Description
Thanksgiving magic comes alive with this Roast Turkey that promises golden, juicy perfection straight from your oven. Herb-infused, crispy-skinned, and packed with family-style comfort, this classic centerpiece will have guests savoring every delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 (14-16 pounds) whole turkey
- 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 head of garlic, broken into cloves and peeled
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- A few sprigs each of fresh sage, thyme, and rosemary
Basic Seasoning:
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Create a fragrant herb butter by gently mashing softened butter in a mixing bowl, ensuring a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Incorporate finely chopped fresh sage, thyme, and rosemary into the butter, along with minced garlic, salt, and pepper, thoroughly blending the aromatics for maximum flavor infusion.
- Using clean hands or a spatula, carefully separate the turkey’s skin from the meat, being gentle to avoid tearing the delicate skin.
- Generously massage the herb-infused butter underneath the turkey’s skin, spreading it evenly across the breast and thigh areas to ensure rich, flavorful coverage.
- Place the turkey in a roasting pan, positioning it breast-side up for even cooking and optimal heat distribution.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C), preparing for a slow and steady roasting process that will render the turkey tender and succulent.
- Roast the turkey for approximately 15 minutes per pound, monitoring the internal temperature and ensuring it reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the thigh.
- Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 20-30 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute and ensuring a moist, flavorful result.
- Carefully transfer the roasted turkey to a serving platter, garnishing with fresh herb sprigs for an elegant presentation.
Notes
- Choose fresh herbs for the most vibrant and aromatic flavor profile, avoiding dried herbs which can taste dull and less potent.
- Let the butter soften at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth and even herb distribution.
- Adjust salt and pepper quantities based on personal taste preferences, remembering that kosher salt provides more balanced flavor compared to table salt.
- Prepare the herb butter mixture up to two days in advance and store in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld and intensify before using on your turkey.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours (for a 12-pound turkey)
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10
- Calories: 327
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 21 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg