Description
This Unforgettable Roast Turkey Recipe delivers juicy meat and crispy skin with a garlic herb butter rub. Perfect for holidays, it’s a crowd-pleasing turkey main dish with classic flavor. Ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Sunday dinner.
Ingredients
12 to 14 pounds whole turkey
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 onion, quartered
1 lemon, halved
2 carrots, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
2 cups chicken broth
Instructions
1. Remove the turkey from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 1 hour. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
2. In a bowl, mix softened butter, garlic, rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
3. Gently lift the skin of the turkey breast and spread some of the herb butter underneath. Rub the rest all over the outside of the turkey.
4. Stuff the turkey cavity with onion and lemon halves. Place carrots and celery in the roasting pan and pour chicken broth over them.
5. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the turkey breast-side up on top of the veggies in the roasting pan.
6. Roast the turkey uncovered, basting every 45 minutes with pan juices. Tent loosely with foil if the skin browns too quickly.
7. Roast for 15 minutes per pound or until a thermometer in the thickest thigh reads 165°F (74°C).
8. Remove from oven, tent loosely with foil, and let it rest for 30 minutes before carving.
9. Serve with your favorite side dishes and enjoy.
Notes
Let the turkey rest before carving to retain moisture.
Use the pan drippings to make flavorful gravy.
For a citrusy twist, add orange slices to the cavity.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 6 oz)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 47 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg