Here’s a straightforward, juicy Roasted Turkey recipe — golden skin, tender meat, and perfect for holidays or special dinners.
⭐ Classic Roasted Turkey
Ingredients (for 10–12 lbs turkey)
- 1 whole turkey (10–12 lbs), thawed if frozen
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1–2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika (optional, for color)
- 1 tsp garlic powder or 3–4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary
- 1 onion, quartered
- 1 lemon, halved
- 2–3 sprigs fresh rosemary, thyme, or sage
- 1–2 cups chicken or turkey stock (for basting or pan)
Instructions
1. Prep the Turkey
- Remove giblets and neck; pat turkey dry inside and out with paper towels.
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Rub butter mixture (butter + salt + pepper + garlic + herbs + paprika) all over the turkey, under the skin if possible.
- Stuff cavity with onion, lemon, and herb sprigs.
2. Truss and Roast
- Tie legs together with kitchen twine and tuck wings under.
- Place turkey breast-side up on a roasting rack in a roasting pan.
- Pour 1–2 cups of stock into the bottom of the pan.
- Tent the turkey loosely with foil.
3. Roast
- Roast about 13–15 minutes per pound (10 lb ≈ 2¼–2½ hours).
- Remove foil during the last 45 minutes to brown the skin.
- Baste occasionally with pan juices for extra flavor and moisture.
4. Check Doneness
- Turkey is done when internal temperature reaches:
- Breast: 165°F (74°C)
- Thigh: 175°F (79°C)
- Insert thermometer into the thickest part without touching bone.
5. Rest
- Tent with foil and rest 20–30 minutes before carving.
- Resting allows juices to redistribute for a juicy turkey.
6. Serve
- Carve turkey and serve with pan drippings, gravy, or sides like roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes.
Tips
- For extra crispy skin, pat the turkey very dry and rub with salt and butter the night before; refrigerate uncovered.
- Add vegetables (carrots, celery, onion) to the roasting pan for natural flavor in pan drippings.
- Leftovers can be used in sandwiches, soups, or turkey salad.
I can also give a herb butter brine version, quick-roast 4-hour method, or air fryer turkey breast if you want a faster option.
