The Juiciest Roasted Turkey
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
20 mins
-
Cook Time
4 hrs
-
Total Time
4 hrs 20 mins
-
Servings
15 people
-
Calories
68 kcal
-
Course
Main Course, Dinner
-
Cuisine
American
The Juiciest Roasted Turkey
Description
The Juiciest Roasted Turkey focuses on roasting a whole 12-20 pound turkey that has been carefully prepared by stuffing with quartered onion, garlic cloves, apple, lemon slices, and sprigs of rosemary and thyme. An herb butter made from softened butter mixed with dried thyme, oregano, rosemary, sage, salt, and pepper is applied under the skin and over the surface of the bird. This butter mixture helps baste the turkey during cooking, enhancing its moisture and flavor.
The turkey is roasted at 325°F, with the legs tied and the wings tucked to promote even cooking. An oven-safe thermometer is inserted into the thickest part of the breast to monitor doneness precisely. The result is a turkey with a golden, herb-seasoned crust, juicy and tender meat, and aromatic stuffing that imparts subtle flavor while keeping the interior moist.
This roast is suitable for holiday meals or large gatherings, offering a centerpiece bird that pairs well with traditional sides. Preparation requires days of thawing ahead to ensure safe and even cooking. The herb butter technique and careful stuffing are key steps to achieving moist results and a flavorful roast.
Ingredients
- 1 (12-20 pound) turkey thawed
Stuffing
- 1 medium onion quartered
- 3 cloves garlic peeled
- 1 large apple quartered
- 1 medium lemon sliced
- 2 prigs rosemary
- 2 prigs thyme
Herb Butter
- ½ cup butter softened
- 1 tablespoon thyme dried
- 1 tablespoon oregano dried
- 1 tablespoon rosemary dried
- 1 tablespoon sage dried
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Thaw 1 (12-20 pound) turkey, 3-7 days in advance in the refrigerator! Follow my thawing tips in the post.
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. To prepare the turkey, remove the neck, giblets, and plastic cage. Pat the turkey dry using paper towels then tuck the wings underneath the turkey.
- Stuff the turkey with 1 medium onion, 3 cloves garlic, 1 large apple, 1 medium lemon, 2 sprigs rosemary, and 2 sprigs thyme.
- In a small bowl combine ½ cup butter,1 tablespoon dried thyme, 1 tablespoon dried oregano , 1 tablespoon dried rosemary , 1 tablespoon dried sage, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper.
- Rub the herb butter evenly all over the turkey.
- Loosen the skin and spread the herb butter underneath the skin.
- Tie the legs together using kitchen twine or string.
- Position the prepared bird in a large roasting pan breast side up.
- Remove the pop-up thermometer and insert an oven-safe thermometer into the thickest part of the breast, about 2 inches deep. Be careful not to hit the bone!
- Cook for 15 minutes for each pound or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit and the juices run clear. Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving.
Notes
- Start thawing the turkey 3 to 7 days before cooking in the refrigerator for safe and even thawing.
- Remove neck, giblets, and plastic cage before roasting for proper cooking and safety.
- Pat the turkey dry and tuck wings underneath to promote even roasting.
- Loosen the skin carefully to spread the herb butter underneath for enhanced moisture and flavor.
- Tie legs together with kitchen twine to keep shape during cooking.
- Use an oven-safe thermometer in the thickest breast area to monitor doneness accurately.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 15people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 68 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 68kcal | 3% |
| Carbohydrates | 4g | 1% |
| Protein | 0.3g | 1% |
| Fat | 6g | 9% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3g | 2% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Trans Fat | 0.2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 16mg | 5% |
| Sodium | 205mg | 9% |
| Potassium | 42mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 234IU | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 5mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 21mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
