Go Back
–+ servings
Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe

Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe for Juicy, Flavorful Perfection

This Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe guarantees juicy, flavorful perfection for your holiday feast.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 3 hours
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Turkey
  • 12-18 pounds Turkey Make sure it’s fully thawed for even cooking.
  • to taste Kosher Salt Essential for seasoning and enhancing flavor.
For the Aromatics
  • 1 Onion Imparts a lovely aroma.
  • 1 Lemon Brightens the overall taste.
For the Herb Butter
  • ¾ cup Unsalted Butter Adds richness and moisture.
  • 6 cloves Garlic Minced.
  • to taste Fresh Rosemary Imparts classic holiday flavor.
  • to taste Fresh Thyme Adds depth to the flavor.
  • to taste Sage A key herb for holiday cooking.
Optional Vegetables
  • 1 Onion Elevates flavor and moisture during roasting.
  • 2 Celery Stalks Elevates flavor and moisture during roasting.
  • 3 Carrots Elevates flavor and moisture during roasting.

Equipment

  • Roasting Pan
  • Meat Thermometer
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Remove the fully thawed turkey from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 1 hour.
  2. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Season the inside of the turkey with kosher salt and pepper. Stuff the cavity with onion, lemon, and herbs.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine softened unsalted butter, minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, and chopped herbs.
  4. Gently loosen the skin of the turkey and spread one-third of the herb butter underneath it. Rub the remaining butter all over the turkey.
  5. Place the turkey breast side up on a rack in a roasting pan and roast in the oven, allowing 15 minutes per pound for cooking time.
  6. Once the internal temperature is reached, carefully remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 30 minutes.
  7. Begin carving the turkey and serve on a platter, reserving the drippings for gravy.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 400kcalProtein: 30gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 500mgVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 1mgIron: 5mg

Notes

Feel free to experiment with different herb blends in your compound butter to personalize the flavor of your Thanksgiving turkey.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!