Description
This Easy Thanksgiving Turkey recipe ensures a moist, flavorful bird every time with simple preparation and classic herb and citrus aromatics. The turkey is roasted to perfection at 325°F, with a seasoning rub of olive oil or butter and fresh herbs, making it a foolproof centerpiece for your holiday feast.
Ingredients
Scale
Turkey and Aromatics
- 12 to 18-pound turkey (fully thawed)
- 1 onion, peeled and quartered
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 1-2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1-2 sprigs fresh thyme
Seasoning
- Olive oil, butter, or preferred seasoning rub (enough to coat turkey)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Turkey: Remove the turkey giblets and pat the turkey dry inside and out with paper towels. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Stuff the Cavity: Place the quartered onion, lemon, rosemary, and thyme inside the turkey cavity to infuse the bird with flavor during roasting.
- Position the Turkey: Place the turkey breast-side up on a roasting rack inside a roasting pan. Tuck the wings under the bird and tie the legs together with kitchen twine for even cooking.
- Season the Skin: Rub the outside of the turkey with olive oil, butter, or your preferred seasoning rub. Generously sprinkle the entire surface with salt and pepper to enhance flavor and promote crisp skin.
- Insert Thermometer and Roast: Insert a probe thermometer into the thickest part of the breast, avoiding the bone. Roast the turkey at 325°F, estimating about 15 minutes per pound for cooking time.
- Check for Doneness: When the thermometer reads 165°F in the breast and 175°F in the thigh, the turkey is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Rest the Turkey: Remove the turkey from the oven and cover loosely with foil. Let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender bird.
Notes
- Make sure your turkey is fully thawed before cooking to ensure even roasting.
- For larger turkeys (over 18 pounds), adjust cooking time accordingly, approximately 15 minutes per pound.
- Resting time is crucial for juicy meat; do not skip it.
- You can customize the seasoning rub to your preference, adding garlic powder, paprika, or herbs.
- Use a roasting rack to allow air circulation and even cooking.