Description
Simplify your Thanksgiving with this straightforward and delicious turkey recipe! Perfect for both novices and seasoned cooks, this guide ensures a perfectly moist and flavorful turkey without the usual hassle. Follow these easy steps to bring a centerpiece to your holiday table that leaves you plenty of time to enjoy with loved ones.
Ingredients
Scale
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- 1 whole turkey (about 12–14 pounds), thawed and ready to cook
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- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, softened
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- 2 lemons, halved
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- 4 garlic cloves, minced
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- 1 large onion, quartered
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- Fresh herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, and sage)
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- Salt and pepper, to taste
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- Olive oil
Instructions
Preparation
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- Prepare the turkey: Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey, rinse it under cold water, and pat it dry with paper towels.
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- Season generously: Rub the entire surface of the turkey with olive oil, and then liberally season with salt and pepper. Stuff the cavity with lemon halves, quartered onion, and fresh herbs.
Cooking
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- Butter it up: Gently loosen the skin from the turkey breast and spread the softened butter underneath. This helps keep the breast meat incredibly moist.
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- Roast: Place the turkey breast-side up on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan. Tent the turkey with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
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- Cooking time: Roast the turkey for about 13 minutes per pound. For a 14-pound turkey, this would be about 3 hours. Remove the foil in the last 45 minutes to allow the skin to get crispy and golden.
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- Check for doneness: The turkey is done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (75°C).
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- Rest before carving: Let the turkey rest for at least 20 minutes before carving to let the juices redistribute.
Notes
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- Basting is optional: If you prefer, you can baste the turkey every 45 minutes with the pan juices to enhance the flavor and moisture.
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- Keep an eye on the thermometer, not just the clock. Depending on your oven, cooking times can vary.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 6 ounces (170 grams) of cooked turkey
- Calories: 320 per serving
- Sugar: 0 grams
- Sodium: 690 mg
- Fat: 16 grams
- Saturated Fat: 5 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 1 gram
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Protein: 40 grams
- Cholesterol: 120 mg