Thanksgiving turkey is the centerpiece of the holiday feast, a symbol of tradition, celebration, and family gatherings. Roasting a whole turkey to golden perfection brings out its rich, savory flavor and juicy tenderness, making it a dish that is as much about the preparation as it is about the final result. The process of cooking turkey has evolved over the years, with countless methods and recipes, but one thing remains consistent: a well-cooked turkey can make or break the Thanksgiving meal.
The preparation typically starts with brining or seasoning the turkey. Brining the bird, either with a wet brine of water, salt, and sugar or a dry brine with herbs and spices, helps to lock in moisture and enhance flavor, ensuring a juicy turkey even after long hours in the oven. Many choose to stuff the turkey with a mixture of herbs, garlic, onions, and citrus to infuse extra flavors as it roasts.
Roasting is the most popular method, often done at around 325°F to allow the bird to cook evenly. The turkey is usually basted periodically to keep the meat moist and achieve a beautifully crisp, golden-brown skin. Some prefer to roast the turkey in a covered roasting pan to trap steam, while others opt for an open roasting method to achieve a more crispy skin.
Once the turkey is cooked, resting it for 20-30 minutes allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making each slice tender and juicy. The result is a perfectly roasted turkey with a crisp outer layer and tender, flavorful meat inside. It’s often served alongside gravy made from the turkey drippings, which enhances the flavor and brings everything together.
Thanksgiving turkey is traditionally served with a variety of side dishes like mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and roasted vegetables, all of which complement the rich, savory flavors of the turkey.
For drinks, a glass of white wine such as Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, or a crisp rosé pairs perfectly with turkey, or you can opt for a light beer or sparkling cider.
Whether it’s your first time making turkey or you’re perfecting your recipe, Thanksgiving turkey is a showstopper that brings family and friends together to enjoy a meal full of flavor and tradition.
Ingredients
- 12 pounds turkey Thawed if frozen
- 1/2 cup butter Softened
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper Freshly ground
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary Chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme Chopped
- 1 lemon lemon Quartered
- 1 head garlic Halved
- 1 onion onion Quartered
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Remove the turkey giblets and pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
- Rub the turkey with softened butter and olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, rosemary, and thyme.
- Stuff the cavity with lemon quarters, garlic halves, and onion.
- Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan.
- Roast the turkey in the preheated oven, basting occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving.
Nutrition
This turkey recipe was a hit at our Thanksgiving dinner! The herbs made it so flavorful. I will definitely use this again!
I’m so glad it turned out well! Those herbs really do make a difference. What’s your favorite part of the meal?
I don’t know, I think it needs more spices. My turkey came out kinda bland. 😕
Thanksgiving turkey = best part of the year! Used orange instead of lemon. It was yum!
What kind of turkey do I need? Does it have to be 12 pounds? I only found 10 pound ones. Help!
Best turkey recipe ever! Basting made it so juicy and herb-riffic!
Totally agree! That basting really does make all the difference. Tried it last Thanksgiving and it was a hit!
I dunno… I’ve tried other recipes that say they’ll be juicy too, but they never turn out good. Maybe I’m doin’ it wrong? 🤷♂️
I tried this, but my turkey got too dry, maybe I cooked it too long. Not sure what I did wrong.
I’m sorry to hear that! Maybe try checking the internal temp earlier next time? It can really help!
I think you might’ve cooked it too long. The resting part is super important too. Don’t skip that!
I don’t know man, I just not a turkey lover. Chicken better. LOL. But others loved it.
So simple and delicious! I didn’t have fresh herbs, used dried ones instead. Still came out great! 😊
This is the most complex recipe ever. I don’t even know half this stuff. Help!
Don’t worry! You can take it step by step. Just focus on what you understand and look up what you don’t. It’ll turn out great! 😊
I think this is too much. Like, how can anyone even deal with all those herbs and stuff? Just roast it and be done! 🤷♂️
My grandma’s recipe is better. Butter and oil? Come on, too much fat! Turkey should be roasted, not fried.
This turkey recipe was a hit at our Thanksgiving! Juicy and flavorful, everyone loved it. Will make it again next year!
Really? I tried this last year and it wasn’t as good for me. Mine came out dry. How do you get it so juicy?
So glad to hear! Nothing beats a good turkey for Thanksgiving! What was your favorite part of the recipe?