The aroma of a perfectly roasted Roast Turkey filling the house has a way of instantly bringing back cherished family memories. Standing in my kitchen as the turkey slowly roasts, I’m reminded of laughter-filled holidays and long conversations shared around the dinner table. My husband and children eagerly wait—not just for the tender, juicy turkey, but for the warmth and togetherness that come with it.
Whether it’s a cozy weekend meal or a grand holiday celebration, this Roast Turkey has become a beloved family tradition. It’s more than just a dish; it’s a moment we look forward to every time. Let’s walk through how to create this comforting, flavorful centerpiece together.
Table of content
Table of Contents
KEY BENEFITS OF ROAST TURKEY
- Simple preparation with reliable results
- Family-friendly and perfect for gatherings
- Ideal for holidays and special occasions
- Budget-friendly for feeding a crowd
- Rich, comforting flavor everyone loves
- Excellent for leftovers and meal prep
INGREDIENTS FOR ROAST TURKEY
Ingredients
- 1 whole turkey (10–12 pounds)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 2 cups stuffing of your choice
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS FOR ROAST TURKEY
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Remove the turkey from the refrigerator and pat it dry thoroughly with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, thyme, rosemary, sage, salt, and pepper.
- Gently loosen the skin over the turkey breast and rub the butter mixture underneath.
- Stuff the cavity with the quartered onion and minced garlic.
- If using stuffing, loosely fill the cavity with prepared stuffing.
- Place the turkey breast-side up on a roasting rack inside a large roasting pan.
- Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan.
- Cover the turkey loosely with aluminum foil and roast for about 2 hours.
- Remove the foil and continue roasting for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Remove from the oven and let the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before carving.
PRO TIPS AND VARIATIONS FOR ROAST TURKEY
- Brine the turkey overnight for extra moisture and flavor.
- Add apple, lemon, or orange slices to the cavity for subtle sweetness.
- Use pan drippings to make a rich homemade gravy.
- Adjust herbs to suit your family’s preferences.
- Roast turkey legs separately if you want faster cooking.
- Try stuffing with wild rice or vegetables for a hearty variation.
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HOW TO SERVE ROAST TURKEY
Serving a beautifully roasted Roast Turkey is an experience in itself. I love pairing it with creamy mashed potatoes, tender green beans, and a classic cranberry sauce for balance. Warm bread and a comforting drink complete the table, creating a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.
As we sit together, sharing stories and memories, the turkey becomes the heart of the meal. Whether it’s a festive holiday or a simple family dinner, this Roast Turkey always brings comfort, connection, and joy to our home.
FAQs
Can I make Roast Turkey ahead of time?
Yes. You can season the turkey and prepare the stuffing one day ahead. Keep everything refrigerated until ready to roast.
How do I store leftover Roast Turkey?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 4 months.
What side dishes pair well with Roast Turkey?
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and fresh salads are all great options.
How long does Roast Turkey take to cook?
Plan for about 13–15 minutes per pound at 325°F. Always check the internal temperature for doneness.
Can I use a frozen turkey?
Yes, just be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator several days before roasting.
Roast Turkey
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 whole 1 whole turkey (10-12 pounds)
- 1/2 cup 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
- 1 large 1 large onion, quartered
- 4 cloves 4 cloves garlic, minced
- to taste Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups Optional: 2 cups stuffing of your choice
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Remove the turkey from the refrigerator and pat it dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, thyme, rosemary, sage, salt, and pepper.
- Carefully loosen the skin of the turkey without tearing it and spread the butter mixture under the skin.
- Stuff the cavity with quartered onion and minced garlic.
- If using stuffing, fill the cavity with your prepared stuffing.
- Place the turkey breast-side up on a roasting rack in a pan.
- Pour chicken broth into the bottom of the roasting pan.
Cooking
- Cover the turkey loosely with aluminum foil and roast for about 2 hours.
- Remove the foil and continue roasting for an additional 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Let the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before carving.