Description
This Easy Roast Turkey recipe delivers a perfectly juicy and tender turkey with minimal effort. Seasoned with a flavorful herb butter mixture and roasted to golden perfection, this simple turkey recipe is ideal for holiday gatherings or special occasions. Whether you’re a first-time cook or an experienced chef, this easy roast turkey ensures a delicious and hassle-free meal that will impress your guests.
Ingredients
1 whole turkey (10–12 pounds), thawed and giblets removed
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
1 onion, quartered
1 lemon, quartered
4 garlic cloves, smashed
2 cups chicken or turkey broth, plus more if needed
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and place a rack in a large roasting pan.
- Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix softened butter, olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and sage to create the herb butter.
- Loosen the skin over the turkey breast and thighs and spread half of the herb butter under the skin. Rub the remaining butter over the surface of the turkey.
- Stuff the turkey cavity with the onion, lemon, and garlic.
- Place the turkey on the roasting rack, breast-side up, and pour 2 cups of broth into the pan.
- Cover loosely with foil and roast for about 2 1/2 to 3 hours, basting every 30-45 minutes. Add more broth if needed.
- In the last 30-45 minutes of cooking, remove the foil to allow the skin to become golden and crispy.
- Roast until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving and serving.
Notes
For added flavor, you can also stuff the turkey with additional herbs like parsley or thyme.
If the turkey is browning too quickly, tent it loosely with foil until the final 30 minutes.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2.5-3 hours
- Category: Main Course, Holiday
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American, Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10 servings
- Calories: 450 kcal