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Roasted Turkey


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  • Author: Isabella
  • Total Time: 4-4.5 hours
  • Yield: 10-12 servings
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

A roasted turkey with golden, crispy skin and juicy meat is the perfect centerpiece for any holiday feast. This easy recipe combines fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and garlic, with butter to create a flavorful and tender turkey. Ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion, this roast turkey is sure to impress your guests!


Ingredients

1214 lb whole turkey, thawed

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped

2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

2 tsp paprika

1 tbsp salt

1 tsp black pepper

2 lemons, quartered

1 onion, quartered

2 carrots, peeled and halved

2 celery stalks, halved

2 cups chicken or turkey broth (for basting)


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Turkey:
    Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey cavity. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
  2. Season the Turkey:
    In a small bowl, mix softened butter, garlic, rosemary, thyme, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Gently loosen the skin over the turkey breast and rub the seasoned butter under the skin, as well as over the surface of the turkey.
  3. Stuff the Cavity:
    Stuff the turkey cavity with lemon quarters, onion quarters, and any extra herb sprigs for added flavor.
  4. Prepare the Roasting Pan:
    Place the carrots and celery in the bottom of the roasting pan to act as a roasting rack. Place the turkey on top of the vegetables.
  5. Roast the Turkey:
    Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the roasting pan. Roast the turkey in the preheated oven, basting with pan juices every 30-45 minutes. Roast for about 3 to 3 1/2 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F (74°C) and the thighs reach 170°F (77°C).
  6. Rest and Carve:
    Remove the turkey from the oven and tent loosely with foil. Let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve warm with your favorite sides.

Notes

If the turkey skin starts to brown too much, cover it with foil to prevent over-browning.

You can replace the butter with olive oil or another fat, though butter gives the crispiest skin and richest flavor.

Customize the stuffing ingredients with fruits like apples or additional herbs for a personal twist.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3-3.5 hours
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 10-12 servings
  • Calories: 320 kcal per serving