Description
Master the art of roasting with this Classic Roasted Turkey Recipe. Juicy, tender, and packed with flavor, Perfect centerpiece holiday.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 whole turkey (12–14 pounds, fully thawed if frozen)
- 1 quart chicken stock
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, whole
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 3 sprigs fresh sage
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Turkey:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Remove the giblets and neck from the cavity of the turkey. Rinse the turkey inside and out, then pat dry with paper towels.
Season the Turkey:
- In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, and sage. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Gently loosen the skin over the turkey breast and rub the herb butter underneath and over the entire turkey.
- Stuff the cavity with the onion quarters, garlic cloves, and remaining herb sprigs.
Prepare the Roasting Pan:
- Place the turkey breast side up on a roasting rack inside a large roasting pan. Add the chicken stock to the bottom of the pan to keep the turkey moist during roasting.
Roast the Turkey:
- Roast the turkey in the preheated oven. Baste every 30-45 minutes with the pan drippings.
- The turkey is done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (not touching the bone) reads 165°F (74°C). Cooking time is approximately 15 minutes per pound.
Rest the Turkey:
- Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest, uncovered, for 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the meat tender and moist.
Carve and Serve:
- Carefully carve the turkey, starting with the legs and thighs, followed by the breast meat. Serve with your favorite sides like stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce.
Notes
- Make Ahead Tip: Season and prep the turkey the night before for enhanced flavor.
- Leftovers: Store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Pro Tip: Use the pan drippings to make a rich, flavorful turkey gravy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours (for a 12-pound turkey)
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 servings
- Calories: 430
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 58g
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