Roast Turkey is a classic dish that brings warmth and togetherness to any meal, especially around holidays and family gatherings. The golden, crispy skin and tender, juicy meat make it a centerpiece that everyone looks forward to. With simple ingredients like butter, herbs, and a bit of seasoning, roasting a turkey fills the kitchen with a cozy, inviting aroma.
I love making roast turkey because it’s not as complicated as it seems. A little patience while it cooks and occasional basting is all it takes to get that perfect balance of crispy outside and moist inside. I always find that rubbing butter under the skin helps keep it juicy and adds a bit of extra flavor, which makes a big difference.
My favorite way to serve roast turkey is with classic sides like mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and green beans. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone around the table, sharing stories and laughter. Whenever I roast a turkey, it reminds me of good times and those slow, easy days spent with people I care about most.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey: A whole turkey is the star here. If you can’t find fresh, frozen works fine—just thaw it completely. Smaller turkeys (8-10 lbs) cook faster but adjust your timing.
Butter: Butter under the skin keeps the meat moist and adds flavor. Unsalted is best so you can control salt. For a dairy-free option, use olive oil or a vegan butter substitute.
Fresh Herbs: Rosemary and thyme bring fragrance and herbal notes. If fresh isn’t available, dried herbs can work—use about 1/3 of the amount.
Orange: Adds a subtle citrusy brightness that complements the turkey. Lemon or apple can also add nice flavor.
Broth: Chicken or turkey broth keeps the pan moist and helps with basting. If you don’t have broth, water with a splash of white wine is fine.
How Do You Keep Turkey Skin Crispy and Meat Juicy?
Crispy skin and juicy meat take practice but are easy with these tips:
- Dry the turkey thoroughly before cooking. Moisture stops skin from crisping.
- Rub butter under the skin. This helps both moisture retention and skin browning.
- Roast at a moderate temperature (325°F) to cook evenly without drying out the meat.
- Baste occasionally with pan juices to keep the surface moist and flavorful.
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking; check the thickest part of the thigh without touching bone.
- Let the turkey rest covered with foil after cooking to let juices settle back in.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Roasting pan with rack – I recommend this because it allows heat circulation and keeps the turkey elevated for even cooking.
- Meat thermometer – helps you know exactly when your turkey reaches 165°F, avoiding overcooking.
- Kitchen twine – use this to tie the legs for even roasting and a tidy presentation.
- Carving knife and fork – makes slicing the turkey neat and easy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Stuff the cavity with apples and cinnamon for a hint of sweetness and warmth.
- Add a mix of fresh herbs like sage and parsley along with the rosemary and thyme for extra aroma.
- Use lemon or lime slices instead of orange for a different citrus twist.
- Brush the skin with honey or maple syrup in the last 30 minutes for a caramelized, sweet finish.
Roast Turkey Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds), thawed if frozen
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3-4 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 3-4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 1 orange, quartered
- 6-8 garlic cloves, smashed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth or turkey broth
- Fresh herbs (rosemary and thyme) for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This roast turkey recipe takes about 15-20 minutes of prep time and around 3 to 3.5 hours of roasting time, depending on the size of your bird (about 13-15 minutes per pound). Plus, allow 20-30 minutes for resting before carving to keep the meat juicy and tender.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Turkey:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Take out the giblets from inside the turkey and pat the bird dry with paper towels both inside and out. This helps the skin get crispy.
2. Butter and Season:
Carefully slide your hand under the skin on the breast and thighs to loosen it without tearing. Rub half the softened butter under the skin to keep the meat moist. Use the remaining butter to rub all over the turkey’s outside. Drizzle olive oil on the skin then sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper all over, including inside the cavity.
3. Stuff and Tie:
Fill the cavity with the quartered onion, orange slices, smashed garlic cloves, and fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs for extra flavor. Tie the turkey legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wing tips underneath the body to keep everything neat.
4. Roast with Broth:
Place the turkey breast-side up on a rack in your roasting pan. Pour the chicken or turkey broth into the pan bottom to keep the environment moist while roasting. Place the pan in the oven and roast, basting occasionally with the pan juices to enhance flavor and moisture. Plan for about 13-15 minutes per pound.
5. Check Temperature and Rest:
Use a meat thermometer to check the turkey’s thickest thigh part without touching bone. When it reaches 165°F (74°C), it’s ready! Take the turkey out and loosely cover it with foil. Let it rest for 20-30 minutes so the juices can settle and the meat stays juicy.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your beautiful roast turkey with fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs before carving. Serve it alongside your favorite sides and enjoy the delicious results!
Can I Use a Frozen Turkey for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw your turkey in the fridge before cooking. This can take several days depending on size (about 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds). Never cook a frozen turkey straight from the freezer as it won’t cook evenly.
How Do I Store Leftover Roast Turkey?
Place leftover turkey in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. It stays good for 3-4 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven or microwave to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Recipe with a Smaller Turkey?
Absolutely! Just adjust your cooking time accordingly, usually about 13-15 minutes per pound. Use a meat thermometer to ensure your turkey hits the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
What Side Dishes Pair Well with Roast Turkey?
Classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, and stuffing complement roast turkey beautifully. Roasted vegetables and fresh salads are great for lighter options too!