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Easy Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe

Juicy Easy Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe Without Brining or Basting

This easy Thanksgiving turkey recipe ensures a juicy, golden bird without brining or basting, perfect for impressing family and friends.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 4 hours
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 5 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Turkey
  • 12-18 pound Turkey should be fully thawed for even cooking
For Aromatics
  • 1 Onion peeled and quartered
  • 1 Lemon quartered
  • 1-2 sprigs Fresh Rosemary imparts a lovely aromatic essence
  • 1-2 sprigs Fresh Thyme pairs well with other herbs
  • 1-2 sprigs Fresh Sage a little goes a long way
For the Herb Butter
  • ¾ cup Unsalted Butter at room temperature
  • 6 cloves Garlic minced
  • Kosher Salt essential seasoning
  • Black Pepper essential seasoning
For Roasting (Optional)
  • 1 Onion quartered
  • 3 Celery ribs roughly chopped
  • 2 Carrots roughly chopped

Equipment

  • Roasting rack
  • Oven
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

Step-By-Step Instructions
  1. Bring your turkey to room temperature, letting it sit for one hour before roasting. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and remove any giblets from the turkey cavity.
    Easy Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe
  2. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. Stuff the cavity with onion, lemon, rosemary, thyme, and sage.
    Easy Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe
  3. In a bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic, salt, pepper, and remaining herbs to create herb butter.
    Easy Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe
  4. Loosen the skin of the turkey and rub one-third of the herb butter underneath it, then coat the outside with the remaining butter.
    Easy Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe
  5. Place the turkey on a roasting rack and roast for about 15 minutes per pound until the temperature reaches 158°-160°F in the thickest part of the breast.
    Easy Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe
  6. Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
    Easy Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe
  7. Carve the turkey and serve, reserving drippings for gravy.
    Easy Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalProtein: 50gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 600mgVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Use fresh ingredients and monitor the internal temperature for optimal results.

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