Classic Roasted Turkey Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours
- Yield: 10-12 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Classic Roasted Turkey recipe guarantees a tender, juicy bird with golden, crispy skin, making it the star of any holiday meal like Thanksgiving or Christmas. Simple ingredients, fresh herbs, and a two-step roasting process ensure perfectly cooked turkey every time. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned cook, this recipe will help you create a mouthwatering, crowd-pleasing turkey with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
- 1 whole turkey (10–12 lbs)
- 1 quart chicken stock
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4 garlic cloves, whole
- 4 carrots, cut into chunks
- 2 celery stalks, cut into chunks
- 1 lemon, quartered
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or sage)
- 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preparation: Thaw the turkey if frozen, and let it come to room temperature. Remove the neck and giblets from the cavity and pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 450°F.
- Season the Turkey: Season the cavity of the turkey with salt and pepper. Stuff it with quartered lemon, onion, garlic, and fresh herbs. Rub the softened butter all over the turkey skin and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Roast the Turkey: Place the turkey breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Surround the bird with carrots, celery, and a few sprigs of herbs. Pour chicken stock into the bottom of the pan.
- Initial High-Heat Roast: Roast the turkey at 450°F for 30 minutes to crisp the skin.
- Lower the Heat: Reduce the temperature to 350°F and continue roasting for 2-3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F when checked at the thickest part of the thigh.
- Resting Time: Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 30 minutes before carving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme to the softened butter before rubbing it onto the turkey.
- Use orange or lime instead of lemon for a citrus twist.
- For a spicy kick, sprinkle chili flakes or smoked paprika on the turkey before roasting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is all about simplicity and flavor. By roasting the turkey at a high temperature initially and then lowering the heat, you get the perfect balance of crispy skin and juicy meat. It also uses fresh herbs and aromatics to infuse the bird with flavor, making it a crowd favorite.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 whole turkey (10-12 lbs)
- 1 quart chicken stock
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4 garlic cloves, whole
- 4 carrots, cut into chunks
- 2 celery stalks, cut into chunks
- 1 lemon, quartered
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or sage)
- 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Preparation: Thaw your turkey if frozen, and allow it to come to room temperature. Remove the neck and giblets from the cavity, then pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 450°F.
- Season the Turkey: Season the cavity of the turkey with salt and pepper. Stuff it with the quartered lemon, onion, garlic, and fresh herbs. Rub the softened butter all over the skin, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Roast the Turkey: Place the turkey breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Surround the turkey with carrots, celery, and a few sprigs of herbs. Pour chicken stock into the bottom of the pan.
- Initial High-Heat Roast: Roast the turkey at 450°F for 30 minutes to get the skin nice and crispy.
- Lower the Heat: Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and continue roasting the turkey for 2-3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F when checked at the thickest part of the thigh.
- Resting Time: Once the turkey is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 30 minutes before carving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 10-12 people
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 3-4 hours, depending on the size of the turkey
- Rest time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Herb-Infused Butter: Add minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, or sage to the softened butter before applying it to the turkey.
- Citrus Twist: Use orange or lime instead of lemon for a different citrus flavor.
- Spicy Kick: For a little heat, sprinkle the turkey with chili flakes or smoked paprika.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftover turkey can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the turkey slices in a baking dish with a bit of broth or gravy, cover with foil, and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
FAQs
How long should I roast the turkey?
Generally, it takes about 15 minutes per pound at 350°F after the initial 30-minute high-heat roast.
Should I baste the turkey?
Basting is optional with this recipe, as the butter rub and high-heat roasting ensure that the turkey remains moist.
Can I prepare the turkey in advance?
You can prep the turkey a day in advance by seasoning it and storing it in the refrigerator overnight.
What size turkey should I get?
For a group of 10-12 people, a 10-12 lb turkey is ideal. Plan for 1-1.5 pounds of turkey per person.
Can I cook the turkey at one temperature?
For best results, it’s recommended to start at a high temperature (450°F) to crisp up the skin, then lower the temperature to 350°F to cook the bird through.
How do I carve the turkey?
Allow the turkey to rest for 30 minutes before carving. This helps redistribute the juices. Start by removing the legs and thighs, then carve the breast meat.
Can I cook a stuffed turkey?
Yes, but ensure the stuffing reaches 165°F to avoid food safety issues.
How can I make turkey gravy?
Use the pan drippings, combined with flour and stock, to make a delicious turkey gravy.
What if the turkey is overcooked?
If the turkey becomes dry, try serving it with gravy or a flavorful sauce to add moisture.
How do I know when the turkey is fully cooked?
The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh and the breast.
Conclusion
This classic roasted turkey recipe is a foolproof way to create a stunning, delicious bird for your next holiday gathering. By combining fresh ingredients, a few simple steps, and a bit of patience, you’ll have a turkey that’s both juicy and flavorful, making your meal memorable.