Description
A foolproof recipe for a juicy and flavorful roast turkey, beautifully golden brown and perfect for any festive occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs), thawed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 onion, quartered
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Remove the giblets from the turkey’s cavity and pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, parsley, rosemary, thyme, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well-blended.
- Loosen the turkey skin over the breast and spread half of the herb butter underneath the skin. Use the remaining butter on the outside of the turkey.
- Stuff the cavity with the halved lemon and quartered onion.
- Tie the turkey legs together with kitchen twine.
- Place turkey breast-side up on a roasting rack in a pan. Roast for 3 to 3.5 hours, basting occasionally until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let the turkey rest for at least 20 minutes before carving.
Notes
For crispy skin, start roasting the turkey breast-side down for the first hour. Consider marinating in the herb butter for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 210 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: turkey, roast turkey, Thanksgiving, holiday recipe, festive meal