also contains a higher concentration of nutrients, so if you prefer dark meat but have been avoiding it because you think it’s less healthy, you don’t have to do that anymore. Enjoy!
It’s versatile.
I use turkey for any poultry recipe. Last Thanksgiving, I spatchcocked a whole Butterball turkey but I’ve also done turkey lettuce wraps, turkey burgers, turkey apricot salad sandwiches, Mediterranean turkey breast, turkey tacos and turkey BLT salad. Sometimes, I just roast a Butterball Easy Fresh turkey breast for sandwich meat instead of buying meat at the deli—that way, I can control what goes in and on the meat.
I use a variety of flavours to season turkey breast before cooking it, such as smoky mesquite BBQ sauce or grainy honey mustard. Both are delicious!
You get a lot of bang for your buck.
Roasting a whole turkey is easy (I promise!) and it’s a cost-effective way to feed your family.
Once you roast the entire turkey, use the breast for sandwich meat, the dark meat for casseroles, and the carcass for soup. You can get a lot of meals out of one turkey, and many of them can be frozen for later use.
One of my favorite casseroles to make with turkey is turkey pot pie, which my kids adore!
It’s rich in nutrients.
Turkey is packed with zinc, selenium, B6, B12, niacin (B3) and iron, which are important for many body processes. Let’s take a closer look at what these nutrients actually do:
Zinc helps your immune system and metabolism function. It also helps with healing wounds and may improve your sense of taste and smell.
Selenium is a powerful mineral that plays a critical role in metabolism and thyroid function. As a bonus, it helps protect your body from damage caused by oxidative stress.
B vitamins are the building blocks of a healthy body. They have a direct impact on your energy levels, brain function and cell metabolism.
Iron is essential for the health and development of red blood cells, which carry oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body. Iron also helps the body develop some important hormones.
It contains tryptophan, which is the precursor to serotonin and melatonin.
Before we get ahead of ourselves, no, turkey dinner will not make you sleepy. But turkey does contain tryptophan—an essential amino acid that our bodies must get from food. Tryptophan from our diet is used to make serotonin and melatonin, which help stabilize mood and contribute to a good night’s sleep. In other words, turkey brings on the good vibes!
Next time you make a poultry recipe, reach for turkey!
Thankfully, there’s Butterball.
The Canadian chef and inn proprietor on his go-to kitchen tool, most memorable meal, favourite hobbies and more.
Owner and chef of a multi-award-winning inn, Benjamin Leblanc-Beaudoin’s roots run deep in the hospitality world. His journey began more than 15-years ago when he took a job working at the front desk of a hotel. It was there that he fell in love with hospitality and cuisine, inspiring him to attend culinary school.
Trained in classic French cuisine, Benjamin has worked at Michelin star restaurants in Paris and Switzerland as well as famed restaurants in Ottawa and Toronto. He has taken his learnings from each of these restaurants to establish his successful inn, the Iron Kettle Bed and Breakfast, in Comber, Ontario.
We chatted with Benjamin to learn all about life as a chef and officially introduce him as a Butterball spokesperson.
When did you first discover your love for cooking?
I discovered my love of cooking when I moved out of my parent’s home to go to school. Having grown up in a very healthy-eating household, I was eager to eat as much junk food as possible. After 3 weeks of it, I gave up and started cooking for myself. Years later I realized that my parents had it right all along.
What is the first dish you learned to master?
The first dish I ever learned to master was Rice Pilaf. Long grain rice, vegetables, water and butter. I loved the smell of the onions cooking in butter and have been making it ever since.
What is your favourite ingredient to cook with (other than turkey) and why?
My favourite ingredient to cook with (other than turkey) is butter. There is no substitute for it. Butter adds flavour, texture, and creaminess to every dish. Cooking without butter for me is like cooking without passion.
What is one kitchen tool you can’t live without?
There are so many kitchen tools available and new ones keep being invented. The one kitchen tool I can’t live without is a wooden spoon. You can buy the most expensive one or the cheapest one, it always serves its purpose.
What is one of the most memorable meals you’ve ever had?
Food memories are huge for me. One of the most memorable meals I’ve had was flash-fried seafood, caught off the coast in Cinque Terre, Italy. There is no substitute for this freshness – I would go back to that same town just to eat this very thing.
What’s your favourite part of being an inn proprietor?
My favourite part of being an inn proprietor is the guest interactions I get to have daily. There are people from all over the world that stay with us. People always leave with a smile and that is an amazing feeling.
Sweet or savoury?
If the question is sweet or savoury, my answer is always savoury – 10 times out of 10.
What is your favourite meal to cook at home?
At home, I love cooking simple foods that nourish and can last more than one meal. My pet peeve is preparing a meal for 4 hours, just to eat it in 15 minutes. Simple is best. For that reason, I love making pizza and to use up leftovers to clean out the fridge on it.
If you didn’t become a chef, which profession would you have chosen?
If I didn’t become a chef, I would still be working in the travel and tourism industry. I loved my first front desk job and I would still do it today. As a matter of fact, I actually do (to a certain degree at the B&B).
What is your favourite thing to do outside of the kitchen?
My favourite thing to do outside of the kitchen is travel with my family. Whether it’s a day trip or an actual vacation, I love travelling and exploring. My travels always revolve around food, markets and new experiences to stay inspired. Food is my life and my passion.
Easter might be a little different this year, but it doesn’t mean we can’t still celebrate (virtually) with family and friends! We’re serving up 5 tips and tricks to help you host the ultimate ‘virtual’ Easter dinner.
1) Send virtual invitations – Decide on a date and time for your celebration and send a virtual invitation. There are a lot of great websites with easy-to-use invitation templates that still look great – your friends and family will think you had them professionally designed!
Don’t forget to include the details for your video chat. Whether you’re using an online application or simply video chatting on your phone, it is important to make sure your friends and family can easily join the celebration.
2) Plan the menu – Since you’ll be cooking for a smaller group, it’s a good idea to cook items that make for easy leftovers. Potatoes, carrots, and stuffing are all sides that heat up well in the microwave.
When it comes to the main event, why not opt for a turkey roast? They go directly from the freezer to the oven, to the table – no thawing required. Now that’s easy!
3) Don’t forget to decorate – Now’s the time to set the table with linens, glassware, napkins and any festive décor you may have. Take a look around your house for leftover Easter decorations from a previous year or artificial flowers that would be perfect for this occasion. Adding these small details will make your celebration feel special.
4) Create a playlist – We all know the difference music can make at a party, even a virtual one! Add ambience to your Easter dinner with a curated playlist of your choice. Light and upbeat background music is a great way to set the mood and keep the party going while everyone is eating. Just be sure to keep an ear out on the volume throughout the celebration and adjust if it is impacting the quality of your call!
5) Take advantage of leftovers – One of the best parts about turkey is the leftovers! Use your leftover turkey to prepare quick, delicious and nutritious meals for the week ahead. From breakfast and protein-packed snacks to quick and easy lunch and dinners – there are hundreds of versatile ways to create meals for any occasion using those turkey leftovers. Check out our library of recipes to get inspired!
Happy virtual Easter!
-Butterball
Cooking together can be both fun and educational for young children. Not only does it encourage family bonding, but it can also help with the development of math and reading skills. As a chef and father, Butterball spokesperson, Shahir Massoud, recommends the following tips for making the most out of cooking with kids:
Looking for some cooking inspiration? Be sure to check out our recipe page for hundreds of delicious recipe ideas.
Thanksgiving, like many things, will look a little different in 2020. While you may not be squeezing nieces and nephews around your dining room table, there’s still fun (and turkey) to be had.
Now’s the perfect time to create new traditions and make memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t know where to start? Check out these unique ways to celebrate Thanksgiving in 2020.
Get outside
Embrace all the great outdoors has to offer this Thanksgiving and dine al fresco. Make sure to plan for the cooler weather and keep your food warm. When your turkey comes out the oven, cover it with tinfoil and towels while you make your sides. This will help your turkey stay warm and allow the juices to redistribute. It’s a win-win! You could also cook your turkey the day before and make a delicious turkey soup to help you keep cozy outdoors!
Want to keep the whole deal outside? Try this BBQ Spatchcock Turkey recipe.
Have a virtual cook-along
One of the best parts about Thanksgiving is quality time spent preparing food with loved ones. While you may not be able to do this in person, you can still do it virtually! Organize a virtual Thanksgiving cook-along with your friends and family. Have everyone share their favourite recipe and pick-up their ingredients ahead of time. Then sit back and virtually catch-up with your friends and family while your turkey cooks!
Don’t forget that the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line is just a phone call away if you have any turkey-related questions.
Prepare and deliver food ahead of time
Show your friends and family a little Thanksgiving love with a surprise food delivery. While you may not be able to celebrate together, you can still show you’re thankful for loved ones by dropping off food they can enjoy on Thanksgiving. Butterball Chef, Shahir Massoud, recommends delivering dishes that taste better the longer they rest, such as a harvest kale salad with shredded turkey. Soup, pasta, turkey casseroles and Shepard’s pie are all also delicious leftover turkey dishes to deliver.
Check out the Butterball Turkey Calculator to determine what size of turkey you need to feed all of your delivery recipients.
For more tips, tricks and recipe ideas, take a look around Butterball.ca.
Whether you’ve been making turkey for years or you’re new to the game, we’re committed to providing you with the tools you need to make all your festive occasions easy and delicious.
Butterball Turkey Calculator
Not sure what size of turkey to buy or when to put it in the oven? Our convenient Turkey Calculator does the math for you. Here’s how it works:
FAQ and Videos
You have turkey questions, we have turkey answers. From tips on how to read date codes to safe handling instructions, our FAQ section will help you pull off dinner without a fuss.
If you prefer to watch videos, check out our helpful recipe, cooking tip and handling instruction videos.
For everything else turkey, you can always check out or website.
It’s cold outside, and snow is gently falling. Your turkey is roasting to perfection in the oven. (how to roast video)
And oh yes, your holiday table is beautifully set. Once your guests arrive, they can’t stop complimenting how you’ve decorated it.
This can be your reality this festive season, with a few simple steps:
Pick a theme, any theme: Rustic, elegant, traditional or even a little quirky – there’s no wrong answer when it comes to deciding on a theme for your table. Whatever you choose, stick to it.
Turn to nature: Some of the best decor can come from the outdoors, especially during the winter season. Pine cones, holly and birch branches all give off some seriously festive vibes.
Assigned seating is always a good idea: Place cards eliminate any potential pre-dinner panic. And they add a nice touch to your table, even if you’re hosting a small group. For a simple DIY, prop your place cards in those pinecones you picked up outside.
Avoid matchy-matchy: Don’t get too hung up on having matching tableware, napkins, or even chairs. Embrace an eclectic look by combining your modern items with antique touches (like your grandma’s cherished silverware).
Get creative with your centerpiece: The world is your oyster when it comes to choosing your centerpiece. Make things as simple or as complex as you’d like. Fill vases or jars with twinkle lights and ornaments. Spread some greenery across the centre of the table. And of course, always add candles!
Thankfully, your holiday table will look amazing. Thankfully, there’s Butterball.
Recipes, turkeys and cooking, sounds exciting. Throw in a few new ideas from Chef Shahir and ‘voila’, you have the recipe for success.
No matter your cooking level or experience, Butterball Canada has more than 100 turkey recipes, which have been created to help you get the most out of your turkey. Not only are the recipes easy and fun, but they’re delicious too! And, you can use them for everyday meals, special occasions and holidays.
So, without further ado, let’s get cooking.
Roast turkey with cranberry, orange glaze
If you like roasting your turkey, then we have an easy and fun cranberry orange glaze recipe that is certain to make mouths water. To enhance the flavour, we recommend placing carrots (you can also use onions, celery and turnips) around the bird while it cooks.
Creamy broccoli with turkey bacon
Our creamy broccoli with turkey bacon salad is a hearty dish that can be made using turkey leftovers. It is tasty, simple to prepare and will be a hit with your family.
Prosciutto wrapped turkey roasts with chipotle mango BBQ sauce
If you’re up for something a little more adventurous, then this mouthwatering and fun turkey recipe will appeal to your taste buds. This prosciutto wrapped turkey roasts with chipotle mango BBQ sauce recipe is filled with tangy and tantalizing ingredients. Yum!
Vietnamese turkey wraps
Looking for a new family favourite? This Vietnamese turkey wrap recipe is easy to make and loved by all.
Coconut curry turkey breast
Want to spice things up? This coconut curry turkey breast recipe will do the trick. The great thing about this easy dish is that you can make it as hot or mild as you like.
French onion turkey burger
Love burgers? Then this French onion turkey burger is going to be a real treat. Throw in some fries and you’re good to chow down.
Remember, we have over 100 turkey recipes, so explore all of them and enjoy.
After graduating from York University’s Schulich School of Business, I realized a career as an accountant wasn’t really for me. I didn’t want to simply sit at a desk in a cubicle. I had more to offer than that. Even from an early age, I’d always had a deep passion for cooking, so I pursued my dream and moved to New York City to enroll in the prestigious French Culinary Institute.
In New York I was fortunate to gain valuable experience in the kitchens of two of the great chefs of Italian and French cuisine in America: Mario Batali (Lupa) and Jean-Georges Vongerichten (The Mark Hotel) and Saveur magazine.
Upon my return home to Toronto, I headed up the kitchen at Cinq 01 where I was one of the youngest chefs to be awarded a coveted two-star “Very Good” review from Toronto Life.
Next stop, the Culinary Adventure Company as Corporate Executive Chef, responsible for the entire culinary experience of every guest.
From there, I became Corporate Executive Chef at Levetto, a fast-casual concept specializing in authentic Roman pizza and pasta.
And now I’m working with Butterball to create new ideas and inspire new tastes for turkey. That tender, juicy, delicious meat is not just for the holidays. Turkey is a versatile protein that can be seasoned and prepared in an infinite variety of ways. Turkey is also such a nutritional powerhouse it has been labeled a super food. It’s high in B vitamins, zinc, selenium and amino acids. If you’re looking for a lean and healthy alternative for any meal occasion, turkey is the ideal choice.
I look forward to creating new recipes for turkey, sharing my thoughts and finding new friends in the kitchen. Join me and together we can see how far we can take the great taste of Butterball turkey and make every meal a special occasion.
