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
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.
Notes
- If using a larger or smaller turkey, adjust cooking time accordingly.
- For extra flavor, consider brining the turkey before roasting.
- Use pan drippings to make a delicious gravy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (about 6 oz cooked turkey)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg
