Go Back
–+ servings
Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe

Juicy Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe for a Hassle-Free Feast

This Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe ensures a flavorful centerpiece for your holiday, with simple preparation and no brining or basting needed.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 3 hours 45 minutes
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 5 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Turkey
  • 1 whole Turkey (12 to 18 lbs) ensure it's fully thawed for even cooking
  • to taste Kosher Salt enhances overall flavor
  • to taste Black Pepper enhances overall flavor
For the Aromatics
  • 1 Onion quartered; substitute with garlic or shallots
  • 1 Lemon quartered; orange can be used for a different profile
  • 1 to 2 sprigs Fresh Rosemary thyme or sage can be substituted
  • 1 to 2 sprigs Fresh Thyme dried thyme can be used in lesser amounts
  • 1 to 2 sprigs Fresh Sage omit if unavailable, or use a pinch of dried
For the Herb Butter
  • ¾ cup Unsalted Butter room temperature; can substitute with dairy-free butter
  • 6 cloves Garlic minced; shallots can be a milder substitute
For Optional Flavor Boosts
  • 1 Onion quartered; additional flavor and moisture
  • 3 ribs Celery chopped; can be added under turkey for more depth
  • 2 Carrots chopped; suggested alongside celery for flavor enhancement

Equipment

  • Roasting pan
  • Probe thermometer
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Roasting rack

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Remove the turkey from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature for about 1 hour. Remove the giblets and neck from the cavity.
  2. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Pat the turkey dry with paper towels and season the cavity with kosher salt and black pepper, then stuff it with onion, lemon, and fresh herbs.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine unsalted butter, minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, and fresh herbs. Mix until well incorporated to create herb butter.
  4. Loosen the turkey skin and rub half of the herb butter beneath the skin. Spread remaining butter generously over the exterior of the turkey.
  5. Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan, tuck the wing tips, and prepare for roasting.
  6. Roast the turkey for approximately 15 minutes per pound, aiming for an internal temperature of 158°-160°F. Check every 10 minutes towards the end.
  7. Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving, loosely covered with aluminum foil.

Nutrition

Serving: 3ouncesCalories: 350kcalProtein: 25gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 250mgPotassium: 300mgVitamin A: 2IUCalcium: 1mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This recipe makes a perfect centerpiece for Thanksgiving, adaptable to personal tastes with various herbs and cooking methods.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!