Ah, Thanksgiving! It’s that magical time of year when families gather around the table to give thanks and feast on a delicious meal. And let me tell you, the star of that meal is always the turkey! I’m beyond excited to share with you what I truly believe is the best Thanksgiving turkey recipe. This turkey is not just any ordinary bird; it’s juicy, flavorful, and infused with a heavenly blend of herbs that will have everyone going back for seconds! Trust me, with a few simple steps, you can serve up a turkey that’s sure to impress your guests and make your holiday unforgettable.
Ingredients List
- 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds), thawed if frozen
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
- 1 tablespoon dried sage
- 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium if preferred)
- 1 onion, quartered
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- Fresh herbs (like parsley or thyme) for garnish
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This is crucial for getting that perfect roast!
- Next, let’s get our turkey ready. Remove the giblets from the cavity (you can toss those or save them for stock) and pat the turkey dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up beautifully.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, and sage. This herb mixture is a game changer!
- Now, rub that delicious butter mixture all over the turkey. Don’t be shy! Make sure to get it under the skin too—this is where the magic happens for flavor and juiciness.
- Time to stuff the turkey! Fill the cavity with the quartered onion, lemon, and smashed garlic. This adds even more flavor while it roasts.
- Place your beautifully prepared turkey in a roasting pan and pour the chicken broth around it. This will help keep everything moist as it cooks.
- Cover the turkey with aluminum foil to keep it from browning too quickly. Roast it in the oven for about 2.5 to 3 hours.
- After the first cooking time, carefully remove the foil and let it roast for an additional 30-60 minutes. You want that skin to turn a gorgeous golden brown!
- While it’s roasting, keep an eye on the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. A meat thermometer is your best friend here!
- Once it’s done, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving. This is super important—it allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a much juicier turkey!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Guarantees a juicy turkey that will have everyone raving about your cooking!
- Simple preparation steps that even a novice cook can master—no stress here!
- Flavorful herb blend that elevates the taste and aroma to a whole new level.
- Perfect for family gatherings, making it a centerpiece that brings everyone together.
- Gluten-free option, so everyone can enjoy this delicious feast without worry!
Tips for Success
- Brine the turkey overnight: If you have the time, brining your turkey can make a world of difference! Just mix some salt and water, and let your turkey soak overnight. This will enhance the flavor and keep it super juicy.
- Use a meat thermometer: Trust me, this little gadget is a lifesaver! It takes all the guesswork out of cooking. Stick it in the thickest part of the thigh, and when it hits 165°F (75°C), you know your turkey is perfectly cooked and safe to eat.
- Save the drippings for gravy: Oh, don’t let those delicious drippings go to waste! After you’ve carved your turkey, pour the drippings into a saucepan. With a little flour and some broth, you can whip up a rich, flavorful gravy that will take your Thanksgiving feast to the next level!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each slice of this delicious turkey. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the size of your turkey and any additional ingredients you may use. But this should give you a good idea of what to expect!
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 45g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Enjoy this turkey knowing that it’s packed with protein and flavor, making it a hearty choice for your Thanksgiving feast!
FAQ Section
Got questions? No worries! I’ve got you covered with some of the most common queries folks have when it comes to making *the best Thanksgiving turkey recipe*. Let’s dive in!
How long should I cook the turkey per pound?
Great question! A good rule of thumb is to roast your turkey for about 13-15 minutes per pound at 325°F (165°C). So, for a 12-14 pound turkey, you’re looking at around 3 to 4 hours of cooking time. Just keep an eye on that internal temperature!
Can I use a frozen turkey?
Absolutely! Just make sure to give it plenty of time to thaw in the fridge—about 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds. If you’re in a pinch, you can cook it from frozen, but it’ll take about 1.5 times longer than the usual cooking time. Just be sure to check that internal temperature before serving!
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
No problem at all! Dried herbs work just fine, and they’ll still give you that lovely flavor. Just remember that dried herbs are more concentrated, so you’ll want to use about 1/3 of the amount compared to fresh. So, if the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme, use about 1 teaspoon of dried thyme instead!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After the feast, if you happen to have any leftover turkey (which is a big if, right?), you’ll want to store it properly to keep it juicy and flavorful for those post-Thanksgiving sandwiches! Here’s how to do it:
- Storing Leftovers: Allow the turkey to cool to room temperature, then carve it off the bone and store it in an airtight container. I like to keep the slices separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking. You can also store it whole, but make sure it’s wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh.
- Refrigerating: Leftover turkey can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you know you won’t finish it in that time, consider freezing it!
- Freezing: You can freeze turkey for up to 3 months. Just make sure to slice it before freezing, and place it in a freezer-safe bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. Trust me, this will save you time and effort later on!
When it comes to reheating, my secret is to do it gently to keep that turkey moist:
- Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the turkey slices in a baking dish, add a splash of chicken broth or water for moisture, and cover with aluminum foil. Heat for about 20-30 minutes, or until warmed through. This method helps retain that delicious juiciness!
- Microwave Method: If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Just place the turkey on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in short bursts (about 1 minute at a time) until warmed. Be careful not to overheat, as this can dry it out!
And there you have it! With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your delicious turkey long after the last bite of Thanksgiving dinner.
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got the best Thanksgiving turkey recipe locked down, let’s talk about the perfect sides to complement that glorious bird! A Thanksgiving feast is all about variety, and I love to mix and match flavors and textures. Here are some of my favorite pairings that will elevate your holiday meal:
- Classic Stuffing: A savory stuffing made with crusty bread, onions, celery, and herbs is a must-have. It soaks up all those delicious turkey juices!
- Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of homemade cranberry sauce balances the richness of the turkey beautifully. Plus, it adds a pop of color to your plate!
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes infused with roasted garlic are the ultimate comfort food. Don’t forget a generous pour of gravy!
- Green Bean Casserole: This classic dish with its crunchy onion topping and creamy sauce adds a delightful crunch to your holiday spread.
- Honey-Glazed Carrots: Sweet, tender carrots drizzled with honey and a sprinkle of fresh herbs bring a lovely sweetness to the table.
- Pumpkin Pie: And of course, no Thanksgiving is complete without a slice of pumpkin pie. Its warm spices and creamy filling are the perfect finale to your feast!
Feel free to get creative and mix in your family favorites, too. The beauty of Thanksgiving is making it your own, so don’t hesitate to personalize your menu! Enjoy the feast and the company of loved ones—it’s the best part of the holiday!
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the best thanksgiving turkey recipe for a joyful feast
- Total Time: 4-4.5 hours
- Yield: 10-12 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This is the best Thanksgiving turkey recipe that guarantees a juicy and flavorful bird.
Ingredients
- 1 whole turkey (12–14 pounds)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
- 1 tablespoon dried sage
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, quartered
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- Fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Remove the turkey giblets and pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
- In a bowl, mix the softened butter, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, and sage.
- Rub the butter mixture all over the turkey, including under the skin.
- Stuff the cavity with onion, lemon, and garlic.
- Place the turkey in a roasting pan and pour chicken broth around it.
- Cover the turkey with aluminum foil and roast for 2.5 to 3 hours.
- Remove the foil and roast for an additional 30-60 minutes until the skin is golden brown.
- Check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Let the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes before carving.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Brining the turkey overnight can enhance flavor and moisture.
- Save the drippings for gravy.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Thanksgiving turkey, turkey recipe, holiday turkey
