Are you ready to impress your family and friends with the ultimate centerpiece for your holiday feast? Look no further than this Perfect Oven Roasted Turkey recipe! With its golden-brown, crispy skin and juicy, tender meat, your guests will be raving about your culinary skills long after the last bite. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a special Sunday dinner, mastering this classic American dish will elevate your cooking game to new heights. Dive into our detailed guide and discover the secrets to achieving turkey perfection that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 3 hrs
Total Time: 3 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs)
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, sage)
Instructions
- Remove turkey from refrigerator 1 hour before cooking to bring to room temperature. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Remove giblets and neck from turkey cavity. Pat turkey completely dry with paper towels inside and out to ensure crispy skin.
- Generously season turkey cavity with salt, pepper, and chopped fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, sage).
- Gently separate turkey skin from breast meat using your hands, being careful not to tear the skin. Spread softened butter underneath the skin, massaging it evenly across the breast meat.
- Rub remaining butter over the entire exterior of the turkey. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Stuff turkey cavity with quartered onion, chopped carrots, and celery stalks. These will add aromatics and help keep the turkey moist.
- Place turkey breast-side up on a rack in a large roasting pan. Tuck wing tips under the body to prevent burning.
- Loosely cover turkey with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. Roast in preheated oven, calculating approximately 15 minutes per pound.
- Remove foil during the last hour of cooking to allow skin to brown and crisp.
- Turkey is done when internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh and breast. Use a meat thermometer to check.
- Once cooked, remove from oven and let rest for 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring moist meat.
- Carve turkey and serve with pan drippings or gravy.
Tips
- Bring to Room Temperature: Always remove your turkey from the refrigerator at least one hour before cooking. This helps ensure even cooking and a juicy interior.
- Dry the Turkey: Pat the turkey dry with paper towels both inside and out. A dry surface is key to achieving that coveted crispy skin.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper! Season the cavity and the skin liberally for maximum flavor. Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage will enhance the aroma and taste beautifully.
- Butter Under the Skin: For an extra layer of moisture and flavor, gently separate the skin from the breast meat and spread softened butter underneath. This technique keeps the meat juicy while adding rich flavor.
- Use Aromatics: Stuff the turkey cavity with quartered onions, chopped carrots, and celery. Not only do they add flavor, but they also help keep the turkey moist during roasting.
- Foil Covering: Loosely cover the turkey with aluminum foil for the first part of cooking to prevent it from browning too quickly. Remove the foil in the last hour for a beautiful golden finish.
- Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest parts of the thigh and breast. This guarantees safe and delicious meat.
- Rest Before Carving: Let the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes after removing it from the oven. This step allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender, flavorful slices.With these tips, you'll be well on your way to serving a perfect oven roasted turkey that will be the highlight of your meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 247kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 106mg
