This Thanksgiving turkey is the star of any feast! Juicy, golden-brown, and packed with flavor, it’s perfect for gathering family around the table. 🍂
I love the smell of it roasting in the oven; it makes the whole house feel cozy. Plus, there are always yummy leftovers for sandwiches the next day—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey: A 12-14 pound turkey is great for a family gathering. If you need a smaller size, a 10-12 pound turkey will still work well. For convenience, you can also consider a pre-brined turkey for extra flavor.
Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control the salt content. If you’re dairy-free, try using olive oil or vegan butter as a substitute for a similar richness.
Lemons: Fresh lemons add brightness to the turkey. For a twist, you can use oranges or limes, which also bring a delightful citrus flavor.
Herbs: Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage add wonderful aroma. If fresh herbs aren’t available, you can use 1 teaspoon dried herbs for each fresh sprig.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure Juicy Turkey?
To keep your turkey juicy, focus on proper seasoning and cooking techniques. Start by seasoning the cavity well. Stuff it with aromatics like lemon, onion, and herbs for flavor inside as it cooks.
- Always let the turkey rest after roasting—this allows the juices to redistribute.
- Basting helps keep the meat moist, but don’t overdo it. Every 45 minutes is just right!
- Use a meat thermometer. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F in the thigh for perfectly cooked meat.
Following these tips will help you serve a turkey that’s juicy, flavorful, and a true centerpiece for your Thanksgiving meal!
Thanksgiving Turkey
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds), thawed if frozen
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 lemons, halved
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed
- Fresh herbs: 4 sprigs rosemary, 4 sprigs thyme, 4 sprigs sage
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth or turkey broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: 1 cup cranberries or pomegranate seeds for garnish
- Optional: Brussels sprouts or other vegetables for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Thanksgiving turkey takes about 30 minutes of prep time, and about 2.5 to 3 hours to roast, depending on the weight of your turkey. It’s perfect for filling your home with amazing scents while you get ready to feast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). This ensures your turkey roasts evenly and thoroughly.
2. Prepare the Turkey:
Remove the turkey giblets from the cavity and pat the turkey dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a crispy skin. Then, season the inside of the turkey generously with salt and pepper.
3. Stuff the Turkey:
Stuff the cavity with halved lemons, quartered onions, smashed garlic, and half of the fresh herbs. This will infuse the turkey with flavor from the inside out!
4. Create Herb Butter:
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with chopped rosemary, thyme, and sage. Carefully loosen the skin over the turkey breast and spread some of this herb butter underneath the skin. Rub the remaining butter generously over the skin of the turkey.
5. Tie Up the Turkey:
Use kitchen twine to tie the legs together and tuck the wing tips under the body. This helps the turkey cook more evenly.
6. Get Ready to Roast:
Place the turkey breast-side up on a roasting rack set in a large roasting pan. Drizzle olive oil over the turkey, and season the outside with additional salt and pepper. Then pour the chicken or turkey broth into the bottom of the pan.
7. Roast the Turkey:
Roast the turkey in your preheated oven, basting it with pan juices every 45 minutes. If you notice the skin getting too dark, tent it loosely with foil.
8. Check the Temperature:
Cooking time is about 13-15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. A meat thermometer is your best friend here!
9. Let It Rest:
Once done, carefully remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes. This resting time is crucial for juicy meat!
10. Serve:
To serve, place the turkey on a platter. Garnish with the remaining fresh herbs, lemon halves, and optional garnishes like cranberries or pomegranate seeds. Pair with Brussels sprouts or your favorite vegetables for a complete feast!
Enjoy your beautifully roasted Thanksgiving turkey with that golden, crispy skin and juicy meat inside. Happy feasting! 🦃
Can I Use a Different Type of Bird for This Recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe can work well with other birds like chicken or duck. Just adjust the cooking time based on the size; generally, chickens take about 20 minutes per pound at the same temperature.
How Do I Thaw a Frozen Turkey Quickly?
The safest way to thaw a turkey is in the refrigerator for several days (about 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds). If you’re short on time, you can thaw it in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes; allow 30 minutes per pound for this method.
Can I Make This Turkey Recipe Ahead of Time?
While a whole turkey is best roasted fresh, you can prepare the herb butter and stuff the turkey a day in advance. Just keep everything covered in the fridge and roast it on the day of your gathering for optimal taste.
What Should I Do with Leftover Turkey?
Store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It’s perfect for sandwiches, salads, or soups! To freeze, keep it in portioned containers for up to 3 months, making it easy to reheat and enjoy later.