Description
This Perfect Turkey recipe features a beautifully seasoned bird, enhanced with fresh herbs and citrus for a flavorful, juicy centerpiece for your Thanksgiving feast.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12–14 lb whole turkey, thawed
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 1 onion, quartered
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove giblets from the turkey and pat the bird dry with paper towels.
- Rub the turkey all over with softened butter, then sprinkle with chopped rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stuff the cavity with the quartered lemon and onion.
- Place the turkey breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Roast for about 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast.
- Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Notes
For crispy skin, consider basting the turkey with pan juices every 30 minutes during roasting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours