This simple fool proof recipe for a roast turkey will be the star of any dinner! Using simple ingredients for great flavor, you will love this recipe!
Sitting down at the table this Thanksgiving and biting into your very own Roast Turkey is going to be one of the best feelings ever!
Roast Turkey isn’t just delicious, it’s a holiday staple. And no, you don’t just have to enjoy this around the holidays, you can enjoy it any time of the year. Enjoying this turkey with a side of gravy is a melt in your mouth good idea. These cheesy mashed potatoes go perfectly next to it!
Roast Turkey
If you are going to enjoy Roast Turkey, then you need to know how to make it correctly. I have the best recipe for you. One that I have used for years, but that I have decided to finally pass on to all of you!
The Quintessential Roast Turkey: A Classic Recipe with a Flavorful Twist
A centerpiece that defines every Thanksgiving table, the roast turkey, is often the most anticipated dish of the holiday season. My recipe brings together the perfect blend of herbs, citrus, and aromatics, yielding a turkey that’s juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. But why does this recipe work so well? Let’s dig in!
Roast Turkey FAQs
Q: How long should I cook a 10lb turkey?
A: A good rule of thumb is to cook for about 13-15 minutes per pound in a 325°F oven. However, the best way to confirm doneness is by checking the internal temperature, which should read 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh.
Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
A: You can, but be cautious with additional seasoning, as salted butter already contains salt.
Q: Can I skip the olive oil?
A: The olive oil adds an extra layer of richness but can be skipped if you prefer.
Ingredients You Need to Make Roast Turkey :
Now that you know you want to make roast turkey, I am going to walk you through the ingredient process.
10-pound turkey – You are going to need a big turkey to make this delicious recipe. Of course, you can use a smaller turkey if you really want to.
Olive oil – This oil is going to make this recipe worth making. A little olive oil makes every recipe tastier.
Poultry seasoning – One of the star ingredients for the roast turkey is poultry seasoning. It’s going to make your turkey taste delicious.
Rosemary, thyme, lemons, and onion – You are going to need these fresh ingredients to make the recipe. It’ll be well worth adding these to your dish!
Garlic – A yummy part of this recipe is also the garlic that you will be adding to the mixture.
A complete list of ingredients can be found in the recipe card. Make sure you read through the complete list of instructions too! Once you bite into this yummy roast turkey, it will become a family favorite recipe for many generations to come.
Tips and Tricks
- Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easier spreading.
- Baste, but Not Too Much: While basting helps keep the meat moist, doing it too often can prevent the skin from crisping up.
- Resting Time: Let the turkey rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving to help redistribute the juices.
Variations
- Herb Choices: If rosemary and thyme aren’t your favorites, sage is another excellent herb to use.
- Citrus Twist: Swap out lemons for oranges for a hint of sweetness.
Where to Serve
This roast turkey is the perfect centerpiece for any holiday table, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas. It’s a recipe that you can also downscale for smaller gatherings or family dinners.
Storage
Leftover turkey should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the meat.
Common Problems and How to Avoid Them
- Dry Meat: Undercooking or overcooking can result in dry meat. To avoid this, use a meat thermometer.
- Soggy Skin: Make sure to pat the turkey dry before seasoning and roasting to achieve crispy skin.
Tips for Making this Recipe with Kids
- Kids can help with washing the herbs, rubbing the seasoning mix, or even arranging the lemon wedges and onions inside the cavity.
- Use this as an educational moment to teach them about kitchen safety, especially concerning raw poultry.
Topping Options
- Gravy: A classic choice, made even better when using the turkey drippings.
- Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce complements the richness of the meat beautifully.
If you are looking for an awesome stuffing recipe, be sure to try this awesome Sausage Stuffing!
Why This Recipe Works
- Herb and Citrus Combo: The lemons, along with optional herbs like rosemary and thyme, infuse the meat with aromatic flavors.
- Butter and Olive Oil: This duo ensures the turkey is moist and tender while allowing the skin to get crisp.
- Poultry Seasoning: This is your all-in-one spice mix that makes seasoning a breeze while delivering much flavor.
And there you have it! The road to achieving the ultimate roast turkey is not as daunting as it seems, especially when you have the right recipe in hand. Trust me, give this one a go, and your holiday table will be the talk of the season!
Here are some more amazing thanksgiving recipes to try!
- Southern Sweet Potato Casserole With Crunchy Pecan Topping
- Easy Air Fryer Baby Potatoes
- Easy Creamy Skillet Corn Recipe With Cream Cheese
- Incredible Truffle Baked Macaroni and Cheese
- The Best Honey Skillet Cornbread Recipe
Enjoy!
Simple and Fuss Free Roast Turkey Recipe For Thanksgiving
This flavorful roast turkey recipe is fool proof and easy to make!
Ingredients
- 10lb turkey
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil, optional
- 3 Tablespoons poultry seasoning
- 2 lemons
- Small bunch rosemary, optional
- Small bunch thyme, optional
- 2 small yellow onions, quartered
- 2 heads garlic
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375F
- Remove any giblets from the turkey.
- Use a large spoon to carefully separate the skin from the breast of the turkey, as shown.
- Rub 1/4 cup of butter under the turkey skin, directly on the turkey breast.
- Rub remaining butter all over the turkey.
- Place a halved lemon and a small amount of rosemary and thyme inside the turkey cavity.
- Make a small cut 4" down from the turkey opening and push the turkey legs through. Alternatively, you can use kitchen string to tie the turkey legs together.
- Sprinkle turkey liberally with poultry seasoning.
- Place water and quartered onions in the bottom of a roasting pan. Quarter the remaining lemon and add to the roasting pan. Cut the top off of one head of garlic, add it to the roasting pan, and then peel and crush each clove of the remaining garlic. Add to roasting pan, then place the turkey overtop. (You can use a roasting pan if desired.)
- Bake for 3 1/2 to 4 hours. Cover with the top of the roasting pan or tinfoil for the first half of the baking time.
- Once you remove the cover, baste the turkey with the turkey juices every 20-30 minutes.
- At the 3 hour mark, pour the olive oil over the turkey in any spots that are not browning as deeply as other spots.
- Cook until turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165F.
- Cover and let turkey rest at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before carving. (This is a great time to make gravy or finish up other side dishes.)
If you liked this Roast Turkey Recipe be sure to check out these Amazing Leftover Turkey Sliders!
Hi! I’m Nellie. I am an entrepreneur, a busy mama of 3 and a wife to my high school sweetheart. I have been sharing content for over 12 years about how to cook easy recipes, workout tips and free printables that make life a little bit easier. I have been featured in places like Yahoo, Buzzfeed, What To Expect, Mediavine, Niche Pursuits, HuffPost, BabyCenter, Mom 2.0, Mommy Nearest, Parade, Care.com, and more!
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