Description
A classic roasted turkey recipe perfect for Thanksgiving or any special occasion. This herb-infused turkey is juicy and flavorful, with crispy skin and tender meat that will impress your guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Turkey:
- 1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs), thawed if frozen
Herb Butter:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh sage
Additional:
- 1 onion, quartered
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 head garlic, halved crosswise
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken or turkey broth
- Optional: extra herbs and vegetables for the roasting pan (carrots, celery, herbs)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Prepare the Turkey: Remove giblets and neck, pat turkey dry, and place on a rack in a roasting pan.
- Make Herb Butter: Mix softened butter with salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, and sage. Rub some butter under the skin and the rest over the bird.
- Stuff the Turkey: Fill the cavity with onion, lemon, and garlic.
- Add Broth: Pour broth into the pan, add optional veggies and herbs.
- Roast: Roast uncovered for 3 to 3.5 hours, basting every 45 minutes.
- Check Doneness: Turkey is ready at 165°F (74°C). Rest for 30 minutes before carving.
Notes
- Dry brining the turkey a day ahead enhances flavor and moisture.
- Use pan drippings for delicious homemade gravy.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3.5 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 oz cooked turkey
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
