Description
A guide to preparing the best roast turkey for a perfect holiday meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 whole turkey (12–14 pounds)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
- 1 tablespoon dried sage
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Remove the turkey giblets and pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
- In a bowl, mix the softened butter with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, and sage.
- Rub the butter mixture all over the turkey, including under the skin.
- Stuff the cavity with onion, carrots, and celery.
- Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a roasting pan and pour chicken broth into the bottom of the pan.
- Cover the turkey loosely with aluminum foil.
- Roast the turkey for about 13-15 minutes per pound, removing the foil for the last hour to allow the skin to brown.
- Check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Let the turkey rest for at least 20 minutes before carving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, brine the turkey overnight before roasting.
- Use a meat thermometer for accurate cooking.
- Save the drippings for making gravy.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (3 oz)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg