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