Description
A simple guide on how to cook a Thanksgiving turkey.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups turkey broth
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Remove the turkey giblets and pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
- Rub the softened butter all over the turkey, including under the skin.
- Season the turkey with salt and pepper inside and out.
- Stuff the cavity with onion, carrots, celery, and herbs.
- Place the turkey breast side up on a roasting rack in a roasting pan.
- Pour turkey broth into the bottom of the pan.
- Cover the turkey loosely with aluminum foil.
- Roast the turkey for 2.5 to 3 hours, basting occasionally.
- Remove the foil for the last hour to brown the skin.
- Check the internal temperature, it should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Let the turkey rest for better juiciness.
- Save the drippings for gravy.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: thanksgiving turkey, how to cook turkey, roasted turkey