Description
A classic Christmas turkey recipe with helpful holiday tips for a perfect roast.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
- 2 cups chicken or turkey broth
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Remove giblets and neck from turkey cavity. Pat turkey dry with paper towels.
- Mix butter, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, and rosemary in a bowl.
- Rub the butter mixture all over the turkey, including under the skin.
- Stuff the turkey cavity with lemon, onion, and garlic.
- Place turkey on a rack in a roasting pan. Pour broth into the pan.
- Roast for 3 to 3.5 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
- Baste turkey with pan juices every 30 minutes.
- Let turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving.
Notes
- Thaw frozen turkey in the refrigerator for 2-3 days before cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer for accurate doneness.
- For crispier skin, increase oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) for the last 30 minutes.
- Save pan juices for gravy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3.5 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 oz (170g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: Christmas turkey recipe, holiday turkey, roast turkey, festive meal