Description
A roasted turkey is the centerpiece of any holiday table, and nothing beats the classic flavors of a perfectly prepared bird. This simple yet flavorful recipe ensures your turkey is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with aromatic goodness. Follow this guide to make a turkey your family and friends will rave about.
Ingredients
1 quart chicken stock
1 whole turkey (neck and giblets removed)
1 onion, quartered
4 garlic cloves, whole
4 carrots, cut into chunks
2 celery stalks, cut into chunks
1 lemon, quartered
Fresh herbs (optional: rosemary, thyme, sage)
1 stick unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Remove the turkey from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for 1 hour. Pat it dry with paper towels.
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Pour 1 inch of chicken stock into a roasting pan. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery.
- Stuff the turkey cavity with lemon, onion, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the turkey generously with softened butter. Season the entire bird with salt and pepper.
- Place the turkey breast-side up on a roasting rack in the pan. Roast at 450°F for 30 minutes.
- Cover the turkey breast with aluminum foil and reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Roast until the internal temperature at the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Let the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before carving.
- Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Notes
Allowing the turkey to rest ensures the juices redistribute evenly for moist, tender meat.
Use a meat thermometer for accurate cooking and safety.
Save the drippings to make a delicious homemade gravy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Serves 10
- Calories: 350 kcal (per serving)