Classic Roast Turkey Recipe

Introduction

This quintessential holiday centerpiece promises a juicy, flavorful turkey every time. With simple herbs and careful roasting, you can achieve a tender bird perfect for any special occasion.

Ingredients

• 12-14 pound turkey
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
• 1 lemon, halved
• 1 onion, quartered
• 4 cups chicken broth

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and prepare a large roasting pan with a rack.
2. Step 2: Pat the turkey dry with paper towels and place it on the roasting rack in the pan.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Rub the mixture all over the turkey, including under the skin for extra flavor.
4. Step 4: Stuff the turkey cavity with the halved lemon and quartered onion.
5. Step 5: Roast the turkey in the oven for 3 to 4 hours, basting it with chicken broth every 45 minutes to keep it moist.
6. Step 6: Continue roasting until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
7. Step 7: Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 20 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Tips & Variations

• For a crispier skin, increase the oven temperature to 425°F during the last 20 minutes of roasting.
• Substitute fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme if available, using double the amount for more vibrant flavor.
• You can add garlic cloves or fresh sage inside the cavity along with lemon and onion for extra aroma.

Storage

Store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover slices with foil and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through to keep the meat moist and tender.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

How do I know when the turkey is fully cooked?

The turkey is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. Use a reliable meat thermometer for accuracy.

Can I prepare the turkey the night before?

Yes, you can prepare the butter rub and stuff the turkey the night before, then keep it covered in the refrigerator to enhance flavor and reduce prep time on roasting day.

Classic Roast Turkey Recipe

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4.6 from 52 reviews

This Classic Roast Turkey recipe delivers a perfectly juicy and flavorful bird, ideal for holiday celebrations and family gatherings. With a simple herb butter rub and aromatic lemon and onion stuffing, it brings traditional flavors to the table in an easy and foolproof roasting method.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 to 4 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes to 4 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Turkey

• 12–14 pound whole turkey

Herb Butter Rub

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon dried rosemary

Stuffing and Roasting Liquid

• 1 lemon, halved
• 1 onion, quartered
• 4 cups chicken broth

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) to ensure the turkey cooks evenly at a moderate temperature.
2. Prepare the Turkey: Pat the turkey completely dry with paper towels, which helps the skin crisp during roasting. Place the turkey on a roasting rack set inside a large roasting pan to allow air circulation and even cooking.
3. Make Herb Butter Rub: In a bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Mix until thoroughly blended.
4. Apply Herb Butter: Rub the herb butter mixture all over the turkey’s exterior and carefully loosen the skin to spread some butter underneath for maximum flavor and moisture.
5. Stuff the Turkey Cavity: Insert the lemon halves and onion quarters inside the turkey cavity. These aromatics infuse the meat with subtle citrus and savory flavor as it roasts.
6. Roast the Turkey: Place the turkey in the oven and roast for 3 to 4 hours, depending on the weight, basting it with chicken broth every 45 minutes to keep it moist and flavorful. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) when inserted into the thickest part of the thigh.
7. Rest Before Carving: Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest uncovered for 20 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender, juicy slices.

Notes

• Use a meat thermometer for accurate doneness, avoiding overcooking.
• Resting the turkey is crucial to keep it juicy when carved.
• Basting with chicken broth adds moisture and enhances flavor.
• For extra crisp skin, you can increase the oven temperature to 400°F (204°C) for the last 20 minutes of roasting.
• Save pan drippings to make delicious gravy.

Keywords: classic roast turkey, holiday turkey, roast turkey recipe, herb butter turkey, Thanksgiving turkey