Description
Thanksgiving Roast Turkey is the centerpiece of your holiday feast, offering a deliciously golden-brown skin and juicy, tender meat that will impress your guests. This straightforward recipe allows for flavor customization with fresh herbs and citrus, making it perfect for gatherings. With just a few simple steps, you’ll create a memorable dish that fills your home with warmth and aromatic bliss.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 whole turkey (12–16 lbs)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 3 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 3 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium onions, quartered
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lemon or orange, halved
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove giblets from turkey and pat dry.
- Rub softened butter all over turkey skin and under breast skin. Season generously with salt, pepper, and minced garlic.
- If desired, mix bread cubes with onions, herbs, and chicken broth to create stuffing; loosely fill the turkey cavity.
- Place turkey breast-side up in a roasting pan on a rack. Pour chicken broth into the pan.
- Roast the turkey for approximately 13-15 minutes per pound. Baste every 30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Allow turkey to rest for 20-30 minutes before carving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: Approximately 2 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz (113g)
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 75 mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg