Description
Golden, juicy, and loaded with flavor, this Perfect Roast Turkey recipe is the ultimate showstopper for your holiday dinner. Whether you’re serving Thanksgiving dinner or planning a festive family meal, this turkey delivers tender meat, crispy skin, and comforting aroma in every slice. It’s ideal for both first-time cooks and seasoned pros looking for a reliable centerpiece. Add this to your list of easy dinner ideas, healthy holiday recipes, or even hearty meal prep options. It’s a classic recipe with straightforward steps, perfect for stress-free planning.
Ingredients
12–16 lbs whole turkey
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
6 cloves garlic, whole
1 large onion, quartered
3 carrots, cut into chunks
3 celery stalks, cut into chunks
2 cups chicken broth
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey. Pat the bird dry with paper towels. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before roasting.
2. In a bowl, mix softened butter with chopped fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Loosen the skin over the turkey breasts and rub the butter underneath and over the outside of the turkey.
3. Stuff the cavity with the onion, garlic, and extra herb sprigs.
4. Arrange chopped carrots and celery in the bottom of a large roasting pan and place the turkey breast-side up on a roasting rack over the vegetables. Pour the chicken broth into the base of the pan.
5. Roast at 325°F uncovered, basting every 45 minutes with pan juices. Tent with foil if the breast browns too fast.
6. Roast for about 15 minutes per pound until the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F.
7. Let the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.
Notes
Let the turkey come to room temperature before roasting to promote even cooking.
Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and keep the meat juicy.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3.5 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 6 oz)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 52g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: roast turkey, holiday dinner, thanksgiving, turkey recipe, easy recipe