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Easy Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe

Effortless Easy Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe for Juicy Perfection

This Easy Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe delivers juicy perfection for your holiday feast.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 3 hours
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Turkey
  • 1 whole Turkey (12 to 18-pound, fully thawed)
  • to taste Kosher Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper
For the Aromatics
  • 1 Onion (quarter)
  • 1 Lemon (quarter)
  • 1 to 2 sprigs Fresh Rosemary
  • 1 to 2 sprigs Fresh Thyme
  • 1 to 2 sprigs Fresh Sage
For the Herb Butter
  • ¾ cup Unsalted Butter (room temperature)
  • 6 cloves Garlic (minced)
For Roasting
  • 1 Additional Onion (quarter) Optional
  • 3 ribs Celery (roughly chopped) Optional
  • 2 Carrots (roughly chopped) Optional

Equipment

  • roasting pan
  • Roasting rack
  • Medium bowl
  • Probe thermometer

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Step 1: Prepare the Turkey. Remove the turkey from the fridge, rinse, and pat dry.
  2. Step 2: Fill the Cavity. Season with salt and pepper, then stuff with aromatics.
  3. Step 3: Make the Herb Butter. Combine butter, garlic, salt, and spices in a bowl.
  4. Step 4: Rub with Butter. Loosen skin and apply herb butter under and over the skin.
  5. Step 5: Roast. Roast turkey for approximately 15 minutes per pound until the internal temperature is between 158°F-160°F.
  6. Step 6: Rest and Carve. Let the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before carving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalProtein: 65gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 180mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 500mg

Notes

Bring turkey to room temperature before roasting for even cooking. Use a probe thermometer to check doneness.

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