Roast Turkey Recipe

🦃 Perfect Roast Turkey Recipe

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes (for a 12–14 lb turkey)
Total Time: 4 hours
Servings: 10–12

🧂 Ingredients

• 1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs), thawed

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon salt

• 1 tablespoon black pepper

• 2 teaspoons garlic powder

• 2 teaspoons onion powder

• 2 teaspoons paprika

• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped

• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped

• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped

• 1 lemon, quartered

• 1 onion, quartered

• 1 head garlic, halved crosswise

• 2 cups chicken broth or turkey stock

👩‍🍳 Directions

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the turkey giblets and pat the turkey dry with paper towels.

2. Butter Mix: In a bowl, combine softened butter, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and herbs.

3. Season the Turkey: Gently loosen the turkey skin over the breasts and thighs, then rub half the butter mixture under the skin and the rest all over the turkey.

4. Stuff the Cavity: Place the lemon, onion, and garlic inside the turkey cavity for flavor.

5. Roast: Place the turkey breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan.

6. Baste Occasionally: Roast uncovered for about 3½ hours, basting every 45 minutes with the pan juices.

7. Check Doneness: The turkey is done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (74°C).

8. Rest Before Serving: Remove from oven, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 30 minutes before carving.

💡 Pro Tip:

For extra crispy skin, start roasting at 425°F (220°C) for the first 30 minutes, then reduce to 325°F (165°C) for the remaining cook time. This gives you golden perfection every time.