Best Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe for Beginners
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
3 hrs 15 mins
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Additional Time
7 hrs
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Total Time
10 hrs 25 mins
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Servings
14 people
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Calories
483 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
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Cuisine
American
Best Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe for Beginners
Description
The Best Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe for Beginners focuses on straightforward preparation of a large turkey, roughly 14 pounds in size. After thawing fully, the bird is patted dry to promote browning, seasoned generously inside and out with kosher salt, and optionally pepper. The legs are tied and wings tucked to promote even cooking and a compact shape.
The turkey begins in a 450°F oven, then the temperature is lowered to 350°F for slow roasting. This method helps develop a golden brown skin while allowing the meat to cook thoroughly without drying out. The bird is cooked for about three hours, with doneness determined by an internal breast temperature of 165°F.
After roasting, the turkey is covered loosely with foil and rested for 15 minutes. This step lets the juices settle, making slicing easier and helping the meat retain moisture. The recipe suggests pairing the turkey with a gravy accompaniment to complete the meal.
Ingredients
- 14 pound turkey
- 1/4 cup butter salted
- kosher salt to taste (+ pepper, if desired)
Instructions
- Thaw your turkey according to how much it weighs. Dry with paper towels and don’t forget to pull out all the giblets and innards.
- Preheat oven to 450° F. Once your turkey is dry, rub it with softened or melted butter. Sprinkle interior and exterior of turkey generously with salt (and pepper, if desired). Fold the wings back and under the bird (like its sunbathing) and tie the legs together with kitchen twine. Set on roasting rack in roasting pan.
- Place your turkey into the oven and immediately reduce the temperature to 350° F. My turkey was 14 pounds, so it took about 3 hours. Start checking for doneness when the bird is looking golden brown OR 30 minutes before it is estimated to be finished, whichever comes first.
- Turkey is done when the breast reaches an internal temperature of 165° F.
- Take your turkey out, tent with foil and let it rest for 15 minutes. Slice and serve. (I recommend making this Amazing Turkey Gravy as a great accompaniment.)
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 14people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 483 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 483kcal | 24% |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
| Protein | 70g | 140% |
| Fat | 21g | 32% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Cholesterol | 241mg | 80% |
| Sodium | 390mg | 16% |
| Potassium | 721mg | 15% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 282IU | 6% |
| Calcium | 36mg | 4% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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