Juicy Thanksgiving Turkey
Juicy Thanksgiving Turkey is the ultimate centerpiece for your holiday feast. With its crispy skin and tender, flavorful meat, this turkey will fill your home with enticing aromas that draw family and friends together. Easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion, this recipe ensures every bite is packed with rich flavor, making it a memorable addition to your Thanksgiving table.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: Approximately 3 hours
- Total Time: 32 minute
- Yield: Serves approximately 10 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 whole turkey (12–14 lb), thawed
- 3 tbsp kosher salt
- 2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 4 sprigs fresh sage
- 1 lemon, halved
Instructions
- 1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Remove giblets from the turkey cavity and pat dry with paper towels.
- 2. Rub kosher salt generously inside and outside the turkey.
- 3. Stuff the cavity with fresh herbs and lemon halves for enhanced flavor.
- 4. Brush melted butter all over the turkey skin for a golden finish.
- 5. Place the turkey breast-side up on a roasting rack in a pan. Roast for about 13-15 minutes per pound until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- 6. Let rest for 20-30 minutes before carving to ensure juiciness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 660mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: For extra flavor, brine your turkey overnight in a saltwater solution. You can also experiment with different herbs or stuff your turkey with fruits like apples or oranges for a unique twist.