Description
Learn how to make a flavorful and juicy roasted turkey perfect for any holiday gathering with this easy recipe. A herb-infused butter adds rich flavor and keeps the meat moist throughout roasting.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Herb Butter Mixture:
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
Additional:
- 1 onion, quartered
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 head garlic, halved horizontally
- 2–3 sprigs each of rosemary, thyme, and sage (for cavity)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (for basting)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Prepare the Turkey: Remove giblets and neck, pat the turkey dry, and place it on a rack in a roasting pan.
- Make Herb Butter: Mix butter, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and herbs. Rub half under the skin and the rest on the outside.
- Stuff the Turkey: Fill the cavity with onion, lemon, garlic, and herb sprigs. Tie the legs together.
- Roast the Turkey: Roast uncovered, basting with chicken broth, until the thermometer reads 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Carve: Let the turkey rest before carving to retain juices.
Notes
- For added flavor, dry brine the turkey 24 hours in advance with salt.
- Use pan drippings to make gravy for extra richness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3.5–4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 6 oz)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
