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Roast Turkey

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๐Ÿฆƒ This roast turkey recipe uses simple steps and herb butter to create juicy, flavorful meat perfect for any occasion.
๐Ÿด Ideal for holiday meals or special dinners, it ensures tender meat and crispy skin with easy-to-follow instructions.

  • Total Time: Approximately 4 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 8 to 12 people

Ingredients

– 10-14 pounds whole turkey (fresh or fully thawed if frozen)

– 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)

– 2 teaspoons lemon zest

– 1 tablespoon fresh thyme

– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary

– 1 medium onion (quartered)

– 8 garlic cloves (smashed)

– half bunch fresh parsley

– kosher salt amount as needed

– freshly ground black pepper amount as needed

Instructions

1-Remove turkey neck, giblets, and pin feathers, then pat dry inside and out with paper towels. Let it rest at room temperature for 1 hour to help the skin dry for better butter adhesion.

2-Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF, or 325ยฐF if using a convection oven, to set the stage for even roasting.

3-Tuck the wings under the turkey and season the cavity with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper for a solid flavor base.

4-Mix the softened butter with lemon zest, fresh thyme, and chopped fresh rosemary, then gently separate the skin from the turkey breasts without tearing it.

5-Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a pan and spread one-third of the butter mixture under the skin over the breasts and sides; rub the remaining butter over the skin, skipping the underside.

6-Stuff the cavity with the quartered onion, smashed garlic cloves, and fresh parsley, and optionally tie the legs with kitchen twine for even cooking.

7-Roast the turkey until the thickest part of the thigh reaches 175ยฐF and the breast reaches 165ยฐF, which takes about 2 hours 20 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes; tent with foil if the skin browns too quickly.

8-Rest the turkey for 30-60 minutes before carving to let the juices settle and keep the meat tender.

Last Step:

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Notes

๐Ÿ”ช Do not rinse the turkey; pat dry to avoid spreading bacteria.
๐ŸŒก๏ธ Use a food thermometer to monitor internal temperature and avoid overcooking, especially the breast meat.
โฒ๏ธ Rest the turkey before and after cooking for better flavor and texture.

  • Author: Brandi Oshea
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Resting Time: 1 hour before roasting, 30โ€“60 minutes after roasting
  • Cook Time: 2 hours 20 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (about 3 ounces)
  • Calories: 340 calories
  • Sugar: 0 grams
  • Sodium: 90 milligrams
  • Fat: 18 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 10 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 1 gram
  • Fiber: 0 grams
  • Protein: 40 grams
  • Cholesterol: 125 milligrams