Juicy, golden, and deeply flavorful, this Easy Roast Turkey is the secret to a stress-free holiday or any special gathering. The combination of aromatic herbs, zesty citrus, and savory butter create a show-stopping bird that’s simple enough for beginners but impressive enough for any feast. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or a celebratory Sunday dinner, this reliable recipe walks you through every step to ensure your Easy Roast Turkey comes out tender, succulent, and delicious every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making an Easy Roast Turkey truly is as straightforward as it sounds—each ingredient has a clear role, from adding flavor to ensuring that signature crisp skin. Here’s what you need to turn your kitchen into turkey HQ!

Whole turkey (12–14 pounds): The star of the show—choose a fresh or thawed bird for best results and plenty of servings.
Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Adds richness and helps herbs cling to the skin for that unforgettable golden finish.
Salt (1 tablespoon): Essential for seasoning through every layer and bringing out the turkey’s natural flavors.
Black pepper (1 teaspoon): Offers a gentle heat that complements both the herbs and the poultry.
Garlic powder (1 tablespoon): Infuses the meat with savory depth without overpowering the other spices.
Onion powder (1 tablespoon): Adds a sweet, mellow savoriness for a boost in classic roast flavor.
Fresh rosemary (1 tablespoon, chopped): Delivers a piney, aromatic note that perfumes the entire turkey.
Fresh thyme (1 tablespoon, chopped): Brings subtle lemon and mint undertones, making the bird taste fresh and balanced.
Fresh sage (1 tablespoon, chopped): A little earthy and peppery, sage gives the turkey a comforting, Thanksgiving-flavored edge.
Onion (quartered): Stuffed into the cavity, this helps steam the turkey from within and sweetens the pan drippings.
Lemon (halved): Adds brightness and a whisper of tangy freshness throughout the roast.
Garlic cloves (4, smashed): Aromatic garlic steams in the cavity for an extra-garlicky dimension in each bite.
Chicken broth or water (2 cups): Keeps everything juicy in the oven and gives you the bonus of incredible pan juices for basting or gravy.

How to Make Easy Roast Turkey

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Turkey

Start by setting your oven to 325°F (165°C) so it’ll be ready once your turkey is all dressed up. Reach into the cavity and remove the giblets (usually in a bag)—they can be saved for gravy if you wish. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels, which is the secret to beautifully crisp, golden skin! Place the bird breast-side up on a rack in a large roasting pan.

Step 2: Make the Herbed Butter Spread

In a small bowl, stir together the softened butter, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, thyme, and sage. This blend smells heavenly and will be your turkey’s flavor armor, both under and on top of the skin. Mixing while the butter is soft makes it so much easier to spread evenly.

Step 3: Season Under and Over the Skin

Gently loosen the skin over the turkey breast with your fingers (don’t rush—this step makes all the difference for juicy meat). Rub about half the herby butter mixture underneath, right on the meat. Use the rest to slather all over the outside, turning every nook and cranny into a flavor hotspot. Messy hands are worth it here!

Step 4: Stuff the Cavity

Fill the inside of the turkey with the quartered onion, halved lemon, and smashed garlic cloves. This flavorful trio steams from within, infusing moisture and an incredible aroma right into the heart of your Easy Roast Turkey.

Step 5: Add Liquid and Roast

Pour the chicken broth or water into the pan—it’ll keep everything luscious, prevent burning, and become the foundation for basting (and optional gravy later). Loosely tent the turkey with foil so it roasts gently, locking in moisture during those first hours in the oven.

Step 6: Roast and Baste

Roast your turkey for around 3 hours (about 13 minutes per pound), basting with pan juices every 30–45 minutes. This is key for that glistening, caramelized skin and extra-moist meat. Remove the foil for the last hour of roasting so the skin can crisp and turn deeply golden brown.

Step 7: Check Temperature and Rest

Your Easy Roast Turkey is perfectly done when a meat thermometer (inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, not touching bone) reads 165°F (74°C). When it hits the mark, remove from the oven and let it rest for at least 20 to 30 minutes. This pause locks in the juices and makes carving so much easier!

How to Serve Easy Roast Turkey

Garnishes

A fresh scatter of chopped herbs, a few lemon slices, or whole roasted garlic cloves look gorgeous on your platter—plus, they echo the flavors inside the turkey. For a pop of color, try a handful of ruby-red cranberries or sprigs of rosemary around the turkey.

Side Dishes

Spoon rich turkey gravy over slices of your Easy Roast Turkey and pair with fluffy mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or classic stuffing. A bright salad or tart cranberry sauce adds balance and freshness to every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange carved pieces of the turkey on a wooden board or platter, nestling dark and white meat together for a feast-for-the-eyes effect. For a fun spin, layer slices of turkey over toasted bread with a drizzle of pan juices for an open-faced sandwich bar. No matter what, your Easy Roast Turkey will be the centerpiece!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Slice leftover turkey meat from the bones and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay delicious for up to four days, making for fantastic sandwiches, salads, or quick meals all week long.

Freezing

Easy Roast Turkey freezes beautifully! Wrap slices in plastic wrap and then foil, or use freezer-safe bags. Be sure to press out as much air as possible—you’ll thank yourself when you crave turkey later. It keeps well in the freezer for up to three months.

Reheating

To reheat, place slices with a splash of broth or pan juices in a covered baking dish and warm gently in a 325°F oven until heated through. This keeps your turkey moist and prevents that dreaded dryness. The microwave also works in a pinch—just cover to keep the meat juicy.

FAQs

How do I make sure my Easy Roast Turkey stays moist?

Basting every 30–45 minutes and resting your turkey after roasting are key! Also, rubbing the herbed butter both under and over the skin seals in moisture and injects tons of flavor.

Can I use dried herbs if I don’t have fresh?

Absolutely! Use one-third the amount, since dried herbs are more concentrated. They’ll still infuse your Easy Roast Turkey with incredible aroma and flavor.

Should I brine the turkey beforehand?

Brining is optional but great for extra juicy, seasoned meat. If you have the time, brine overnight in a saltwater solution—just be sure to rinse and dry the turkey well before roasting.

What size turkey should I buy for my group?

For Easy Roast Turkey, plan on about one to one-and-a-half pounds of turkey per person. This ensures there’s enough for hearty servings and delicious leftovers.

Can I make gravy from the pan drippings?

Yes! Once your turkey is done, skim the fat and use the rich pan drippings as the base for classic turkey gravy—it’s the perfect finishing touch for every slice.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever wondered if a beautiful holiday bird could actually be simple, this Easy Roast Turkey recipe is ready to prove it to you. Whether it’s your first time or your hundredth, you’re sure to wow your loved ones and create new traditions around the table. Give it a go—you might just find this becomes your new favorite way to roast turkey!

Easy Roast Turkey Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes (plus resting)
Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Easy Roast Turkey recipe is a simple and classic way to prepare a delicious Thanksgiving or holiday main course. With a flavorful herb butter rub and aromatic stuffing, this roast turkey is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 whole turkey (12–14 pounds)

Herb Butter Rub:

1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage

Stuffing:

1 onion (quartered)
1 lemon (halved)
4 garlic cloves (smashed)

Additional:

2 cups chicken broth or water

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
Prepare the Turkey: Remove the giblets from the turkey and pat dry. Mix the butter, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, thyme, and sage. Rub half of the mixture under the turkey skin and the rest over the outside.
Stuff the Turkey: Fill the cavity with onion, lemon, and garlic. Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan, add broth/water to the pan, and tent with foil.
Roast the Turkey: Roast for about 3 hours, removing foil for the last hour. Baste every 30–45 minutes until the thermometer reads 165°F (74°C).
Rest and Serve: Let the turkey rest before carving.