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
Units
Scale
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.
