Name: Easy Roast Turkey Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 3 h 30 min
Total time: 3 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 whole turkey (12–14 pounds), thawed if frozen; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 2 teaspoons onion powder; 2 teaspoons paprika; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; 1 teaspoon dried sage; 1 large onion, quartered; 1 lemon, halved; 1 head of garlic, halved; 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth or turkey stock; Fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and parsley for stuffing and garnish

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If you’re looking for a showstopping centerpiece without any culinary stress, you’ll fall in love with this Easy Roast Turkey. Juicy, well-seasoned, and perfectly golden, this recipe simplifies the classic roast turkey into a no-fuss masterpiece, with savory herbs and gentle garlic notes in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a special holiday meal or just craving a comforting dinner, this turkey will have your family and friends swooning—and you’ll be savoring the compliments right alongside your plate!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to Easy Roast Turkey is a handful of simple, honest ingredients that layer together to create mouthwatering flavor and tender, juicy meat. Each element here has its part to play, from rich butter for a crisp skin to fragrant herbs stuffing the cavity—trust me, it all makes a difference!

1 whole turkey (12–14 pounds), thawed if frozen: The heart of the meal, be sure to choose a turkey sized just right for your group.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: This helps achieve that golden brown, perfectly crisp skin while keeping the meat moist.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds even more moisture and a subtle richness to both the skin and pan juices.
2 teaspoons salt: A generous sprinkle of salt enhances the natural turkey flavor and seasons it throughout.
1 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground pepper gives the turkey good balance and a mild heat.
2 teaspoons garlic powder: Brings a gentle, all-over savory flavor that’s instantly inviting.
2 teaspoons onion powder: This subtly sweetens the turkey and deepens the savory notes.
2 teaspoons paprika: Adds a lovely smoky depth and helps that skin take on a gorgeous hue.
1 teaspoon dried thyme: Earthy thyme works beautifully with turkey and gives it a classic roast aroma.
1 teaspoon dried rosemary: This herb infuses the meat and juices with a woodsy, memorable flavor.
1 teaspoon dried sage: Sage brings in that nostalgic, holiday feeling and really makes the turkey sing.
1 large onion, quartered: Tucked inside the cavity, it aromatizes the meat and sweetens the drippings.
1 lemon, halved: Lemon in the cavity brightens up every bite and keeps the turkey from feeling heavy.
1 head of garlic, halved: Roasting with garlic mellows it and infuses savory goodness throughout.
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth or turkey stock: This keeps the turkey juicy and forms the foundation for the most irresistible pan juices.
Fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and parsley for stuffing and garnish: They bring color, fragrance, and a stunning final touch to your platter.

How to Make Easy Roast Turkey

Step 1: Prepare the Turkey

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C) so it’s ready to work its magic. Remove the giblets and neck from the cavity (save them for stock if you wish!) and pat the turkey dry with plenty of paper towels—dry skin really is key for crispness. Place your turkey breast-side up on a rack in a large roasting pan, elevating it slightly for even cooking and gorgeous browning.

Step 2: Mix Your Herb Butter

In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, rosemary, and sage. Give this mixture a stir until smooth. The blend will look like a herbed paste—so fragrant you might be tempted to taste it straight from the bowl!

Step 3: Season the Turkey

Using clean fingers, gently loosen the turkey skin over the breast. Scoop up about half the herbed butter mixture and rub it generously under the skin, directly onto the breast meat. This acts like an internal basting system, keeping everything tender. Rub the remaining mixture all over the outside of the turkey so the flavors soak in as it roasts.

Step 4: Stuff the Cavity

Fill the cavity with the quartered onion, lemon halves, garlic halves, and a handful of fresh herb sprigs. This simple step infuses the meat from the inside out, ensuring each slice has subtle flavors and a wonderful aroma.

Step 5: Add Broth and Start Roasting

Pour 2 cups of the chicken broth or turkey stock into the bottom of your roasting pan. This keeps the turkey moist and catches all those savory drippings. Tent the turkey loosely with foil to lock in moisture and slide it into the oven. Roast for about 3 to 3 1/2 hours, basting every 45 minutes with the pan juices and adding more broth if the bottom starts to dry out.

Step 6: Brown and Finish Cooking

Remove the foil for the last 45 minutes of roasting so the turkey skin can transform into that coveted, crispy, golden layer everyone fights over at the table. The turkey is done when a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (74°C). Let it rest, loosely covered with foil, for at least 20 minutes before carving—this ensures every piece is juicy.

How to Serve Easy Roast Turkey

Garnishes

Dress up your platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Not only do herbs look gorgeous alongside slices of turkey, they also hint at the delicious flavors inside. If you want to go the extra mile, thinly sliced lemon or orange wheels can add a lovely pop of color and a touch of brightness.

Side Dishes

Pair your Easy Roast Turkey with fluffy mashed potatoes, classic stuffing, and tangy cranberry sauce for a traditional spread. Roasted root vegetables and a fresh green salad also bring in color and balance, making each bite even more inviting. Don’t forget plenty of warm rolls to sop up those flavorful pan juices!

Creative Ways to Present

Layer turkey slices fan-style on a wooden board, scatter roasted garlic cloves and onion petals around for rustic charm, or build an overflowing platter with roasted vegetables at the base. A drizzle of homemade gravy over the top and a sprinkle of flaky salt finish the look. For casual meals, arrange carved meat in a Dutch oven to keep it warm during serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your feast is finished, carve any leftover Easy Roast Turkey and store the slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Aim to enjoy within 3–4 days for the best flavor and texture. Save the bones and carcass for making amazing homemade stock!

Freezing

If you want to bank some turkey for another day, wrap slices or whole pieces tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing them in a freezer bag. Turkey freezes beautifully for up to three months. Just be sure to label and date your package so you’ll remember your hidden treasure.

Reheating

To reheat Easy Roast Turkey and keep it from drying out, splash a bit of broth over the slices, cover with foil, and warm in a 325°F oven until just heated through. For quicker meals, microwave smaller portions with a little stock in a covered dish. Either way, the turkey will taste nearly as juicy as the day you roasted it!

FAQs

Can I use this recipe for a smaller or larger turkey?

Absolutely! Just adjust your cooking time, roasting at about 15 minutes per pound. Keep an eye on your meat thermometer—when it reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh, your bird is ready, no matter the size.

What’s the best way to keep the turkey breast juicy?

Rubbing herbed butter under the skin (as in this Easy Roast Turkey recipe) does wonders for breast meat, but also tenting the bird with foil for most of the bake and letting it rest before carving are key steps to lock in those juices.

How do I make gravy from the pan drippings?

After removing the turkey, skim off any excess fat from the pan juices and pour them into a saucepan. Whisk in a bit of flour or cornstarch and simmer until thickened. Adjust seasoning and you’ll have the perfect, savory gravy for your Easy Roast Turkey!

What should I do if my turkey starts to brown too quickly?

If you notice that your turkey is getting dark before it’s fully cooked, simply re-tent it with foil to shield it from the heat. This lets you finish roasting without burning or drying out the lovely skin.

Can I brine the turkey before roasting?

Yes! For even juicier results, you can brine the turkey in a simple saltwater solution overnight. This extra step is optional, but it does enhance both flavor and moisture—just be sure to adjust how much extra salt you use in the seasoning blend.

Final Thoughts

Give this Easy Roast Turkey a try and get ready for cheers around your dinner table. With straightforward steps, big flavor, and guaranteed golden skin, it’s a recipe you’ll reach for every time you want something special. Happy roasting and even happier sharing!

Easy Roast Turkey Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This easy roast turkey recipe yields a beautifully golden and flavorful bird, perfect for any holiday dinner or special occasion. The turkey is seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, roasted to juicy perfection, and garnished with fresh herbs for a stunning presentation. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious centerpiece for your table.

Ingredients

Scale

Turkey:

1 whole turkey (12–14 pounds), thawed if frozen

Seasoning:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon dried sage

Additional Ingredients:

1 large onion, quartered
1 lemon, halved
1 head of garlic, halved
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth or turkey stock
Fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and parsley for stuffing and garnish

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
Prepare the Turkey: Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey cavity, pat dry with paper towels, and place on a rack in a roasting pan.
Season the Turkey: Mix butter, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, rosemary, and sage. Rub half under the skin and the rest over the turkey.
Stuff the Turkey: Fill the cavity with onion, lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs. Pour 2 cups of broth into the pan.
Roast the Turkey: Tent with foil, roast for 3 to 3 1/2 hours, basting every 45 minutes. Remove foil for the last 45 minutes to brown the skin.
Rest and Carve: Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving.