Roast turkey is a classic and highly popular dish, especially during the holiday season. Its succulent and flavorful meat, combined with its crispy golden-brown skin, makes it a centerpiece that never fails to impress. Whether you are hosting a Thanksgiving dinner or a festive Christmas feast, this roast turkey recipe is sure to delight your guests.
The star of this recipe is undoubtedly the delicious and juicy roasted turkey. The combination of carefully selected herbs, spices, and a slow roasting process creates a tantalizing aroma and robust flavor that will have your guests eagerly reaching for seconds. The perfectly cooked meat retains its tenderness, ensuring each bite is a succulent experience.
In addition to its delectable taste, roast turkey is a healthy choice for your holiday menu. Packed with lean protein, it is an excellent source of nutrition. Turkey meat also contains essential vitamins and minerals like B vitamins, selenium, and zinc, which contribute to overall well-being. Incorporating roast turkey into your festive feast allows you to savor a flavorful meal while ensuring a health-conscious approach.
Another advantage of this roast turkey recipe is its versatility. While the basic recipe creates a sumptuous traditional dish, you can also personalize it to suit your preferences. Whether you prefer a herb-infused turkey, a citrusy twist, or a spicy rub, this recipe provides ample opportunities for customization. You can develop your own signature roast turkey, making it a highly versatile and adaptable dish for any occasion.
When it comes to holiday feasts, a roast turkey is an irresistible choice. Its popularity, combined with its delicious flavors and health benefits, makes it a staple on festive dining tables. Try this roast turkey recipe and provide your family and friends with a memorable dining experience filled with succulent, juicy, and flavorful meat. Make this roast turkey a centerpiece of your holiday celebrations, and you’ll undoubtedly receive rave reviews and requests for seconds.
Ingredients
- 1 turkey 12-15 lbs
- 1 cup butter melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 onion quartered
- 3 stalks celery chopped
- 3 carrots chopped
- 1 sprig rosemary
- 1 sprig thyme
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey cavity and set aside.
- Rinse the turkey inside and out and pat dry with paper towels.
- Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan. Brush the melted butter all over the turkey, including the cavity. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stuff the cavity with the quartered onion, chopped celery, chopped carrots, rosemary sprig, and thyme sprig.
- Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the roasting pan.
- Cover the turkey loosely with foil and roast for 2 hours.
- Remove the foil and roast for an additional hour, basting every 30 minutes with the pan juices.
- Check the temperature of the turkey using a meat thermometer. It should register 165°F (74°C) when inserted into the thickest part of the thigh.
- Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving.
- Serve and enjoy!
Lol my turkey was like 18 lbs and I forgot to thaw it. Oops! We had pizza instead.
Is it really necessary to baste? Seems like a lot of work.
This is a classic recipe but why no garlic? Garlic makes everything better!
I totally agree! Garlic adds that extra zing that makes everything pop. Maybe just a little minced garlic next time? Yum! 👩🍳
The ingredients are basic. I was expecting something more exotic. Disappointing.
Exotic? This is a classic turkey roast! You can add spices if you want some kick. But honestly, it’s delish as is!
I think the simplicity can be a good thing! Sometimes basic ingredients make the best meals. People really love turkey, so I wouldn’t be so disappointed.
I followed the recipe but my turkey ended up dry 😢. Maybe I cooked it too long?
Looks good! But how can you tell its done? I usually just cut into it.
You can use a meat thermometer like they said in step 9! It’s the best way to know without cutting it open.
I always just guess it by looking, but yeah, I cut mine too. Never had a problem! It usually tastes just fine.
OMG this was the best turkey I’ve ever made!! Thanks for sharing! 🦃❤️
Turkey is hard to make, but this looks simple enough. Fingers crossed!
This recipe is a family favorite! The turkey came out perfect and juicy. Thank you!!
So happy to hear that! Juicy turkey is the best. What sides did you serve with it?
I tried this recipe and it didn’t turn out as juicy as I expected. Maybe I did something wrong.
Turkey. Yum.
Yum, turkey time! Can’t wait for Thanksgiving! 🍗
Sounds delicious! Can’t wait to make this for my family. 🦃
I tried this recipe and it was a disaster. The turkey was so dry, I couldn’t even eat it. What went wrong?
Simple and straightforward. I’ll give it a try for Thanksgiving.
I tried this but the turkey was a bit dry… I used a 20 pounder tho 🤷♂️.
Is it really that easy? I’m skeptical. My last turkey was a disaster!
It really is! The key is basting and making sure it reaches the right temperature. Don’t let a past turkey mishap hold you back!
I dunno, it sounds too simple. Last time I tried a recipe like this, mine was burned on the outside and raw inside!
Why do you put the giblets aside? Aren’t they supposed to be cooked? 🤔
The giblets are usually cooked separately or used for gravy! You can cook them if you want, though. 😊
Why not just cook ’em with the turkey? Seems like a waste to set them aside. 🤷♂️
This roast turkey was a hit at my family dinner! Juicy and flavorful. Will make again!
I’m so glad to hear that! Turkey is always a centerpiece at my dinners too! What did you serve it with?
Delicious! So juicy and flavorful. My family loved it!
I added a little lemon juice and it was amazing! Highly recommend trying that.
Forget the giblets! Who’s eating that? Just toss them!
Never thought I could roast a turkey! Yours was great! Smelled so good, like Thanksgiving in my kitchen.
Honestly, I just microwaved my turkey and it worked fine. Why roast when you can nuke?
Microwaving turkey? That’s wild! 😅 But to each their own, maybe you like it that way? Just seems like a lot of moisture might get lost. 🤔