Description
This classic roasted turkey recipe delivers a moist and flavorful centerpiece perfect for holiday gatherings and special occasions. Seasoned with fresh herbs, garlic, and onion, and roasted to a juicy, tender perfection, it’s an easy yet impressive dish to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 12–14 lb turkey (thawed)
- ½ bunch fresh parsley
- 1 package fresh poultry herb blend (or fresh rosemary, thyme, oregano)
- 1 yellow onion (chopped)
- 8 garlic cloves (mashed)
- ¼ cup olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for roasting the turkey.
- Prepare Turkey: Remove the giblets and neck from inside the turkey cavity and discard or save for broth. Drain any juices, then pat the turkey dry with paper towels to ensure crisp skin.
- Season Turkey: Place the turkey breast side up in a roasting pan. Brush olive oil all over the skin, then generously season with salt and black pepper.
- Stuff Cavity: Fill the turkey cavity with the chopped onion, mashed garlic cloves, half a bunch of parsley, and the fresh poultry herb blend to infuse aromatic flavors.
- Truss Turkey: Fold the wings under the bird to keep them close to the body, and tie the legs together with kitchen twine for even cooking.
- Roast Slow and Low: Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (163°C) and place the turkey in the oven. Roast until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (74°C). If the skin browns too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and allow it to rest for 15-30 minutes to let juices redistribute. Carve the turkey, serve, and enjoy. Save the carcass and trimmings to make a rich homemade turkey broth.
Notes
- Cooking time can vary: estimate about 13-15 minutes per pound at 325°F for an unstuffed turkey.
- Use a reliable meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Resting the turkey is crucial for juicy meat and easier carving.
- Cover loosely with foil if skin browns too quickly to prevent burning.
- Save turkey drippings for making flavorful gravy or broth.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: roasted turkey, holiday turkey, Thanksgiving turkey, herb roasted turkey, easy turkey recipe
