Roasted Turkey

Why Make This Recipe

Roasted turkey is a classic dish that brings family and friends together. It’s perfect for holidays and special occasions. The mouth-watering aroma fills your kitchen, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Plus, roasted turkey is not just delicious; it can also be used for sandwiches and salads the next day!

How to Make Roasted Turkey

Ingredients

• 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups chopped onions
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 3 cups bread crumbs
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups chicken broth

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Rinse the turkey inside and out, then pat it dry with paper towels.
3. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
4. Add onions, celery, and carrots. Cook until soft.
5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked vegetables, bread crumbs, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
6. Stuff the turkey with the bread mixture and tie the legs with kitchen twine.
7. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and pour chicken broth around it.
8. Roast the turkey for about 13-15 minutes per pound, basting every 30 minutes.
9. Check for doneness (165°F or 74°C) and let it rest for 20 minutes before carving.
10. Serve the roasted turkey on a large platter with fresh herbs and lemon slices, along with gravy, cranberry sauce, and your favorite sides.
11. If you have leftovers, store the turkey in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3-4 days or freeze for up to 4 months.

How to Serve Roasted Turkey

Serve roasted turkey with a side of gravy, cranberry sauce, and various side dishes like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and green beans. Arrange the turkey on a beautiful platter and garnish it with fresh herbs and lemon slices for a pleasant presentation.

How to Store Roasted Turkey

To store roasted turkey, let it cool completely. Place it in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3-4 days. If you have more turkey leftovers, you can freeze them for up to 4 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.

Tips to Make Roasted Turkey

• Allow the turkey to come to room temperature before cooking for even roasting.
• Basting the turkey every 30 minutes helps keep it moist.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for perfect doneness.
• Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Variation

You can add different herbs and spices to the stuffing to give it a unique flavor. Try adding sage or a mix of your favorite spices. You can also use different types of bread crumbs like cornbread for a twist.

FAQs

1. How long does it take to roast a turkey?
It usually takes about 13-15 minutes per pound of turkey at 325°F (165°C).

2. How do I know when the turkey is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

3. Can I cook a frozen turkey?
It’s best to thaw the turkey before cooking it. Cooking a frozen turkey can take much longer and may lead to uneven cooking.

Roasted Turkey

A delicious roasted turkey that's perfect for holidays and special occasions, with a savory stuffing and aromatic flavors.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs

Total Time 3 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main ingredients

• 1 whole whole turkey (12-14 pounds)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups chopped onions
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 3 cups bread crumbs
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• to taste Salt and pepper
• 4 cups chicken broth

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Rinse the turkey inside and out, then pat it dry with paper towels.
3. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
4. Add onions, celery, and carrots. Cook until soft.
5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked vegetables, bread crumbs, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
6. Stuff the turkey with the bread mixture and tie the legs with kitchen twine.
7. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and pour chicken broth around it.

Cooking

1. Roast the turkey for about 13-15 minutes per pound, basting every 30 minutes.
2. Check for doneness (165°F or 74°C) and let it rest for 20 minutes before carving.
3. Serve the roasted turkey on a large platter with fresh herbs and lemon slices, along with gravy, cranberry sauce, and your favorite sides.

Notes

Allow the turkey to come to room temperature before cooking for even roasting. Basting the turkey every 30 minutes helps keep it moist. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for perfect doneness. Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute. Use different herbs and spices for the stuffing for unique flavors.