This Thanksgiving Turkey is juicy and full of flavor, making it the star of your holiday feast! It’s seasoned perfectly and roasted to golden perfection.
Everyone loves a good turkey, but I always sneak in a bit of gravy on my mashed potatoes. Who can resist that combo? 😋 It’s a family favorite!
Preparing this turkey is easier than you think! Just follow the steps, and you’ll have a lovely centerpiece for your table. Perfect for making great memories!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey: A 12-14 pound turkey is perfect for most gatherings. If you’re feeding a smaller group, consider a 10-12 pound bird. Just adjust cooking time based on weight.
Butter: I love using unsalted butter for cleaner seasoning control. Try olive oil if you want a healthier choice; it also helps achieve crispy skin.
Herbs: Fresh herbs add great flavor, but you can use dried if fresh aren’t available. In a pinch, Italian seasoning blends work well too!
Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth is best for controlling salt levels. Vegetable broth is a good alternative if you’re looking for a vegetarian option.
How Do I Get Moist and Flavorful Turkey Every Time?
Moist turkey starts with proper seasoning and roasting. Here’s how to ensure flavorful, juicy meat:
- Pat the turkey dry before seasoning. This helps the butter stick.
- Rub the seasoned butter generously under the skin for deep flavor.
- Basting every 45 minutes helps to keep the meat moist throughout cooking.
- Always check the internal temperature, particularly at the thickest part of the thigh.
Letting the turkey rest after cooking is key to moisture retention—don’t skip this step! Enjoy your Thanksgiving feast!
Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds), thawed if frozen
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 1 lemon, halved
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (for basting and roasting)
- Fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, and sage) for the cavity and garnish
- Olive oil (optional), for skin crispness
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Thanksgiving Turkey recipe requires about 30 minutes for preparation and approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours for roasting, depending on the size of your turkey. Remember to allow an additional 20-30 minutes for resting after it comes out of the oven. Overall, you should plan for around 3 to 4 hours from start to serving. Perfect for a festive gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). This ensures your turkey cooks evenly.
2. Prepare the Turkey:
Take the turkey out of its packaging and discard any neck and giblets found inside the cavity (or save them for your gravy). Make sure to pat the turkey dry with paper towels, both inside and out, which helps the skin to crisp up nicely.
3. Season the Turkey:
In a medium bowl, mix the softened butter with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and rosemary together. Rub this butter mixture all over the turkey, making sure to get under the skin for maximum flavor.
4. Stuff the Cavity:
Place the quartered onion, halved lemon, smashed garlic cloves, and fresh herbs into the turkey cavity. This adds flavor from the inside out!
5. Truss the Turkey:
Using kitchen twine, tie the turkey legs together and tuck the wing tips under the body. This helps the turkey cook evenly and prevents the tips from burning.
6. Place in Roasting Pan:
Place the turkey breast side up on a rack in a large roasting pan. Add about 2 cups of chicken broth to the bottom of the pan. This keeps the turkey moist and helps with basting.
7. Roast the Turkey:
Roast the turkey uncovered. Plan for around 13-15 minutes per pound. For a turkey weighing between 12-14 pounds, it can take roughly 2.5 to 3.5 hours. Be sure to baste the turkey every 45 minutes with pan juices or extra chicken broth to keep it moist.
8. Check Temperature:
About 30 minutes before you expect the turkey to be finished, start checking the internal temperature using a meat thermometer. The thickest part of the thigh needs to reach 165°F (74°C) for the turkey to be safely done.
9. Rest the Turkey:
Once your turkey is done, carefully take it out of the oven. Tent it loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving. Letting it rest allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is juicy.
10. Serve:
Finally, transfer the turkey to a large serving platter. For a lovely presentation, garnish with fresh herbs. It pairs wonderfully with classic sides like cranberry sauce, stuffing, and roasted vegetables. Don’t forget the gravy!
Enjoy your beautifully roasted, golden-brown Thanksgiving Turkey!
Can I Use a Frozen Turkey for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use a frozen turkey, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best way to thaw is in the refrigerator for several days based on the size (about 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds). A cold water bath is a quicker option—submerge the turkey in its packaging in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes.
What Can I Do If I Don’t Have All the Spices?
If you’re missing some of the spices, don’t worry! You can substitute with all-purpose seasoning or Italian seasoning. Whatever you have on hand, adding a combination of salt, pepper, and garlic powder will still yield great flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
After your feast, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to shred the turkey into smaller pieces to cool down quickly. For longer storage, you can freeze leftovers for up to three months.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the turkey by seasoning and stuffing it the night before. Cover and refrigerate. Take it out about an hour before cooking to bring it to room temperature before roasting. This helps it cook evenly!