This roast turkey recipe makes a juicy and golden bird, perfect for any holiday or family gathering. Seasoned with herbs, it’s simple yet satisfying!
Let’s face it, the aroma of roasting turkey automatically gets everyone in the mood to eat! I recommend serving it with mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort food experience.
I love how straightforward this recipe is! Just prep, season, and roast. With the turkey taking center stage, it truly becomes the star of the meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Turkey: The star of the show! Choose your turkey based on the number of guests. For a smaller crowd, a turkey breast can work well too.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best to control the saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, try using olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative for seasoning.
Herbs: Dried thyme and rosemary add wonderful flavor. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried herbs can work, but use less—about 1/3 of the amount.
Onion and Lemon: These aromatics are key for flavor. If you’re out of lemon, a splash of vinegar can add a nice tang. Onions can be swapped with shallots for a milder taste.
Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth keeps things from getting too salty. Vegetable broth is a great substitution for a lighter option or if you want a vegetarian approach.
How Do I Achieve Moist and Flavorful Turkey?
Getting a juicy turkey requires proper seasoning and cooking techniques. Here’s how to nail it:
- Butter Under the Skin: This is vital! It infuses flavor directly into the meat. Make sure to spread it gently so you don’t tear the skin.
- Basting: Basting every 45 minutes with pan juices keeps the turkey moist. If it looks dry, more broth can help retain moisture.
- Resting Time: After roasting, let the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes. This allows the juices to settle, ensuring a juicy bird when you slice it.
- Using a Thermometer: Insert a thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. It will help you know when it’s perfectly cooked at 165°F (74°C).
With these tips, you’ll create a memorable roast turkey that your friends and family will love!
Classic Roast Turkey Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs), thawed if frozen
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 onion, quartered
- 1 lemon, halved
- 4-5 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 4-5 sprigs fresh thyme
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water
- Fresh rosemary and parsley for garnish
- Cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, or roasted potatoes for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This classic roast turkey recipe takes about 15-20 minutes for prep work and approximately 3-4 hours in the oven, depending on the size of your turkey. Allow an additional 30 minutes for resting after cooking. So, you should set aside a total of around 4-5 hours for the entire process!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). This temperature is perfect for slow-roasting the turkey to achieve that golden brown color and juicy texture.
2. Prepare the Turkey:
Remove the giblets from the turkey’s cavity and pat the outside dry with paper towels. This helps with browning the skin and prevents steaming.
3. Create the Herb Butter:
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and garlic powder together until well combined. This herb butter will provide fantastic flavor to your turkey!
4. Season the Turkey:
Gently loosen the skin over the turkey breast by sliding your fingers under it. Spread about half of the seasoned butter underneath the skin. Rub the remaining butter all over the outside of the turkey for an evenly seasoned crust.
5. Stuff the Cavity:
Stuff the cavity of the turkey with the quartered onion, halved lemon, and fresh herb sprigs. This will flavor the meat from the inside out as it cooks.
6. Set Up for Roasting:
Place the turkey, breast side up, on a roasting rack inside a large roasting pan. Pour about 2 cups of chicken broth or water into the bottom of the pan to help keep the turkey moist as it roasts.
7. Start Roasting:
Loosely tent the turkey with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. Roast in the preheated oven, using the general guideline of about 13 minutes per pound for cooking time.
8. Baste the Turkey:
Every 45 minutes, carefully baste the turkey with the pan juices to keep it moist. Add more broth if needed to ensure the bottom of the pan doesn’t dry out. Basting adds flavor and keeps the meat juicy!
9. Crisp the Skin:
About 45 minutes before the turkey is finished, remove the foil tent to allow the skin to become golden brown and crispy.
10. Check for Doneness:
The turkey is done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F (74°C). Always double-check for safety!
11. Resting the Turkey:
Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest by tenting it with foil. Allow it to rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving. This step ensures the juices redistribute throughout the meat!
12. Garnish and Serve:
Garnish your beautifully roasted turkey with fresh rosemary and parsley. Serve it alongside cranberry sauce and your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.
Enjoy your delicious, golden roast turkey! Perfect for family gatherings or holidays!
Can I Use a Smaller or Larger Turkey for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time based on the weight. The general guideline is about 13 minutes per pound. Remember to check the internal temperature to ensure it’s cooked through to 165°F (74°C).
What Can I Use Instead of Butter?
If you need a dairy-free option, olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute works well. Just remember that oils may not provide the same flavor depth, so you might want to add some fresh herbs directly to the oil.
How Should I Store Leftover Turkey?
Store any leftover turkey in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the meat in freezer-safe bags for up to 4 months. Just be sure to label the bags for easy identification!
Can I Prepare the Turkey the Night Before?
Yes, you can prep the turkey a day in advance! Season it with the butter mixture and stuff the cavity, then cover and refrigerate. Bring it to room temperature before roasting for the best results.
