Roast turkey is the star of any holiday meal! It’s juicy, tender, and has a beautiful golden skin that’ll make everyone smile. Plus, it fills your kitchen with a wonderful smell!
I love serving it with creamy mashed potatoes and rich gravy. It’s the perfect feast for family gatherings. Just remember to save some slices for sandwiches later – they’re the best! 🥪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey: A 10-12 pound turkey is ideal for a family meal. If you prefer, you can substitute with a smaller chicken. For a vegetarian option, roast a stuffed pumpkin or butternut squash instead!
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for control over saltiness, but you can use ghee or olive oil as a dairy-free alternative.
Herbs: Dried thyme, rosemary, and sage are classic flavors. If you have fresh herbs, use them instead—they provide even more flavor. Oregano or parsley can work in a pinch!
Orange: The charred orange adds a citrusy twist. If you’re out of oranges, lemon or even apple would work for a similar effect.
Broth: Low-sodium chicken or turkey broth is great for basting. Vegetable broth is an excellent alternative for a meatless option!
How Do You Keep Your Roast Turkey Moist?
The secret to keeping your turkey moist lies in proper preparation and basting! Use the herb butter generously, and don’t forget to baste during cooking. Here’s the routine:
- Loosen the skin and spread butter generously. This infuses flavor directly into the meat.
- Baste with pan juices every 45 minutes while roasting. This keeps the skin crispy and adds moisture.
- After roasting, let the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute for tender meat.
Following these steps will help ensure your turkey is juicy and delicious. Enjoy your feast!
How to Make a Delicious Roast Turkey
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 whole turkey (10-12 pounds), thawed if frozen
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
- 2 teaspoons dried sage
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 1 orange, halved and charred or roasted
- 1 head garlic, halved horizontally
- Fresh rosemary, sage, and thyme sprigs for garnish and aromatics
- Fresh cranberries for garnish (optional)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken or turkey broth (for basting and pan juices)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes for preparation and approximately 2.5 to 3 hours for roasting. As you wait, the delicious aroma will fill your kitchen. Make sure to carve the turkey after letting it rest for about 20-30 minutes for the best results!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Turkey:
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Remove any giblets from the turkey and pat it dry with paper towels. Place the turkey breast side up on a roasting rack inside a large roasting pan to keep it elevated.
2. Make Herb Butter:
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and sage. Stir everything well until it turns into a smooth herb butter. This will flavor the turkey perfectly while it cooks.
3. Season the Turkey:
Next, gently loosen the skin on the breast and thighs by sliding your hand under it. Be careful not to tear it! Spread about half of the herb butter underneath the skin for delicious flavor, then rub the rest over the outside of the turkey to make it golden and crispy.
4. Stuff Aromatics:
Take the quartered onion, halved orange, and halved garlic head and place them inside the cavity of the turkey along with a few fresh herb sprigs. This will keep your turkey juicy and add an amazing aroma while it roasts!
5. Roast the Turkey:
Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wing tips under the body to prevent them from burning. Pour 1 cup of broth into the bottom of the roasting pan to keep the turkey moist as it cooks. Then, put the turkey in the oven!
6. Cooking Time:
Roast the turkey, aiming for about 13-15 minutes per pound. A 10-12 pound turkey should take approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. To check for doneness, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh; it should read 165°F (74°C).
7. Baste Regularly:
Every 45 minutes, open the oven and baste the turkey with the pan juices. This keeps the skin nice and crispy while ensuring the meat stays juicy. If the skin starts browning too much, loosely cover it with foil.
8. Rest the Turkey:
Once the turkey reaches the right temperature, remove it from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board. Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for 20-30 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making your turkey extra tender.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Transfer the roasted turkey to a serving platter. Get creative with your garnishing! Add fresh rosemary, sage, and thyme sprigs, along with the roasted orange halves, garlic, and optional cranberries for a festive look.
10. Carve and Enjoy:
Your delicious roast turkey is ready! Carve it up and serve with your favorite sides and gravy. Enjoy the fabulous flavors and the smiles around your dinner table!
This recipe will help you create a stunning, herb-crusted roast turkey that’s sure to impress everyone during your gatherings!
Can I Use Frozen Turkey?
Absolutely! Just ensure that it’s fully thawed before roasting. The best way to thaw a turkey is in the refrigerator for several days. If you’re short on time, you can use the cold water method, changing the water every 30 minutes until thawed. Make sure to pat it dry before seasoning!
Can I Prepare the Turkey the Night Before?
Yes, you can prepare the turkey the night before! Season it with the herb butter, stuff the aromatics, and keep it covered in the fridge overnight. Bring it to room temperature for about 30 minutes before roasting to ensure even cooking.
How Can I Store Leftover Turkey?
Store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s cooled to room temperature before sealing. You can also freeze the turkey for up to 3 months. Slice it for easier use in sandwiches or soups later!
What is the Best Way to Carve a Turkey?
To carve, start by removing the legs and thighs, then slice the breast meat off the bone, cutting against the grain for tenderness. Use a sharp carving knife for best results, and don’t forget to save the bones for making rich turkey broth!
