This roast turkey is perfect for gatherings! It’s golden brown on the outside, juicy, and full of flavor. Just the smell alone is enough to make your family gather around!
Let’s be real, everyone loves that crispy skin. I always make sure to save a piece for myself. Spoiler alert: leftovers make great sandwiches, too! 🥪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey: A whole turkey around 12-14 pounds is perfect for gatherings. If you can’t find a turkey that size, a smaller one works well too. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for flavor control. If you’re dairy-free, try using olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
Herbs and Spices: For the seasoning mix, feel free to swap dried thyme, rosemary, and sage with fresh herbs, just use about three times more. If you’re looking for a simpler spice mix, good-quality poultry seasoning is a great option.
Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth helps keep it flavorful without adding too much salt. Vegetable broth can be used as a vegetarian option.
How Do You Ensure Your Turkey is Juicy and Flavorful?
Getting a juicy turkey hinges on proper seasoning and cooking techniques. Here’s how:
- Start with dry skin by patting the turkey with paper towels, which helps achieve that crispiness.
- Loosen the skin gently to create space for the herb butter. This adds flavor throughout without the need for extra seasoning on the surface.
- Basting every 45 minutes is essential. It keeps the turkey moist and adds more flavor.
- Don’t skip the resting time! Letting the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes before carving allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is juicy.
These tips will help you create a delicious roast turkey that’s the star of the table!
How to Make a Delicious Roast Turkey
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds), thawed if frozen
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 head garlic, halved crosswise
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water (for basting and roasting pan)
- Fresh herbs for garnish (rosemary, thyme, sage)
- Optional: fresh cranberries or other garnishes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This roast turkey recipe requires about 30 minutes of preparation time and 3 to 3.5 hours of roasting time. Plus, allow an additional 20-30 minutes for resting before carving. So, plan for a total of around 4 to 5 hours from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Turkey:
Start by removing the turkey from its packaging. Don’t forget to take out the giblets and neck from the cavity; you can save these for gravy or toss them if you prefer. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin when roasted.
2. Make Herb Butter Mixture:
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, olive oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, and sage. Mix well until everything is evenly blended.
3. Season the Turkey:
Carefully loosen the skin from the turkey breast by sliding your hand between the skin and the meat. Be gentle! Rub about half of the herb butter mixture underneath the skin on both the breasts and drumsticks. Then, spread the rest of the butter mixture all over the outside of the turkey and inside its cavity.
4. Stuff the Cavity:
Now, stuff the cavity of the turkey with the quartered onion, lemon halves, and halved garlic. This will give your turkey amazing flavors as it cooks.
5. Truss the Turkey:
Using kitchen twine, tie the turkey legs together to keep them secure. Tuck the wing tips under the turkey’s body to prevent them from burning during roasting.
6. Prepare Roasting Pan:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place a rack inside a large roasting pan and pour about 1 cup of chicken broth or water into the bottom of the pan. Set the turkey breast side up on the rack.
7. Roast the Turkey:
Roast the turkey until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. This usually takes about 13-15 minutes per pound, totaling around 3 to 3.5 hours for a 12-14 pound turkey. Baste the turkey with pan juices every 45 minutes, adding more broth or water as needed to keep the bottom from burning.
8. Rest the Turkey:
Once done, remove the turkey from the oven and tent it loosely with aluminum foil. It’s important to let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving; this helps the juices redistribute for more flavorful and juicy slices.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Carefully transfer the turkey to a serving platter. For a beautiful touch, garnish with fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage. You can even add some fresh cranberries for an extra festive look. Serve with your favorite side dishes and enjoy the delicious gravy made from the pan drippings!
Enjoy your golden, juicy roast turkey with crispy skin! It’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table!
Can I Use a Frozen Turkey?
Absolutely! Just ensure it’s completely thawed before cooking. It’s best to thaw in the refrigerator for 1 day for every 4-5 pounds of turkey, so plan ahead!
How Do I Know When the Turkey is Done?
The turkey is ready when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to check doneness.
Can I Make This Turkey in Advance?
You can prepare the turkey up to a day in advance by seasoning it and letting it sit in the fridge overnight. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature for about an hour before roasting.
What Should I Do with Leftover Turkey?
Store any leftover turkey in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage—just make sure to use it within 3 months for the best taste!
