Thanksgiving Roast Turkey
Experience the ultimate Thanksgiving delight with this succulent Roast Turkey, boasting golden-brown skin and juicy meat that will have everyone at your table raving. Infused with fresh herbs, zesty lemon, and aromatic garlic, this showstopper is surprisingly simple to prepare. Perfect for gatherings of family and friends, it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and ensures delicious leftovers for days to come. Elevate your holiday feast with this unforgettable centerpiece!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: Approximately 2 hours
- Total Time: 53 minute
- Yield: Serves approximately 8–10 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs)
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 3 sprigs fresh sage
- 1 whole lemon, halved
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
Instructions
- Thaw turkey in the fridge (24 hours for every 4-5 lbs). Pat dry.
- Brine turkey overnight in salted water (1 cup salt per gallon of water) for added moisture (optional).
- Rub turkey inside and out with salt and pepper. Place herbs under the skin.
- Stuff cavity with onion, lemon halves, garlic, and remaining herbs.
- Rub softened butter all over the skin for a crispy finish.
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Roast turkey on a rack until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), about 13-15 minutes per pound.
- Let rest for 20 minutes before carving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: Season your turkey a day in advance for deeper flavor infusion. Experiment with additional herbs or fruits like apples for unique stuffing options. Save the carcass to make homemade broth.