Oven Roasted Turkey
Preparing and cooking a turkey is a wonderful way to celebrate a traditional dinner
Prep Time 45 minutes mins
Cook Time 6 hours hrs
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
- 12-15 pounds whole turkey
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Sage
- 1 large onion quartered
- 1 lemon halved
- 1 head of garlic halved
- 2-3 cups of chicken or turkey broth
Season the Turkey:
Rub the turkey all over with the softened butter, ensuring you get under the skin as well. Drizzle olive oil over the top.
Season generously with salt and pepper. Add fresh herbs under the skin and inside the cavity for extra flavor.
Stuff the cavity with the onion, lemon, and garlic.
Roast the Turkey:
Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan. Pour the broth into the bottom of the pan to keep the turkey moist.
Roast the turkey in the preheated oven. Baste the turkey every 30 minutes with the pan juices. Cooking time is about 15 minutes per pound, but always use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the breast and thighs.