I have a confession to make: my Thanksgiving turkeys are inconsistent at best! It’s such a tricky dish to make, especially since most of us only prepare it once a year. Luckily, we’ve got some seriously smart tips for you that will help to ensure that you get through your stressful culinary session unscathed!

Today we are going to be following a recipe from fabulous YouTube cooking guru The Domestic Geek. She’s got some  great advice on how to roast a juicy and evenly-cooked turkey that your guests will love! Just take a deep breath, break out that baster, and follow these simple steps.

1. Roast the Bird on a Bed of Fresh Veggies

   If you’re looking for your turkey to have a signature bold flavor, then just grab some veggies! Our host says that the best ones to use for this particular dish are celery, carrots, and onions. Chop them down so that they measure out to be about 2 to 3 inches long and throw them in the bottom of your pan.

   You will want these vegetables to act as a prop in order to keep the turkey from getting burnt or stuck to the pan, so it’s best to ensure that the bottom of your pan is fully covered with these ingredients.

2. Go for a Simple Seasoning

   The seasoning step is always what trips me up when I make my turkey every year! Sometimes I end up with a super briny bird, while other times the turkey tastes like nothing at all!

   Our host says that, though a lot of people grab bay leaves during this stage, she prefers the simplest option—salt and pepper. Don’t add too much of either the salt or the pepper; just one layer will do. Remember, much of the flavor for your turkey will be coming from the vegetables.

3. Get That Crispy Skin

   According to our YouTuber, the key to getting that elusive crispy skin is cheesecloth! Who would have thought? All you need to do is soak a piece of cheesecloth in melted butter, then drape it over the bird before baking.

   Of this process, TheDomesticGeek explains, “I know it sounds a little peculiar, but—let me tell you—it makes all the difference when it comes to achieving a beautiful, even, golden brown color.” Sounds good to me!

So, now that you know how to prepare your turkey for baking, let’s talk about cooking time. Though there’s a lot of information out there about a turkey’s weight as it coordinates with cooking time, the truth of the matter is that every oven is different and these “rules” may not always yield the best results.

The only surefire way of determining whether a turkey is ready to be carved or not is by using a meat thermometer or temperature probe. Until the breast reaches an internal temperature of 165-degrees Fahrenheit, keep it in that oven!

Our host also recommends basting the turkey every half an hour or so, and letting it rest for about 15 minutes under a foil tent after it is ready to be taken out of the oven. Look at that yummy-looking bird!

Watch The Domestic Geek’s video below for even more Thanksgiving cooking tips!

What do you think about this YouTuber’s baking method? Have yoe ever used cheesecloth to make a turkey before? If so, how were the results? Tell us all about your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below!