This Thanksgiving turkey is juicy and full of flavor, making it the star of your holiday feast. With crispy skin and tender meat, everyone will be excited to dig in!
It’s a great way to gather friends and family around the table. Nothing says “thank you” quite like a big turkey and lots of laughter! 🦃😊
I love how this turkey makes the house smell amazing while it cooks. Plus, the leftovers? Perfect for sandwiches the next day! What a treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey: A 12-14 pound turkey is ideal for larger gatherings. If you need a smaller option, a 10-12 pound turkey will work just as nicely. You can also opt for a heritage turkey for richer flavor.
Butter: Unsalted butter is great for controlling salt levels. If you’re dairy-free, use olive oil or a plant-based butter as substitutes. Just remember to adjust the measurements slightly.
Herbs and Spices: Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor even more! If you have fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage, feel free to substitute them for dried. Use one tablespoon of fresh for one teaspoon of dried.
Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth is essential to keep the seasoning balanced. Alternatively, homemade broth is a great choice if you have it on hand. If you want to keep it vegetarian, use vegetable broth.
Oranges: These add wonderful flavor and moisture inside the turkey. If you’re out of oranges, lemons or apples can be good substitutes for a different twist.
How Can I Ensure My Turkey is Perfectly Roasted?
Roasting a turkey can be intimidating, but following a few key steps will help you achieve a delicious result. First, don’t skip bringing the turkey to room temperature—this promotes even cooking!
- Prepping the butter mixture is crucial. Don’t rush; make sure it’s spread evenly under the skin for maximum flavor.
- Tenting the turkey with foil is a helpful technique to avoid over-browning while it cooks. Remove it only in the last 45 minutes to allow for that crispy skin.
- Check the temperature early using a meat thermometer; this keeps the bird from drying out. You can also baste the turkey with its juices every hour for added moisture.
- Let it rest after roasting! This step can’t be rushed as it helps the juices settle, resulting in a juicier turkey.
With these tips and techniques, you’re all set to make a mouth-watering Thanksgiving turkey that everyone will love! Enjoy! 🦃
Thanksgiving Turkey
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds), thawed if frozen
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 2 oranges, halved
- 1 head of garlic, halved horizontally
- Fresh rosemary and parsley sprigs, for stuffing and garnish
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or turkey broth
- Optional: 1 lemon, halved
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Thanksgiving turkey recipe takes about 30 minutes of prep time, plus cooking time of approximately 3 to 3.5 hours. Don’t forget to let your turkey rest for at least 20-30 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to settle and ensure it stays deliciously moist.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). It’s important to bring the turkey to room temperature by removing it from the fridge about an hour before cooking.
2. Clean the Turkey:
Next, clean the turkey by removing the giblets and neck from inside the cavity. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels to ensure it’s ready for seasoning.
3. Prepare the Butter Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, rosemary, and sage together until well combined.
4. Season Under the Skin:
Gently loosen the skin of the turkey breast with your fingers, being careful not to tear it. Spread half of the butter mixture underneath the skin to flavor the meat directly.
5. Rub the Turkey:
Rub the remaining butter mixture all over the outside of the turkey. This will help it to brown nicely while it cooks!
6. Stuff the Turkey:
Stuff the cavity of the turkey with quartered onion, halved oranges, halved garlic head, and fresh herb sprigs. If you’d like, you can also add lemon halves for additional flavor.
7. Tie It Up:
Tie the turkey legs together using kitchen twine, and tuck the wing tips underneath the bird to prevent them from burning.
8. Prepare for Roasting:
Place the turkey breast-side up on a rack in a large roasting pan. Pour about 2 cups of broth into the pan to help keep the turkey moist.
9. Roast the Turkey:
Tent the turkey loosely with aluminum foil. Roast in the preheated oven based on its weight, estimating about 13-15 minutes per pound.
10. Crisp Up the Skin:
Remove the foil during the last 45 minutes of cooking. This allows the skin to become beautifully golden and crispy.
11. Check Doneness:
Use a meat thermometer to check the turkey’s internal temperature, inserting it into the thickest part of the thigh (without touching the bone). It should reach 165°F (74°C) to be fully cooked.
12. Rest the Turkey:
When the turkey is done, carefully take it out of the oven and tent it with foil again. Allow it to rest for 20-30 minutes before carving. This will help keep the meat juicy.
13. Presentation:
When it’s time to serve, garnish your platter with fresh rosemary, parsley, and orange slices, then place the turkey in the center for a festive look!
Enjoy your delicious, juicy Thanksgiving turkey with your favorite sides and sauces!
Can I Use a Frozen Turkey?
Yes! Just make sure to give yourself plenty of time to thaw it in the refrigerator, which typically takes about 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds of turkey. For a 12-14 pound turkey, plan for 3-4 days in the fridge.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Herbs?
No problem! You can substitute dried herbs for fresh ones. The general rule is to use one teaspoon of dried herbs for every tablespoon of fresh herbs. Adjust according to your taste preference!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
While it’s best to roast the turkey fresh, you can prep your turkey the night before. Follow the seasoning and stuffing steps, then wrap it tightly and refrigerate. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before roasting.
How Do I Store Leftover Turkey?
After your turkey meal, let any leftovers cool down, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll be good for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze leftovers for longer storage—just ensure you wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn!