Easy Roast Turkey

ByDeShawn Ellis
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why make this recipe

Roast turkey is a classic dish that brings family and friends together, especially during holidays. This easy roast turkey recipe is perfect for those who want delicious flavors without complicated steps. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a special gathering, this recipe will help you create a memorable meal while allowing you to enjoy the day with your loved ones.

how to make Easy Roast Turkey

Ingredients :

  • Whole turkey (12–14 lbs) – centerpiece of the meal
  • Unsalted butter – provides moisture and helps herbs adhere
  • Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, sage) – add earthy aroma and flavor
  • Garlic – infuses the turkey with savory depth
  • Lemon – brings brightness and balances richness
  • Onion – adds sweet, savory aroma from inside the cavity
  • Salt and black pepper – enhance and balance overall flavor

Directions :

  1. Thaw the turkey completely and remove giblets. Pat it dry and let it rest at room temperature for 30–60 minutes.
  2. Preheat the oven to 325°F.
  3. Mix softened butter with herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper.
  4. Rub the herb butter under the skin and over the turkey.
  5. Stuff the cavity with lemon halves, onion wedges, and herbs.
  6. Place the turkey breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan.
  7. Roast uncovered, basting every 45 minutes.
  8. Increase the oven temperature to 425°F for the last 30 minutes to crisp the skin.
  9. Check to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thigh.
  10. Let the turkey rest for 30 minutes before carving.

how to serve Easy Roast Turkey

Serve the roast turkey on a large platter, surrounded by your favorite sides. You can offer homemade gravy, cranberry sauce, and stuffing on the side for added flavor. Carve the turkey at the table for a festive touch, and make sure everyone gets a piece of the juicy meat.

how to store Easy Roast Turkey

Store any leftover turkey in airtight containers or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate the leftovers and consume them within 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the turkey. Just make sure to carve it into portions for easier thawing later.

tips to make Easy Roast Turkey

  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is cooked properly.
  • Allow the turkey to rest before carving; this helps keep the meat juicy.
  • Feel free to add your favorite spices to the herb butter for extra flavor.

variation (if any)

You can experiment with different herbs according to your taste. For instance, adding tarragon or parsley can offer a unique twist. Some people like to brine the turkey before roasting for extra moisture and flavor.

FAQs

1. How long should I roast a turkey?
Typically, a turkey needs about 13-15 minutes per pound when roasting at 325°F.

2. Can I cook a frozen turkey?
It is best to thaw the turkey completely before cooking. Cooking from frozen can take too long and may affect the taste and texture.

3. Should I cover the turkey while roasting?
You should roast the turkey uncovered to allow the skin to become crispy. You can tent it with foil if it browns too quickly.

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Easy Roast Turkey

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 210 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Diet: Paleo
Print Recipe

Description

A classic roast turkey recipe perfect for holiday gatherings that delivers delicious flavors with minimal effort.

Ingredients

  • Whole turkey (12–14 lbs)
  • Unsalted butter
  • Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, sage)
  • Garlic
  • Lemon
  • Onion
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Instructions

  1. Thaw the turkey completely and remove the giblets. Pat it dry and let it rest at room temperature for 30–60 minutes.
  2. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
  3. Mix softened butter with herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper.
  4. Rub the herb butter under the skin and over the turkey.
  5. Stuff the cavity with lemon halves, onion wedges, and herbs.
  6. Place the turkey breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan.
  7. Roast uncovered, basting every 45 minutes.
  8. Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (218°C) for the last 30 minutes to crisp the skin.
  9. Check to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thigh.
  10. Let the turkey rest for 30 minutes before carving.

Notes

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is cooked properly. Feel free to add your favorite spices to the herb butter for extra flavor.

  • Prep Time: 60 minutes
  • Cook Time: 150 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: turkey, roast turkey, holiday recipes, Thanksgiving, Christmas

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Hey, I’m DeShawn Ellis—friends call me D. I’m 42 years old, born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi, and now I’m holding it down in Atlanta, Georgia, where I run a soul food kitchen that’s as much about storytelling as it is about the food. Cooking isn’t just what I do it’s who I am. It’s how I honor where I come from, and how I speak love into the world.

My earliest memories are in my grandma’s kitchen barefoot on a step stool, stirring roux while she told me stories about her own mama, who used to cook for church fish fries back in the ’50s. That kitchen was my school. That woman was my first chef. She never measured a thing, but everything came out perfect. She taught me that food could heal, could gather people, could celebrate and comfort at the same time.

I didn’t come up through culinary school I came up through Sunday dinners, community cookouts, and elbow grease. I worked every back-of-house job you can think of, from janitor to pitmaster. Over time, I built my own rhythm in the kitchen deeply rooted in Southern Black tradition but open to everything. My oxtails have a splash of Caribbean heat. My collards might get kissed with smoked paprika and a dash of coconut vinegar. And yeah, I’ll put Cajun spice on anything that holds still long enough.

What drives me most is making food that feels like a hug from home. I want folks to taste a dish and remember their auntie's kitchen, or a summer evening on the porch, or that one bite that made them feel seen. But I also want to evolve because our food, our culture, is not stuck in the past. It’s growing, remixing, finding new voices. I’m proud to be one of them.

I cook for people who love food with a story behind it. You don’t need fancy tools or a French accent to make magic you just need heart, hustle, and a little bit of fire. If you’ve ever cooked with love, failed with style, or fed someone just to see them smile, then we’re already family.

Welcome to my kitchen. Let’s build something beautiful one bite at a time.

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