Description

Golden, juicy, and infused with herbs, this Thanksgiving Turkey is the ultimate holiday centerpiece. Whether you’re hosting a festive family gathering or an intimate Friendsgiving, this easy recipe guarantees flavorful results every time. It’s a classic dish that delivers on comfort and tradition with buttery, crispy skin, savory aromatics, and tender meat that practically falls off the bone. Perfect for anyone looking for reliable holiday dinner ideas, impressive yet easy recipes, or hearty food ideas that warm the soul. From quick prep tips to juicy leftovers, this turkey is your new go-to for holiday success.

Ingredients

Scale

1 whole turkey (12–15 lbs), thawed if frozen
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
2 tbsp chopped fresh sage
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 onion, quartered
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 lemon or orange, halved
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 cups chicken broth or white wine
Olive oil (optional, for extra crisp skin)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove giblets and pat the turkey dry.
In a bowl, combine softened butter, garlic, and chopped herbs. Mix well.
Loosen the skin of the turkey gently with your fingers. Spread two-thirds of the herb butter under the skin and the rest over the top.
Season the cavity with salt and pepper. Stuff with onion, lemon/orange, and herb sprigs.
Place chopped carrots, celery, and onion in the bottom of a roasting pan. Pour in chicken broth or wine.
Set turkey on top of vegetables, breast side up. Cover loosely with foil.
Roast for 15 minutes per pound (about 3.5 hours for a 14 lb bird), basting occasionally.
Remove foil during the final 45 minutes for golden skin. Check internal temp: it should be 165°F in the thigh.
Rest turkey for 30 minutes before carving. Serve and enjoy!

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 3 to 4 hours (depending on turkey size)