Description
Master the art of the perfect Thanksgiving turkey with this foolproof recipe that guarantees juicy, golden-brown results. Packed with flavor from herb butter, aromatics, and proper roasting technique, this recipe ensures your holiday centerpiece is tender, delicious, and show-stopping.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 to 18 pound turkey, fully thawed
- 1 onion, peeled and quartered
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 1–2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1–2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1–2 sprigs fresh sage
- Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
- For the Herb Butter:
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
- For the Vegetable Base (optional):
- 1 onion, quartered
- 3 celery ribs, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- Substitutions:
- Use 1 teaspoon dried herbs for every 1 tablespoon fresh
- Replace butter with olive oil or avocado oil for dairy-free option
Instructions
- Remove turkey from the refrigerator 1 hour before cooking to reach room temperature. Remove giblets and pat dry with paper towels.
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Season turkey cavity with salt and pepper. Stuff with onion, lemon, and herb sprigs.
- In a bowl, mix butter, garlic, salt, pepper, rosemary, and thyme until smooth.
- Loosen the skin over the breast and spread one-third of the herb butter beneath the skin. Rub remaining butter over the turkey exterior.
- Place turkey on a roasting rack or over chopped vegetables in a roasting pan. Tuck wing tips under the body.
- Roast at 325°F for about 15 minutes per pound, until the thickest part of the breast or thigh reaches 158°–160°F.
- Remove from oven and let rest 30 minutes before carving. Internal temperature will rise to 165°F as it rests.
Notes
Use a meat thermometer to prevent overcooking. Allow 24 hours of thawing time per 4–5 pounds. Let turkey rest 30 minutes before carving to retain juices. For extra flavor, baste with pan juices halfway through roasting if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4.5 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 ounces
- Calories: 515
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 528mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 70g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
Keywords: thanksgiving turkey, roast turkey, holiday dinner, herb butter turkey, juicy turkey recipe