Name: Perfect Roasted Turkey Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 3 h 30 min
Total time: 4 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 whole turkey (12–14 pounds); 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped; 1 tablespoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 large onion, quartered; 2 carrots, cut into chunks; 2 celery stalks, cut into chunks; 1 lemon, halved; 2 cups chicken broth or turkey stock

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re ready to impress your holiday guests with a juicy, tender bird and fill your home with the most mouthwatering aroma, the Perfect Roasted Turkey Recipe is just what you need. This iconic main dish delivers flawlessly crisp skin and savory, herb-infused flavors with every bite. Whether you’re mastering your first turkey or perfecting the art after years of Thanksgiving feasts, this recipe balances classic technique and simple ingredients for absolutely memorable results.

Perfect Roasted Turkey Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Perfect Roasted Turkey Recipe lies in its unfussy, fresh ingredient list. Every element plays an important role, from juicy citrus to earthy herbs, creating a symphony of comforting, unmistakable holiday flavors.

Whole turkey (12–14 pounds): Choose a fresh or thawed turkey for the best flavor and ensure leftovers for all those turkey sandwiches.
Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Softened butter helps create that unforgettable golden skin and locks in moisture.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): A drizzle of oil blends with the butter, intensifying both crispiness and flavor.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic wakes up every bite with its rich aroma and depth.
Fresh rosemary (2 tablespoons, chopped): Rosemary brings a hint of piney brightness to cut through the richness.
Fresh thyme (2 tablespoons, chopped): Thyme adds an earthy, herbal layer that pairs beautifully with turkey meat.
Fresh sage (2 tablespoons, chopped): Sage offers that classic holiday warmth and an aromatic boost.
Salt (1 tablespoon): Essential for seasoning the meat and crisping the skin; don’t skimp here!
Black pepper (1 teaspoon): A touch of freshly ground pepper underscores the herbs and brightens the overall flavor.
Onion (1 large, quartered): Onion in the cavity perfumes the meat with sweet, mellow flavor.
Carrots (2, cut into chunks): Carrots lend subtle sweetness and help flavor the drippings for future gravy.
Celery (2 stalks, cut into chunks): Celery rounds out the aromatic trio in the turkey cavity.
Lemon (1, halved): A halved lemon in the cavity infuses the bird with citrusy brightness and moisture.
Chicken broth or turkey stock (2 cups): Keeps the turkey juicy as it roasts and is perfect for basting and making luscious gravy later.

How to Make Perfect Roasted Turkey Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Turkey

Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the giblets from the turkey and pat the bird dry using paper towels; this is key to getting that coveted crispy skin. A dry surface is your blank canvas for the flavorful herb butter you’re about to add.

Step 2: Mix the Herb Butter

In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, and black pepper. This rich, aromatic blend will do wonders for both taste and texture, adding depth in every single bite.

Step 3: Generously Season the Turkey

Carefully loosen the skin over the turkey breast with your fingers—a little patience goes a long way to keep the skin intact. Spread half of the fragrant butter mixture under the skin, directly on the meat. Rub the rest over the outside, massaging all the nooks and crannies, including the legs and wings.

Step 4: Fill the Cavity

Stuff the turkey’s cavity with the quartered onion, carrot chunks, celery, and both lemon halves. These aromatics infuse the meat from the inside out, keeping everything moist and adding a subtle, delicious flavor throughout the Perfect Roasted Turkey Recipe.

Step 5: Prepare for Roasting

Set the turkey breast-side up on a rack in a large roasting pan. Pour the chicken broth or turkey stock into the bottom of the pan—this will keep things extra juicy and make your basting liquid nice and flavorful.

Step 6: Roast the Turkey

Roast uncovered for 3 to 3½ hours, basting the turkey with pan juices every 45 minutes to build flavor and moisture. If the top is browning faster than the meat cooks, loosely tent the turkey with foil to prevent burning. Your target: 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh, ensuring perfect doneness for the Perfect Roasted Turkey Recipe.

Step 7: Rest and Carve

Once your turkey is perfectly roasted, remove it from the oven and gently tent with foil. Let it rest for 20 to 30 minutes before carving. This crucial step locks in those savory juices and makes for effortless slicing.

How to Serve Perfect Roasted Turkey Recipe

Garnishes

Garnish the platter with fresh rosemary, thyme sprigs, and a scattering of pomegranate seeds or sliced lemons for an extra festive touch—these not only make the Perfect Roasted Turkey Recipe look stunning, but add aroma and subtle flavor.

Side Dishes

You can’t go wrong pairing this show-stopping turkey with creamy mashed potatoes, classic stuffing, zesty cranberry sauce, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a bright, fresh green salad. The possibilities are endless, and each bite brings out the turkey’s savory notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the turkey slices on a large wooden board or big serving platter, fan out the meat, tuck in sprigs of fresh herbs and colorful roasted veggies, and let your guests build their plates buffet-style. For a super impressive look, keep the roasted cavity aromatics nearby as beautiful edible decor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your feast, let any leftover turkey cool completely, then store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This keeps the meat moist and ensures the delicious flavors of your Perfect Roasted Turkey Recipe last all week long.

Freezing

For longer storage, diced or sliced turkey can be frozen in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. For best results, drizzle a little broth over the meat before freezing—it prevents drying and makes reheating a breeze.

Reheating

To reheat, place turkey slices in an oven-safe dish, splash with a bit of extra stock, and cover tightly with foil. Warm at 325°F until heated through. The broth traps in moisture and brings your Perfect Roasted Turkey Recipe right back to life.

FAQs

How do I keep my turkey from drying out?

Generous basting, a well-seasoned butter rub, and starting with a properly thawed bird all help prevent dryness. Letting the turkey rest before carving is also essential for juicy, tender meat.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Use one-third of the amount you would for fresh. While fresh herbs provide a vibrant pop, dried herbs will still create irresistibly deep flavors in your Perfect Roasted Turkey Recipe.

How do I make this dairy-free?

Swap the butter for your favorite plant-based or dairy-free alternative, or simply use all olive oil. You’ll still get delicious golden skin and mouthwatering taste.

What size turkey do I need for my guests?

Plan for about 1 to 1.5 pounds per person (including bones). A 12–14 pound bird comfortably serves 10–12 people with plenty for leftovers.

Do I have to baste the turkey?

While basting isn’t mandatory, it helps develop a rich, golden skin and infuses extra moisture and flavor. For the very best Perfect Roasted Turkey Recipe, it’s worth taking a few minutes every so often to baste.

Final Thoughts

If you try just one special bird this year, let it be this Perfect Roasted Turkey Recipe. It’s guaranteed to wow your family and friends with its irresistible aroma and juicy, flavorful results. Gather your favorite people, enjoy every carving moment, and savor the meal together!

Perfect Roasted Turkey Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 4 hours
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Perfect Roasted Turkey Recipe yields a beautifully cooked, juicy turkey with a flavorful herb butter rub. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any special occasion, this recipe will be a hit with your guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Turkey:

1 whole turkey (12–14 pounds)

Herb Butter:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

Stuffing:

1 large onion, quartered
2 carrots, cut into chunks
2 celery stalks, cut into chunks
1 lemon, halved

Broth:

2 cups chicken broth or turkey stock

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
Prepare the Turkey: Remove giblets and pat the turkey dry. Mix butter, oil, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper. Spread butter mixture under the skin and all over the turkey.
Stuff the Turkey: Fill the cavity with onion, carrots, celery, and lemon.
Roast: Place turkey on a rack in a roasting pan, pour broth in the pan. Roast for 3-3 1/2 hours, basting every 45 minutes, until the thigh reaches 165°F.
Rest and Carve: Remove from oven, tent with foil, and rest for 20-30 minutes before carving.