Simple Roast Turkey Recipe (The Best)
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
25 mins
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Cook Time
3 hrs 20 mins
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Total Time
3 hrs 45 mins
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Servings
12 Servings
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Calories
517 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Simple Roast Turkey Recipe (The Best)
Description
The Simple Roast Turkey Recipe (The Best) highlights a turkey roasted with a seasoned herb and garlic butter placed under the skin. Using a mixture of dill, parsley, cilantro, and pressed garlic combined with unsalted butter, slices of this herb butter are tucked beneath the skin, ensuring flavor penetrates the meat. The turkey rests on a bed of diced carrots and celery soaked with broth in a roasting dish, maintained by a rack to allow proper air circulation and moisture retention during roasting.
Cooking this turkey method results in moist, flavorful meat with herbaceous notes balanced by the roasted vegetables. The herb butter under the skin slowly melts, infusing the turkey flesh while helping develop a nicely browned and seasoned skin. The use of broth with aromatics like carrots and celery helps create a rich base for drippings, boosting the final presentation and potential gravy.
This turkey is suitable for traditional holiday meals or any special occasion requiring a large roast. It pairs well with classic sides and benefits from the prep method that enhances both texture and flavor experienced during serving. Following the exact amounts and seasoning allows consistent seasoning and roasting performance.
Ingredients
- 1 turkey about 12-14lb
- 1/2 bunch herbs dill, parsley, cilantro
- 1/2 garlic head
- 3 unsalted butter sticks of
- 5 carrot medium
- 1 bunch celery
- 1 qt broth beef, turkey or chicken
- 1 tbsp salt adjust to taste
- 1/2 tbsp black pepper adjust to taste, ground
Instructions
- Chop the herbs and add them to a medium-sized mixing bowl. Press the garlic cloves into the bowl. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Add the softened butter into the herb mixture.
- Place about 70% of the herb butter into a plastic storage bag. Press it towards the bottom of the bag, forming a log shape. Place the bag in the refrigerator to harden.
- Dice the carrots and celery into large chunks. Place the veggies into the bottom of a large roasting dish with a detachable roasting rack. Pour the broth directly over the veggies. Place the wire roasting rack inside the dish.
- Rinse the turkey in the sink, remove the giblets, and pat it dry with paper towels. Place the turkey inside the roasting dish on top of the wire roasting rack. Carefully, use your fingers to loosen the skin away from the flesh, being extra careful not to rip it.
- Slice the herb butter into 1/4-inch thick coins. Lift the skin and evenly distribute the butter coins underneath it. Season the outer turkey skin very generously with salt and pepper. Tie the turkey legs together with twine.
- Remove the skin from the two onions and cut them in half. Stuff the onion pieces inside the cavity of the turkey. Spread the leftover butter on top of the turkey. Bake the turkey uncovered at 350°F for 3-5 hours depending on the weight. Note: A 12-14 pound turkey will take about 3-3.5 hours to bake. Tack on an extra 13 minutes per pound if your turkey is heavier.
- Allow the turkey to rest at room temperature for 20 minutes before carving it. Save all the drippings and broth at the bottom of the roasting pan for gravy. Slice and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12Servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 517 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 517kcal | 26% |
| Carbohydrates | 2g | 1% |
| Protein | 47g | 94% |
| Fat | 35g | 54% |
| Saturated Fat | 18g | 90% |
| Cholesterol | 216mg | 72% |
| Sodium | 461mg | 19% |
| Potassium | 569mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 5075IU | 102% |
| Vitamin C | 1.5mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 39mg | 4% |
| Iron | 1.9mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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