Description
This classic roast turkey recipe yields a juicy and flavorful bird with a crispy, golden-brown skin. Ideal for holiday gatherings and special occasions, this recipe ensures a perfectly cooked turkey with simple, fresh ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 whole turkey (10–12 lbs)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 1 large carrot, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
- 2 cups chicken or turkey broth
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 apple, quartered
- Fresh herbs for stuffing (optional, such as parsley, rosemary, or thyme)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and position the oven rack in the lowest position.
- Prepare the Turkey: Remove giblets and neck, rinse the turkey, and pat dry. Place it on a rack in a roasting pan.
- Season the Turkey: Mix butter, salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, and sage. Rub some of the mixture under the skin and the rest over the turkey.
- Stuff the Turkey: Stuff the cavity with onion, lemon, apple, garlic, and optional herbs.
- Add Vegetables and Broth: Scatter carrot, celery, and onion pieces in the pan. Pour in the broth.
- Roast the Turkey: Cover with foil and roast for 15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove foil for the last 30-45 minutes to brown the skin.
- Baste the Turkey: Baste every 45 minutes with pan drippings.
- Rest the Turkey: Let the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes before carving.
- Make Gravy (optional): Strain drippings, make a roux, and whisk in broth or water to make gravy.
- Carve and Serve: Carve the turkey and serve with sides.
Notes
- Ensure the turkey is completely thawed before cooking.
- Using a meat thermometer is crucial to avoid undercooking or overcooking.
- The optional gravy can be made from the pan drippings for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 to 3.5 hours
- Category: Main dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12 of the turkey
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg