This Easy Roast Turkey recipe guarantees a juicy, flavorful centerpiece for your holiday table. Seasoned with an aromatic herb butter and stuffed with lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs, it’s the perfect combination of simplicity and sophistication.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The herb butter infuses the turkey with incredible flavor and keeps it moist.
- Aromatics stuffed inside the turkey enhance the flavor without overpowering.
- Perfectly roasted with crispy skin and juicy meat every time.
- Ideal for holiday gatherings like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion.
- Straightforward recipe with easy-to-follow steps, even for beginners.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Turkey:
- 1 (14-16 pound) whole turkey
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Herb Butter:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), softened
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped finely
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped finely
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped finely
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper, or to taste
For Inside the Turkey:
- 1 lemon, halved
- A few sprigs each of fresh sage, thyme, and rosemary
- 1 head garlic, broken into cloves and peeled
Directions
- Prepare the Turkey: Remove the turkey from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 1 hour. Preheat the oven to 450°F and position a rack in the bottom third of the oven.
- Make the Herb Butter: In a bowl, combine softened butter, sage, thyme, rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Clean the Turkey: Remove the turkey from its packaging and discard any giblets or neck from the cavity. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- Stuff the Turkey: Fill the cavity with lemon halves, fresh herb sprigs, and peeled garlic cloves.
- Apply the Herb Butter: Rub the herb butter generously all over the turkey, ensuring even coverage.
- Prepare for Roasting: Tuck the turkey wings under and tie the legs together with kitchen twine. Place the turkey on a roasting pan rack, breast side up.
- Roast the Turkey: Place the turkey in the oven and immediately reduce the temperature to 350°F. Roast for about 3 hours, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F.
- Rest and Carve: Allow the turkey to rest for 20 minutes before carving. Use this time to prepare gravy with the drippings.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Servings: 10
Variations
- Citrus Blend: Add orange halves alongside lemon for a sweeter aromatic touch.
- Spice Rub: Mix smoked paprika, cayenne, or cumin into the herb butter for extra flavor.
- Butter Alternatives: Use olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute for a lighter option.
- Smaller Turkey: Adjust cooking time to about 12-15 minutes per pound for a smaller bird.
- Vegetables: Add onions, carrots, and celery to the roasting pan for extra flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze leftover turkey in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 300°F covered with foil to retain moisture.
FAQs
How do I keep the turkey from drying out?
Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the turkey is cooked to exactly 165°F. Basting periodically also helps keep it moist.
Can I prepare the turkey the day before?
Yes, you can season and stuff the turkey a day ahead. Store it in the fridge, then let it come to room temperature before roasting.
Do I need to baste the turkey?
Basting is optional but helps to achieve a golden, crispy skin.
What if my turkey is frozen?
Allow 24 hours of thawing time in the refrigerator for every 4-5 pounds of turkey.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, but reduce the amount to one-third since dried herbs are more concentrated.
What if the skin starts to brown too quickly?
Cover the turkey loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.
How do I make turkey gravy with the drippings?
Use the drippings, some flour, and broth to create a simple and flavorful gravy.
Can I cook stuffing inside the turkey?
It’s safer to cook stuffing separately to ensure even cooking of the turkey.
What can I do with leftovers?
Use leftovers for sandwiches, soups, or turkey casseroles.
How do I carve a turkey?
Start by removing the legs and wings, then slice the breast meat against the grain for tender pieces.
Conclusion
This Easy Roast Turkey recipe is perfect for bringing family and friends together over a delicious holiday meal. With its flavorful herb butter, tender meat, and crispy skin, it’s a crowd-pleasing centerpiece that’s simple enough for anyone to master. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a perfectly roasted turkey ready to impress your guests!
Print
Easy Roast Turkey
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 10 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Learn how to make a perfectly juicy and flavorful Easy Roast Turkey! This recipe features a herb butter rub and an aromatic stuffing of lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs for a truly memorable holiday centerpiece.
Ingredients
Turkey:
- 1 (14-16 pound) whole turkey
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Herb Butter:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), softened
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper, or to taste
Stuffing (inside the turkey):
- 1 lemon, halved
- A few sprigs each of fresh sage, thyme, and rosemary
- 1 head of garlic, cloves separated and peeled
Instructions
- Prepare the Turkey:
- Remove the turkey from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F and position the oven rack in the lower third of the oven.
- Make the Herb Butter:
- In a bowl, mix softened butter with sage, thyme, rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Prepare the Turkey for Roasting:
- Take the turkey out of its packaging and remove the giblets and neck from the cavity.
- Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Season the turkey inside and out with salt and pepper.
- Stuff the Turkey:
- Fill the cavity with lemon halves, fresh herb sprigs, and garlic cloves.
- Rub with Herb Butter:
- Rub the herb butter all over the turkey, including under the skin if possible, for extra flavor.
- Prepare for the Oven:
- Tuck the wings under the turkey and tie the legs together using kitchen twine. Place the turkey breast side up on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan.
- Roast the Turkey:
- Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F. Roast the turkey for about 3 hours, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F.
- Rest the Turkey:
- Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 20 minutes before carving.
- Make Gravy (Optional):
- Use the drippings from the roasting pan to make a delicious gravy while the turkey rests.
Notes
- The cooking time may vary based on the size of the turkey. Plan for 13-15 minutes per pound at 350°F.
- Ensure the turkey is completely thawed before roasting.
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