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Mouth-Watering Thanksgiving Turkey

Juicy, flavorful roasted turkey with golden crispy skin, perfect as the centerpiece for your holiday feast.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Total Time 3 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Turkey & Seasoning
  • 12-14 lbs whole turkey thawed if frozen
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 lemons halved
  • 1 onion quartered
  • 3 stalks celery chopped
  • 6 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 6 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 6 leaves fresh sage
  • 1 cup chicken or turkey broth for basting
Optional
  • 1 tsp paprika for extra color

Equipment

  • Roasting pan
  • Roasting rack
  • Oven
  • Kitchen twine

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. Remove giblets and pat turkey dry.
  3. Loosen skin over breast and legs; spread butter under skin.
  4. Season inside and outside with salt, pepper, and garlic.
  5. Stuff cavity with lemon halves, onion, rosemary, thyme, and sage.
  6. Tie legs with kitchen twine and tuck wings under body.
  7. Place turkey on roasting rack with carrots and celery in pan.
  8. Pour 1–2 cups broth into pan; tent with foil.
  9. Roast for 2.5–3 hours, basting occasionally.
  10. Remove foil for last 45 minutes to crisp skin.
  11. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in thickest part of thigh.
  12. Rest turkey 20–30 minutes before carving.
  13. Carve and serve with roasted vegetables, gravy, and cranberry sauce.

Notes

Brining overnight enhances flavor. Can prepare vegetables ahead of time. Leftover turkey can be used in sandwiches or soups.