Description
This Classic Roasted Turkey recipe is a holiday favorite, featuring a perfectly cooked tender turkey with aromatic herbs and a golden crispy skin. Impress your guests with this traditional main course that’s sure to be the centerpiece of your celebration.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs), thawed if frozen
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage (chopped)
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 onion (quartered)
- 1 lemon (halved)
- 1 head garlic (halved)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken or turkey broth
- Kitchen twine for trussing
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Prepare the Turkey: Remove the neck and giblets, pat the turkey dry. Mix butter with herbs and seasonings. Gently rub butter under the skin and over the turkey.
- Stuff the Turkey: Fill the cavity with onion, lemon, and garlic. Tie the legs and tuck wing tips. Place turkey on a rack in a roasting pan.
- Roast the Turkey: Roast uncovered, basting every 45 minutes, until the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thigh.
- Rest and Serve: Let the turkey rest for 30 minutes before carving.
Notes
- For extra crispy skin, air-dry the turkey in the fridge overnight before roasting.
- Use pan drippings to make delicious homemade gravy.