Easy Thanksgiving Turkey (Best No-Fail Recipe)
If you want to impress your guests this holiday season, look no further than this Easy Thanksgiving Turkey (Best No-Fail Recipe). This foolproof turkey recipe guarantees a juicy, golden bird that’s packed with flavor—without the need for brining or basting. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any family gathering, this turkey comes together effortlessly and will have everyone asking for seconds. With aromatic herbs and garlic infused into the meat, each bite is a delightful experience. Say goodbye to complicated recipes; this straightforward approach ensures that even beginners can achieve a stunning centerpiece for their holiday feast.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: Approximately 3 hours
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves about 12 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 to 18 pound turkey (fully thawed)
- 1 onion (peeled and quartered)
- 1 lemon (quartered)
- 1 to 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1 to 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 to 2 sprigs fresh sage
- kosher salt and black pepper
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme
- 3 celery ribs (roughly chopped)
- 2 carrots (roughly chopped)
Instructions
- Bring your fully thawed turkey to room temperature by removing it from the fridge about an hour before cooking.
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
- Season the cavity generously with salt and pepper; fill it with onion, lemon, and fresh herbs.
- Mix softened butter with minced garlic, salt, pepper, rosemary, and thyme.
- Rub one-third of the herb butter under the skin of the breast and spread the rest over the outside of the turkey.
- Place on a roasting rack or atop chopped vegetables in a roasting pan.
- Roast for approximately 15 minutes per pound until internal temperature reaches 158°-160°F.
- Let rest for at least 30 minutes before carving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (150g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg