Description
Perfectly seasoned No-Fuss Thanksgiving Turkey delivers classic American holiday comfort on a single platter. Juicy meat, crispy skin, and simple preparation make this centerpiece dish a crowd-pleasing centerpiece you’ll eagerly share with family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 whole turkey (about 12–14 pounds), thawed and ready to cook
Aromatics and Herbs:
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 2 lemons, halved
- Fresh herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, and sage)
Seasonings and Fats:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the roasting environment by heating the oven to 325°F (165°C), ensuring the rack is positioned centrally for optimal turkey placement.
- Clean the turkey thoroughly by removing internal organs and neck, then rinse under cold water and meticulously dry with paper towels.
- Massage the entire turkey surface with olive oil, creating a flavorful foundation for seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Enhance the turkey’s aromatic profile by stuffing the cavity with fresh lemon halves, quartered onion, and fragrant herbs.
- Carefully separate the skin from the turkey breast, creating a pocket to gently spread softened butter, ensuring moisture and rich flavor.
- Position the turkey breast-side up on a roasting rack within a large roasting pan, covering loosely with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
- Roast the turkey, allowing approximately 13 minutes per pound – roughly 3 hours for a standard 14-pound bird.
- During the final 45 minutes of cooking, remove the foil to allow the skin to transform into a crispy, golden exterior.
- Verify doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest thigh section, ensuring it reaches 165°F (75°C).
- After removing from the oven, let the turkey rest for a minimum of 20 minutes, allowing internal juices to redistribute and enhance overall tenderness.
Notes
- Brine the turkey overnight for extra moisture and flavor infusion, ensuring a juicy result that’ll make guests rave.
- Use a fresh turkey instead of frozen for superior texture and more natural taste, allowing herbs and seasonings to penetrate deeply.
- Invest in a reliable meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked turkey without dry or undercooked sections, preventing potential food safety issues.
- Cover turkey loosely with foil if browning happens too quickly, protecting the skin from burning while maintaining even cooking temperature.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg