Create a memorable Thanksgiving feast with this perfect turkey recipe. Juicy, flavorful, and golden brown, this turkey is sure to be the centerpiece of your holiday table. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll be able to impress your family and friends with a beautifully roasted turkey. Ready to make this Thanksgiving unforgettable?
Ingredients:
- 1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 1 large apple, quartered
- 1 lemon, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 4 cups chicken broth (or as needed)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Remove the turkey from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Prepare the turkey: Remove the neck and giblets from the turkey cavity. Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water, then pat dry with paper towels.
- Season the turkey: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and dried sage until well combined. Rub the butter mixture all over the turkey, including under the skin and inside the cavity.
- Stuff the turkey: Place the quartered onion, apple, lemon, garlic cloves, and fresh thyme and rosemary sprigs inside the turkey cavity.
- Truss the turkey: Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wing tips under the body of the turkey.
- Roast the turkey: Place the turkey on a rack in a large roasting pan. Pour 2 cups of chicken broth into the bottom of the pan. Roast the turkey in the preheated oven, basting every 30 minutes with the pan juices and adding more broth as needed to keep the pan from drying out.
- Check for doneness: Roast the turkey until the skin is golden brown and a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (74°C), about 3 to 3 1/2 hours.
- Rest the turkey: Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a moist and flavorful turkey.
Conclusion and Tips: This perfect Thanksgiving turkey is the ideal centerpiece for your holiday feast, delivering juicy meat and a beautifully golden skin. For extra flavor, try adding a handful of fresh herbs and citrus slices to the cavity. Don’t forget to save the pan drippings to make a rich and savory gravy. We’d love to hear how this turkey recipe makes your Thanksgiving celebration even more special!
Do you have a special twist on this Thanksgiving turkey? Share your tips and variations in the comments below. Let’s make every holiday meal a masterpiece together!