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Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe

Juicy Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe Everyone Will Love

This Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe promises a succulent, golden bird loved by all, perfect for family gatherings.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 4 hours
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 5 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Turkey
  • 12-18 pounds Turkey Main protein, fully thawed for perfect roasting.
  • to taste Kosher Salt Essential for enhancing the turkey's natural flavors.
  • to taste Black Pepper For a slight kick that balances the dish.
For the Aromatics
  • 1 Onion Adds delicious flavor and aroma.
  • 1 Lemon Brightens the dish with acidity.
  • to taste Fresh Rosemary Infuses a fragrant touch.
  • to taste Fresh Thyme Offers a subtle earthiness.
  • to taste Fresh Sage Complements the turkey beautifully.
For the Herb Butter
  • ¾ cup Unsalted Butter Ensures rich flavor and helps achieve crispy skin.
  • 6 cloves Garlic Minced for flavor.
Optional Vegetables for Roasting
  • 3 ribs Celery Adds depth to the drippings and gravy.
  • 2 Carrots Chopped to sweeten drippings.

Equipment

  • Roasting pan
  • Meat Thermometer
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Carving Knife

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Remove the turkey from the refrigerator about 1 hour before roasting to bring it to room temperature. Carefully take out the giblets from the cavity and pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
  2. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Once hot, season the turkey's cavity generously with kosher salt and black pepper. Stuff with onion, lemon, and herbs.
  3. In a bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and chopped herbs to make the herb butter.
  4. Loosen the skin over the turkey breast and rub about one-third of the herb butter mixture under the skin.
  5. Rub the rest of the herb butter generously over the turkey and place it breast-side up in a roasting pan.
  6. Roast in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes per pound until the internal temperature reaches 158°-160°F.
  7. Remove the turkey from the oven, tent with foil, and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving.
  8. Carve the turkey, starting with the legs, and serve beautifully on a platter.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 300kcalProtein: 25gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 350mgVitamin A: 250IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Use fresh ingredients for enhanced flavors and always check internal temperature for safety.

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