There’s something magical about Thanksgiving roast turkey. The golden skin, the aroma of herbs filling the house, and the way it anchors the table make it more than just a meal, it’s tradition. For me, the ritual of seasoning and roasting brings back the same comfort as watching my nonna’s handwritten notes guide me through holiday cooking. It’s not about chasing perfection but about creating a bird that’s juicy, flavorful, and shared with the people you love. If you’ve ever felt intimidated, don’t worry, this guide breaks it down step by step.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
A Thanksgiving roast turkey is more than a dish; it’s an experience. This recipe guarantees tender meat with crispy golden skin, seasoned with simple herbs that anyone can find. You’ll love how the process feels manageable even for first-timers. The reward is a centerpiece that looks stunning, tastes incredible, and keeps your guests coming back for seconds. Pair it with sides like green bean casserole for the ultimate holiday spread.
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Thanksgiving Roast Turkey
Juicy and golden Thanksgiving roast turkey, seasoned with fresh herbs, butter, and citrus for the perfect holiday centerpiece.
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
1 whole turkey (12–14 pounds)
1 stick unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
1 lemon, quartered
1 onion, quartered
1 head of garlic, halved
2 cups chicken broth or stock
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Pat turkey dry with paper towels, remove giblets, and place on a roasting rack in a large pan.
2. Mix softened butter, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, thyme, and sage. Rub mixture under skin and all over turkey.
3. Stuff cavity with lemon, onion, and garlic. Pour chicken broth into the roasting pan.
4. Roast uncovered for about 15 minutes per pound, basting every 45 minutes.
5. Check temperature: 165°F for breast and 175°F for thighs. Remove from oven when done.
6. Let turkey rest for 20–30 minutes before carving and serving.
Notes
Brine the turkey overnight for extra juicy meat.
Roast just a turkey breast for smaller gatherings.
Carve in advance and reheat slices in broth to save time.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 6 oz)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 55g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Ingredients
To prepare this holiday bird, you’ll need a handful of fresh and pantry staples:
- 1 whole turkey (12–14 pounds)
- 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 1 onion, quartered
- 1 head of garlic, halved
- 2 cups chicken broth or stock
This ingredient list creates the perfect balance of savory and aromatic flavors. If you’re preparing other dishes, such as roasted sweet potatoes, you’ll notice how well the flavors complement one another.
How to Make Thanksgiving Roast Turkey
Step 1: Prep the Turkey
Pat the turkey dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Remove the giblets and set them aside for gravy. Place the bird on a roasting rack inside a large pan.
Step 2: Season Generously
Mix butter, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and herbs. Rub the mixture under the skin and across the turkey’s surface. Stuff the cavity with lemon, onion, and garlic.
Step 3: Roast to Perfection
Preheat the oven to 325°F. Pour broth into the roasting pan. Roast uncovered for 15 minutes per pound, basting every 45 minutes. When the breast reaches 165°F and thighs 175°F, it’s ready. Let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving.
This simple approach ensures a moist turkey every time. Serve it alongside comforting Thanksgiving stuffing to complete the feast.
Tips and Variations
- Butter is key: Use room-temperature butter for easy spreading.
- Brining option: For even juicier meat, brine your turkey overnight in a mix of salt, sugar, and water.
- Flavor swaps: Try citrus zest or smoked paprika for a twist.
- Time-saving tip: Roast just a turkey breast for smaller gatherings.
- Make-ahead trick: Carve the bird in advance, then reheat slices in broth to keep them moist.
For a creative twist on your spread, consider adding a charcuterie board to surprise your guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to roast a turkey?
A 12–14 pound turkey takes about 3.5 to 4.5 hours at 325°F.
Do I need to baste the turkey?
Basting helps with browning but isn’t essential if you coat the skin with butter.
How can I keep the turkey moist?
Let it rest before carving and don’t skip the broth in the roasting pan.
Can I stuff the turkey with dressing?
It’s safer to cook dressing separately.
Final Bite
Thanksgiving roast turkey may seem daunting, but with the right steps, you’ll create a showstopping main dish that’s juicy, golden, and unforgettable. The blend of butter, herbs, and citrus makes every bite sing, while resting ensures tenderness. Serve it with classics like apple crumble cheesecake for dessert, and you’ve got a holiday meal to remember. At the end of the day, it’s less about presentation and more about creating memories that linger long after the last slice is gone.
Loved this recipe? Follow me on Pinterest for more comforting dishes and easy weeknight favorites you’ll want to save.
