By: tastesbetterfromscratch.com
Total Time: Varies by size (approx. 3–4½ hours for a 12–20 lb turkey)
Servings: 10–16
There’s nothing like the warmth of Thanksgiving—the laughter, the gratitude, and of course, the turkey at the center of it all. This simple, fool-proof recipe guarantees a juicy, flavorful bird without the stress, so you can focus on what really matters: sharing a beautiful meal with the people you love.
Ingredients:
- 1 (12–20 lb) whole turkey, thawed
- 1 onion, peeled and quartered
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 1 apple (your favorite kind), quartered
- 0.75 oz fresh rosemary
- 0.75 oz fresh thyme
- 0.75 oz fresh sage
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the herb butter:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 6–8 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh chopped herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Adjust rack so the turkey sits in the center of the oven.
- Make the herb butter: Combine softened butter, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Prepare the turkey: Remove neck and giblets from the cavities. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Season the inside with salt and pepper. Stuff with lemon, onion, apple, and extra herbs.
- Butter the turkey: Gently lift the skin over the breast and spread some herb butter underneath. Rub remaining butter all over the outside of the turkey. Tuck the wings under and tie the legs with kitchen twine.
- Roast: Place turkey breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan (or on chopped veggies in a disposable pan). Roast about 13–15 minutes per pound, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Cover as needed: Once the skin is golden brown, loosely tent the turkey with foil to prevent overcooking.
- Rest and carve: Remove from the oven, cover with foil, and let rest 20–30 minutes before carving.
Tip:
Save the pan drippings for the most flavorful homemade gravy.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Wishing you a holiday filled with warmth, gratitude, and plenty of delicious food. 🦃🍂
