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Roast Turkey

This classic roast turkey recipe delivers a juicy, flavorful bird perfect for holiday dinners and special occasions. Crispy skin and tender meat make it a timeless centerpiece.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds), thawed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 1 lemon, halved
  • 4 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. Remove turkey giblets and pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
  3. In a small bowl, combine butter, salt, pepper, rosemary, and thyme.
  4. Loosen the skin from the breast and rub half the butter mixture under the skin; rub the remaining butter all over the outside of the turkey.
  5. Stuff the cavity with onion, lemon, and garlic.
  6. Place the turkey breast side up on a rack in a roasting pan.
  7. Pour chicken broth into the bottom of the pan.
  8. Roast for about 3 to 3 1/2 hours, basting occasionally with pan juices, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
  9. Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving.

Notes

For extra crispy skin, increase oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) for the last 20 minutes of roasting. Serve with homemade gravy and your favorite sides.