This Classic Roast Turkey recipe is a great main course, perfect for a festive family gathering. With a delightful blend of herbs and a crispy skin, it's a traditional roast that embodies the true spirit of the holiday season. It takes a bit of time and effort, but the end result is worth it.
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Instructions
Preparing the Turkey
Thaw the Turkey: If your turkey is frozen, ensure it's fully thawed in the refrigerator according to the package instructions. This step is crucial for even cooking.
Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). This ensures the turkey cooks evenly and to the desired internal temperature.
Remove Giblets and Neck: Check the turkey's cavity for any giblets or the neck and remove them. These are usually stored inside the turkey and are not meant for roasting. Save them for other recipes like gravy or stock.
Season the Inside: Generously season the turkey cavity with salt and pepper. This not only flavors the turkey from the inside but also helps in tenderizing the meat. Next, place the quartered onions, chopped carrots, celery, and lemon inside the turkey. These will infuse the turkey with incredible flavors and aroma during roasting.
Preparing the Herb Butter
Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and thyme. This flavorful herb butter will be your secret to a moist and aromatic turkey.
Season the Turkey: Gently lift the turkey skin and rub the herb butter mixture under the skin, covering the breast and legs. This will keep the meat moist and infuse it with the delightful flavors of the herb butter. Rub the remaining mixture over the outside of the turkey, ensuring every inch is well-coated for that perfect crispy skin.
Tie Legs: To ensure even cooking, tie the turkey legs together with kitchen twine. This also gives the turkey a neater appearance.
Season the Exterior: Generously season the exterior of the turkey with salt and pepper. This will give your turkey a tasty, seasoned crust.
Roasting the Turkey
Place in Roasting Pan: Place the prepared turkey on a rack in a roasting pan, breast side up. The rack ensures even cooking and allows the turkey to be evenly surrounded by heat.
Roast the Turkey: Slide the pan into the preheated oven and let the turkey roast. A general rule is to allow about 13-15 minutes of cooking per pound of turkey. However, the best indicator of doneness is the internal temperature.
Check Doneness: After a while, use a meat thermometer to check the turkey's internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. If the skin is getting too brown, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
Rest and Carve: Once done, carefully remove the turkey from the oven. Allow it to rest for 20-30 minutes before carving. This ensures that the juices redistribute, giving you a tender and juicy turkey.
Notes
u003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eThoroughly Dry the Turkeyu003c/strongu003e: Before seasoning or applying any butter mixture, ensure the turkey is completely dry. Pat it down with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. A dry turkey will give you a crispier skin.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eUse a Meat Thermometeru003c/strongu003e: Invest in a good-quality meat thermometer to accurately gauge when the turkey is done. This avoids overcooking and ensures your turkey is moist and safe to eat.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eBaste Regularlyu003c/strongu003e: Throughout the roasting process, baste the turkey with the pan drippings every 30 minutes. This adds flavor and moisture to the meat, contributing to a juicy, flavorful roast.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eLet It Restu003c/strongu003e: After roasting, let the turkey rest for about 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, giving you a moist and tender turkey.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eTent with Foil if Neededu003c/strongu003e: If you notice the turkey skin is browning too quickly during roasting, tent it loosely with aluminum foil. This prevents excessive browning while the turkey continues to cook to the desired internal temperature.u003c/liu003e
Nutrition Facts
Classic Roast Turkey
Amount per Serving
Calories
450
% Daily Value*
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.