Roast Turkey for Thanksgiving

A Thanksgiving roast turkey on a serving platter garnished with herbs, pomegranate and figs.

This roast turkey is simple to make and full of savory flavors including butter, garlic, herbs and lemon. A must-have Thanksgiving turkey recipe that even a novice cook can make with minimal effort!

Course Main

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 3

Total Time 3 10

Servings

Calories 335kcal

Author Sara Welch

Ingredients

12 lb turkey giblets and neck removed
1 lemon quartered
1 onion peeled and quartered
4 sprigs rosemary
5 cloves garlic smashed
8 tablespoons butter softened
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon pepper
2 cups chicken or turkey broth
fresh herbs and fruit for garnish optional

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Fold the wings of the turkey under the body.
Stuff the cavity of the turkey with the lemon, onion, rosemary and garlic.
Place the butter, salt and pepper in a bowl and stir until combined.
Spread the butter all over the turkey, both on top of and underneath the skin. Season the turkey with more salt and pepper to taste if desired.
Tie the turkey drumsticks together, Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan.
Cook for 30-40 minutes or until turkey has started to turn golden brown.
Reduce the heat to 350 degrees F. Baste the turkey with 1/2 cup chicken broth.
Bake for another 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes with the chicken broth, or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165 degrees F. If your turkey is getting too dark, you can cover it with foil.
Transfer the turkey to a serving platter and garnish with herbs and fruit if desired. Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Video

Notes

You do not have to brine a turkey to get a juicy and flavorful bird. That being said, a brine does help prevent a turkey from drying out and it adds a lot of flavor in the process. If you’d like to brine your bird before proceeding with this roast turkey, you can use my favorite turkey brine recipe.
It’s very important to use a meat thermometer to ensure that your turkey is cooked to the proper temperature. This also helps to prevent your bird from drying out in the oven, since you won’t accidentally overcook it.

Nutrition