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The Best Thanksgiving Turkey

The Best Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe for a Juicy Holiday Feast

The Best Thanksgiving Turkey delivers juicy meat and crispy skin, creating an unforgettable holiday centerpiece.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Turkey and Seasoning
  • 1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large onion, quartered
  • 2 stalks celery, halved
  • 2 carrots cut into chunks
  • 2 cups chicken or turkey broth
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Roasting Pan
  • Meat Thermometer
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Basting Brush

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Remove the turkey from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
  3. In a bowl, mix the softened butter with garlic and chopped herbs.
  4. Loosen the turkey skin and rub half the herb butter under the skin and the rest on the outside.
  5. Season the cavity with salt and pepper. Stuff with onion, celery, and extra herbs.
  6. Place carrots and onion in a roasting pan with broth. Set the turkey on a rack above the vegetables.
  7. Roast for 3 to 3.5 hours, basting every 45 minutes with pan juices.
  8. Check the temperature in the thigh—it should read 165°F (74°C).
  9. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
  10. Let turkey rest for 30 minutes before carving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 40gFat: 20g

Notes

Feel free to swap out herbs and experiment with flavors to add your personal touch to the turkey.

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