Slow Roast Turkey
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
3 hrs
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resting time
20 mins
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Servings
12 people
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Calories
529 kcal
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Cuisine
American
Slow Roast Turkey
Description
This Slow Roast Turkey involves applying butter seasoned with kosher salt beneath the skin, which helps the turkey retain moisture and develops flavorful, slightly crispy skin. The cavity is filled with lemon wedges and herbs to infuse aroma and brightness into the meat during roasting. Cooking at 325°F gently roasts the bird over several hours until the internal thigh temperature hits 165°F, indicating it is safely cooked yet still tender.
The moderate temperature and occasional basting with melted butter help prevent drying while building a golden exterior. After roasting, tenting the turkey loosely with foil and allowing a 20-minute rest lets the meat fibers relax and the juices settle, resulting in moist slices.
This roasted turkey suits holiday dinners or large meals, yielding ample portion sizes when considering approximately one pound of bird per person to account for bones and leftovers. Purchasing a pre-brined kosher turkey can skip additional brining steps.
Cooking times depend on bird size and oven accuracy, so using a meat thermometer is crucial to ensure doneness without overcooking.
Ingredients
- 12 pounds turkey
- 4 ounces butter diced
- 1 Tablespoon kosher salt
- 2 lemon cut into wedges, plural
- 1 bunch fresh herbs rosemary, thyme or oregano
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees F.
- Wipe turkey dry and remove giblets. There is no need to rinse! (see information in post)
- Carefully separate skin from turkey with your fingers. Slide some butter and salt under the skin of the turkey.
- Fill cavity of bird with lemon wedges, herbs and more salt.
- Melt remaining butter and pour over bird. Baste turkey every 30 minutes (if desired)
- Roast until thermometer inserted in thickest part of thigh registers 165 degrees F.
- Remove from oven and tent with foil and allow to rest 20 minutes.
Notes
- Estimate 15-20 minutes of cooking time per pound at 325ºF for an unstuffed turkey.
- Use a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest thigh to confirm the turkey reaches 165ºF for safe consumption.
- Pre-brined kosher turkeys eliminate the need for additional brining steps.
- Allow the turkey to rest for 20 minutes after roasting to ensure juiciness before carving.
- Plan on approximately one pound of turkey per person including bones and leftovers.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 529 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 529kcal | 26% |
| Carbohydrates | 2g | 1% |
| Protein | 70g | 140% |
| Fat | 26g | 40% |
| Saturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 252mg | 84% |
| Sodium | 1013mg | 42% |
| Potassium | 773mg | 16% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 817IU | 16% |
| Vitamin C | 16mg | 18% |
| Calcium | 49mg | 5% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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