Description
Learn how to make a classic roasted turkey that is tender, flavorful, and perfect for holiday gatherings. This recipe features a simple herb butter rub and tips for achieving a juicy bird every time.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 whole turkey (12–14 pounds), thawed if frozen
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage (chopped)
- 1 onion (quartered)
- 1 lemon (halved)
- 1 head of garlic (halved crosswise)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken or turkey broth
Main Ingredients:
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the turkey: Preheat the oven to 325°F. Remove giblets and neck from the turkey. Pat dry and place on a rack in a roasting pan.
- Prepare the herb butter: Mix butter, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, thyme, and sage. Rub half under the turkey skin and the rest over the turkey.
- Stuff the cavity and roast: Stuff the cavity with onion, lemon, and garlic. Roast, baste, and tent with foil if needed until the turkey reaches 165°F.
- Rest and carve: Let the turkey rest for 20–30 minutes before carving.
Notes
- For extra juicy turkey, dry brine with salt and herbs overnight.
- Use drippings to make a flavorful gravy.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (approx. 6 oz cooked meat)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
