Description
This Easy Roast Turkey recipe is perfect for beginners and pros alike. With juicy, flavorful meat and crispy golden skin, it’s a foolproof holiday centerpiece using just a few pantry staples.
Ingredients
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1 whole turkey (10–12 lbs), thawed
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1/2 cup unsalted butter (or olive oil)
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1 tbsp kosher salt
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1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
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2 lemons, halved
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1 onion, quartered
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4 garlic cloves, smashed
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Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, sage)
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Optional: chopped veggies for the roasting rack (carrots, celery, onion)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C).
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Prep the turkey: Remove giblets, pat dry, and loosen skin.
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Season: Rub butter (or oil) under and over the skin. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
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Stuff cavity with lemon, onion, garlic, and herbs.
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Roast: Place on a rack or veggie bed. Roast 30 minutes at 450°F, then reduce to 325°F.
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Cook until internal temp reaches 165°F in the thigh (~13 mins per lb).
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Rest for 20–30 minutes, then carve and serve.
Notes
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For extra crisp skin, dry-brine turkey with salt 24 hours before roasting.
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Don’t forget to rest the turkey after roasting—it locks in the juices.
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Use pan drippings to make homemade gravy.
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Best paired with garlic parmesan sweet potato wedges or cranberry stuffing balls.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2.5 – 3 hours (12 lb bird)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American, Holiday
Nutrition
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg