Description
A traditional classic roast turkey featuring herb-butter preparation for crispy golden skin and juicy, flavorful meat. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and special holiday celebrations with foolproof techniques for consistent results.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (12–14 lb) whole turkey, neck and giblets removed
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary needles, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
- 1 large yellow onion, quartered
- 1 large carrot, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 celery stalks, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 lemon, halved
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (plus extra if needed)
Instructions
- Prep the Bird & Oven: Preheat oven to 325°F. Pat turkey completely dry inside and out with paper towels.
- Herb-Butter Love: Combine softened butter, thyme, rosemary, sage, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp pepper. Loosen skin over breast and thighs, smear half the herb-butter under skin. Rub remaining butter over outside.
- Aromatic Bed: Place onion, carrot, celery, garlic, and lemon in roasting pan. Pour in 1 cup chicken broth.
- Truss & Season: Tuck wing tips under body, tie legs together with kitchen twine. Season cavity with salt and pepper.
- Roasting Time: Place turkey breast-side up on rack. Roast uncovered, basting every 45 minutes with pan juices, until thigh reads 165°F—about 3 to 3½ hours.
- Rest & Carve: Transfer to carving board, tent with foil. Rest 20–30 minutes before carving.
- Serve & Enjoy: Carve and serve with pan juices or make gravy from drippings.
Notes
- Use instant-read thermometer for accuracy – thigh should reach 165°F
- Let turkey rest at room temperature 30-60 minutes before roasting for even cooking
- Save drippings for gravy – strain and remove excess fat before using
- Fresh herbs are essential for best flavor – avoid dried substitutes
- Can dry brine 24-48 hours ahead for even better results
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-3.5 hours
- Category: Main Dish, Holiday, Thanksgiving, Christmas
- Method: Roasting, Oven
- Cuisine: American, Traditional
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 oz turkey with skin
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 165mg