This roast turkey is the star of any feast! Crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside, it’s seasoned just right for a yummy holiday meal.
Honestly, what’s more fun than gathering around the table with loved ones? I like to pair mine with stuffing and cranberry sauce—pure happiness on a plate! 🦃✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Turkey: A 12-14 pound turkey works best, but don’t stress if it’s a little bigger or smaller. Just check the cooking time based on weight. If you’re serving a smaller crowd, you can use a turkey breast instead!
Unsalted Butter: I love using unsalted butter because it lets me control the salt content. If you’re dairy-free, substitute with olive oil or a dairy-free butter for similar results.
Fresh Herbs: Rosemary, sage, and thyme add great flavors. If fresh herbs aren’t available, use dried herbs instead, but cut the amount in half since dried herbs are more potent!
Orange: The zest and slices of orange give a nice citrusy zing. For a different flavor, try lemon or even apple slices during roasting!
Cranberries: These are perfect for garnish. If you can’t find fresh cranberries, use dried cranberries or skip them altogether—the turkey will still shine!
How Do I Ensure the Turkey Stays Juicy While Roasting?
Keeping your turkey juicy is all about proper preparation and cooking. Here’s how to do it:
- **Cook at Low Temperature:** Set your oven to 325°F (163°C) for even cooking without drying out.
- **Baste Often:** Use a baster to scoop up the pan juices and drizzle them over the turkey every 45 minutes. This keeps the skin moist.
- **Use Broth or Water:** Pour chicken broth or water in the roasting pan. This creates steam and helps maintain moisture throughout cooking.
- **Rest After Cooking:** Let the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes after roasting. This resting time allows juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is juicy.
With these tips, your roast turkey will be a delicious centerpiece for any gathering! Enjoy!
How to Make the Perfect Roast Turkey
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds), thawed if frozen
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped (plus extra sprigs for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
- Zest of 1 orange, plus 2 sliced oranges (for roasting)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries (for garnish)
- Optional: 1 onion, quartered and 2-3 carrots, cut into chunks (to stuff or roast alongside)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water (to pour in roasting pan)
Time Estimate:
This roast turkey recipe takes about 30 minutes of prep time and approximately 2.5 to 4 hours to roast, depending on the weight of your turkey. Be sure to allocate time for resting before carving, about 20-30 minutes.
Detailed Instructions:
1. Prepare the Turkey:
First things first, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Make sure to remove the turkey giblets from the cavity and pat the turkey dry with paper towels. This step is essential for achieving that crispy skin!
2. Make Herb Butter:
In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, sage, thyme, and orange zest. Don’t forget to sprinkle in some salt and pepper generously! This herb butter will add lots of flavor to the turkey.
3. Season the Turkey:
Next, gently loosen the skin of the turkey breast by sliding your hand underneath without tearing it. Rub about half of the herb butter mixture under the skin directly onto the breast meat. Then, take the remaining butter and rub it all over the outside of the turkey. This will help keep the meat juicy and flavorful.
4. Stuff and Arrange:
If you wish, stuff the cavity with quartered onion, carrot chunks, and extra herb sprigs. Place the turkey breast side up on a roasting rack inside a roasting pan. Arrange orange slices, fresh rosemary, sage, and cranberries around the turkey for extra flavor and a pretty presentation!
5. Roast the Turkey:
Pour the chicken broth or water into the bottom of the roasting pan to prevent the drippings from burning and to keep the turkey moist. Tent the turkey loosely with aluminum foil.
6. Cooking Time:
Roast the turkey for about 13-15 minutes per pound, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (74°C). Be sure to baste the turkey with pan juices every 45 minutes for that extra moisture!
7. Crisp the Skin:
In the last 30-40 minutes, take off the foil tent to let the skin brown and crisp up nicely. No one likes a soggy skin!
8. Rest the Turkey:
Once cooked, take the turkey out of the oven and cover it loosely with foil. Let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving. This resting period helps the juices redistribute, making each slice juicy and tender.
9. Serve:
Carve the turkey and serve it on a platter garnished with roasted orange slices, fresh herbs, and cranberries. Enjoy a delicious turkey with family and friends!
By following these steps, you’ll have a beautifully roasted turkey with golden, crisp skin and flavorful, juicy meat that everyone will love. Enjoy your feast!
Can I Substitute the Turkey for a Smaller Cut?
Absolutely! If you’re looking to prepare a smaller meal, you can use turkey breasts or thighs instead. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as smaller cuts will roast faster. Aim for about 20 minutes per pound, checking with a thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F (74°C).
What Should I Do If My Turkey is Still Frozen?
If your turkey is still frozen, the best method is to thaw it in the fridge for several days prior to cooking. If you’re short on time, you can also thaw it in a cold water bath—just make sure the turkey is sealed in its packaging and change the water every 30 minutes. Allow about 30 minutes of thawing time per pound.
How Do I Store Leftovers Properly?
Store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cut the meat off the bone for more even cooling. You can also freeze leftovers by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container; they’ll last for up to 3 months.
What Can I Serve with Roast Turkey?
This roast turkey pairs beautifully with classic sides like stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce. For a lighter option, consider serving it with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables. Enjoy the feast!