Go Back
best-thanksgiving-turkey-recipe_feature

The Perfectly Easy Thanksgiving Turkey: Your Foolproof Holiday Guide

This foolproof roasted turkey recipe delivers perfect results every time with juicy, flavorful meat and crispy golden skin. The step-by-step guide walks you through the entire process from thawing to carving, making it accessible for both first-time turkey cooks and seasoned pros looking for a reliable method.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 325

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 (12-14 lb) whole turkey, thawed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, quartered
  • 4 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 2 lemons, quartered
  • 4-5 fresh rosemary sprigs
  • 4-5 fresh thyme sprigs
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 3 celery stalks, chopped

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Prepare the Turkey: Remove the turkey from refrigerator 1 hour before cooking. Pat the turkey completely dry with paper towels, both inside and out. Remove any giblets or neck from the cavity.
  2. Season Generously: Mix softened butter with olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika. Carefully loosen the skin over the turkey breast and thighs, then spread about half of the butter mixture underneath the skin. Rub the remaining butter mixture all over the outside of the turkey.
  3. Stuff and Truss: Fill the turkey cavity with onion, garlic, lemons, and fresh herbs. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wing tips under the body to prevent burning.
  4. Roast to Perfection: Preheat oven to 425°F. Place chopped carrots and celery in the bottom of your roasting pan to create a natural rack. Place turkey breast-side up on the vegetables. Roast at 425°F for 30 minutes, then reduce heat to 350°F. Continue roasting, basting every 30 minutes with pan juices, until internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh (about 2.5-3 hours total).
  5. Rest and Carve: Transfer turkey to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for at least 30 minutes before carving.

Notes

Thaw turkey in refrigerator (24 hours per 4-5 lbs). Use meat thermometer - don't rely on cooking times alone. Baste every 30 minutes for moisture and color. Rest turkey for at least 30 minutes after cooking for juicier meat. Seasoning can be prepared a day ahead.