Description
This Best Roast Turkey Recipe is designed for beginners but flavorful enough to impress seasoned cooks. With butter, aromatics, and simple steps, you’ll get a perfectly golden, juicy, and tender turkey every time—ideal for Thanksgiving, holidays, or a comforting weekend dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 whole turkey (12–14 pounds), fully thawed if frozen
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 onion, peeled and quartered
- 1 head of garlic, halved horizontally
- Fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage sprigs
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set oven to 325°F (165°C). Ensure the rack is low enough for the turkey.
- Prep turkey: Remove giblets/neck. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
- Season: Generously season inside and out with salt and pepper.
- Butter rub: Mix softened butter with olive oil. Rub under the skin over the breasts and all over the turkey.
- Stuff cavity: Place lemon, onion, garlic, and herbs inside.
- Tie & tuck: Tie legs with kitchen twine. Tuck wing tips under to prevent burning.
- Prepare pan: Place turkey breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Add broth or water to the pan bottom.
- Roast: Cook uncovered for 13–15 minutes per pound (3.5–4 hours for a 14-lb turkey).
- Check doneness: Use a thermometer—thigh should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Rest: Transfer turkey to a board, tent with foil, and rest 30 minutes before carving.
Notes
- Always thaw turkey completely—plan 1 day in the fridge per 4–5 lbs.
- Season cavity as well as the outside for maximum flavor.
- Butter under the skin ensures juicy breast meat.
- If browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
- Always let rest before carving to lock in juices.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3.5–4 hours
- Category: Main Dish, Holiday
- Method: Roasting, Oven
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 oz carved turkey
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Best Roast Turkey Recipe, Easy Turkey Recipe for Beginners, Thanksgiving Turkey, Juicy Roast Turkey, Holiday Turkey Dinner