Description
Golden, crisp skin and succulent, juicy meat—this Perfect Roast Turkey is a showstopping holiday centerpiece. Infused with herb butter and roasted to perfection, it’s everything you want for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a comforting Sunday dinner.
Ingredients
1 whole turkey (12–16 pounds), thawed if frozen
0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
1 onion, quartered
1 lemon, halved
4 garlic cloves, smashed
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water
Instructions
1. Remove the turkey giblets and pat the bird dry with paper towels. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
2. In a small bowl, mix softened butter with rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper.
3. Gently loosen the skin over the breasts and rub some herb butter underneath. Rub remaining butter all over the outside of the bird. Stuff cavity with onion, lemon, and garlic.
4. Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Place turkey breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Pour broth or water into the bottom of the pan.
5. Roast for 45 minutes uncovered, then reduce heat to 325°F (163°C). Roast another 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Transfer turkey to a cutting board, tent loosely with foil, and rest for 20–30 minutes before carving.
Notes
Let the turkey rest to seal in juices and avoid dry meat.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate doneness.
No roasting rack? Use a bed of carrots, celery, and onions for support and flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (approx. 6 oz cooked meat)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: Roast turkey, Thanksgiving, holiday main, classic turkey