This roast turkey is a classic dish that’s juicy inside and crispy outside. Perfect for family gatherings, it fills the air with a delicious aroma that makes everyone mouth-water!
Honestly, there’s nothing like the sound of that turkey sizzling in the oven. I love serving it with gravy and stuffing—it’s a crowd-pleaser every single time! 🦃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey: A 12-14 pound turkey is great for family gatherings. If you’re cooking for a smaller group, a smaller bird works just as well. Look for fresh, high-quality turkeys for the best flavor.
Butter: Unsalted butter enhances the flavor well. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, use olive oil or vegan butter instead.
Herbs: Dried thyme, rosemary, and sage add lots of flavor. If you have fresh herbs on hand, feel free to substitute them. Fresh herbs can make the dish even more aromatic!
Chicken broth: This helps keep the turkey moist while roasting. Vegetable broth or water can be used if you want a lighter option.
How Do I Ensure My Turkey is Juicy and Flavorful?
Getting a juicy roast turkey is all about preparation and technique. Here’s how to make it happen:
- Patting the turkey dry helps the skin crisp up nicely. Don’t skip this step!
- Rub olive oil and melted butter all over the turkey. This adds flavor and helps the skin brown beautifully.
- Stuffing the turkey with aromatics like onion, lemon, and garlic not only flavors the meat but also keeps it moist.
- Basting every 45 minutes with the pan juices keeps the turkey juicy. And don’t forget to uncover during the last hour for that golden brown skin!
Letting the turkey rest after roasting is crucial. This gives the juices time to settle, making carving easier and meat more tender. Enjoy your meal with family and friends!
How to Make Roast Turkey
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds), thawed if frozen
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
- 1 tablespoon dried sage
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 head garlic, halved horizontally
- Fresh herb sprigs (rosemary, thyme, sage) for inside the turkey and for garnish
- 1 cup chicken broth or water (for the roasting pan)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This roast turkey recipe will take about 15-20 minutes for preparation and around 2.5 to 3 hours of cooking time, depending on the weight. Allow an additional 30 minutes for the turkey to rest after roasting. In total, you’re looking at about 3-4 hours until you can enjoy your delicious meal. Perfect for gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). This will ensure a steady temperature for roasting your turkey.
2. Prepare the Turkey:
Remove the turkey from its packaging, and make sure to take out the giblets and neck from the cavity. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels to help achieve a crispy skin later.
3. Mix Your Seasonings:
In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, and sage. This will be the seasoning mixture that adds great flavor to your turkey!
4. Rub the Turkey:
With your olive oil and melted butter, rub the mixture all over the turkey, both inside and out. Make sure to massage it deep into the skin to maximize the flavor.
5. Add Aromatics:
Stuff the cavity of the turkey with the quartered onion, halved lemon, garlic head, and a few sprigs of fresh herbs. This will infuse delicious flavors into the meat as it cooks.
6. Set Up for Roasting:
Place the turkey breast-side up on a roasting rack that is set inside a large roasting pan. This allows hot air to circulate around the turkey for even cooking.
7. Add Liquid to the Pan:
Pour the chicken broth or water into the bottom of the roasting pan. This helps keep the turkey moist during the roasting process.
8. Covering the Turkey:
Tent the turkey loosely with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning while it cooks.
9. Roast the Turkey:
Roast in the preheated oven, basting with the pan juices every 45 minutes. After about 2 hours, remove the foil to allow the skin to crisp and brown nicely.
10. Check Temperature:
Roast for approximately 13-15 minutes per pound. Use a meat thermometer to check. The thickest part of the thigh should read 165°F (74°C) when fully cooked.
11. Resting:
Once done, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving. This helps the juices redistribute, making for a juicier turkey!
12. Serve:
Garnish with fresh herb sprigs for a lovely presentation, slice the turkey, and serve warm. Enjoy your beautifully golden and flavorful roast turkey!
Happy feasting!
Can I Use a Different Size Turkey?
Absolutely! If you have a smaller turkey, simply adjust the cooking time. A good rule of thumb is to roast for about 13-15 minutes per pound. Just be sure to check the internal temperature to reach 165°F (74°C).
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Herbs?
No worries! You can use dried herbs instead. Just use about one-third of the amount, as dried herbs are more potent. So if the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs, use 1 teaspoon of dried herbs.
How Can I Ensure the Turkey Is Moist?
For a juicy turkey, make sure to pat it dry before seasoning and apply the butter/olive oil rub generously. Basting every 45 minutes with the drippings and letting it rest after roasting will also help keep it moist.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage; just make sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn. When reheat, add a little broth to keep it moist!
