If you’re looking for a classic centerpiece that’s both straightforward and incredibly satisfying, this Easy Roast Turkey Recipe is exactly what you need. It takes the stress out of preparing a whole bird while still delivering a beautifully golden, juicy turkey bursting with fresh herb flavors. Whether it’s your first time roasting a turkey or you’re after a fail-proof method to impress your guests, this recipe hits all the right notes with simplicity and deliciousness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this Easy Roast Turkey Recipe, you just need a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that bring out the best in the bird. Each component plays a special role, enhancing flavor, moisture, and that perfect roasted aroma.
- Whole turkey (10-12 pounds): Choose a thawed bird with giblets removed for even roasting and ease of preparation.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Essential for rich moisture and creating a crispy, golden crust.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps the herb butter spread easily under the skin.
- Salt (2 teaspoons): The secret to bringing out all the natural flavors and seasoning the turkey deeply.
- Black pepper (1 teaspoon): Adds a gentle warmth and depth.
- Fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage (1 tablespoon each, chopped): These herbs provide aromatic earthiness and a wonderful herbal lift, but dried versions work in a pinch.
- Onion, quartered: Infuses moisture and subtle sweetness into the turkey cavity while roasting.
- Lemon, quartered: Adds brightness and a hint of citrus that balances the richness.
- Garlic cloves, smashed (4): For that savory punch that deepens the overall flavor.
- Chicken or turkey broth (2 cups, plus extra): Keeps the bird moist and juicy during roasting.
How to Make Easy Roast Turkey Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C) and placing a rack inside a large roasting pan. This setup ensures even heat circulation, helping the turkey cook beautifully and allowing the drippings to collect for an incredible gravy later.
Step 2: Make the Herb Butter
Pat the turkey dry thoroughly with paper towels to get a crisp skin. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, olive oil, salt, pepper, and your herbs—thyme, rosemary, and sage—to create a fragrant herb butter. This blend is the magic behind the turkey’s mouthwatering aroma.
Step 3: Season Under the Skin
Gently loosen the skin over the breast and thighs with your fingers, being careful not to tear it. Spread half of the herb butter underneath the skin, which helps flavor the meat directly and keeps it juicy. Rub the remaining butter evenly over the turkey’s surface for that irresistible golden finish.
Step 4: Stuff the Cavity
Fill the turkey’s cavity with the onion, lemon, and garlic. These ingredients add wonderful complexity and keep the bird moist from the inside as they release their aromas during roasting.
Step 5: Roast with Broth
Place the turkey breast-side up on the roasting rack. Pour 2 cups of broth into the pan—it will keep the environment humid and help baste the turkey naturally. Cover the turkey loosely with foil to prevent the skin from browning too quickly.
Step 6: Roast and Baste
Roast the turkey for about 2 1/2 to 3 hours, basting every 30 to 45 minutes with the pan juices. Add more broth as needed if the pan dries out to maintain moisture and flavor.
Step 7: Crisp the Skin
During the last 30 to 45 minutes, remove the foil to allow the skin to become beautifully golden and crispy. This finishing touch elevates the texture and visual appeal.
Step 8: Check Internal Temperature
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C). This guarantees your turkey is safely cooked while remaining tender.
Step 9: Rest Before Carving
Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes after roasting. This step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making every slice succulent and flavorful.
How to Serve Easy Roast Turkey Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like fresh rosemary sprigs, lemon wedges, or a sprinkle of chopped parsley brighten the presentation and complement the herbaceous notes in your Easy Roast Turkey Recipe. These add a pop of color and an inviting freshness when serving.
Side Dishes
Pair your turkey with classic sides such as creamy mashed potatoes, green beans almondine, or cranberry sauce for a timeless holiday meal. Roasted root vegetables also add beautiful color and texture contrasts that mesh perfectly with the bird’s flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, carve thin slices and serve as turkey sliders with cranberry mayo on soft rolls. Another idea is plating carved turkey alongside a vibrant salad with apples and walnuts for a lighter, fresh contrast that still feels hearty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your feast, wrap leftover turkey tightly in foil or place in airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, it will keep well for up to four days, making it perfect for next-day sandwiches or salads.
Freezing
If you want to keep turkey longer, slice it and freeze in portions using freezer-safe bags or containers. Properly wrapped, turkey can last up to three months, ready to be defrosted for quick meals.
Reheating
Reheat your turkey gently in the oven or microwave, adding a sprinkle of broth or a small pat of butter to keep it moist. Covering it with foil during warming helps prevent drying out, so you get juicy slices every time.
FAQs
How long does it take to roast a 10-12 pound turkey?
For a turkey of this size, roasting at 325°F usually takes between 2 1/2 and 3 hours. It’s best to rely on an internal thermometer, aiming for 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh for perfect doneness.
Can I prepare the herb butter the day before?
Absolutely! Preparing the herb butter ahead saves time on cooking day and helps the flavors meld beautifully. Just keep it covered and refrigerated until ready to use.
Should I baste the turkey during roasting?
Yes, basting every 30 to 45 minutes with pan drippings keeps the skin moist and enhances flavor. It also helps develop that gorgeous golden color we all love.
Is it necessary to stuff the turkey cavity?
Stuffing the cavity with aromatics like onion, lemon, and garlic isn’t required but adds wonderful moisture and flavor from the inside out. Plus, it fills your kitchen with a delicious aroma while roasting.
How do I know when the turkey is fully cooked?
The safest and most reliable method is using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh, and when it reads 165°F, your turkey is ready to come out of the oven.
Final Thoughts
Roasting a turkey doesn’t have to be intimidating, and with this Easy Roast Turkey Recipe, you’re equipped to create a stunning, flavorful centerpiece with confidence. The combination of simple ingredients and thoughtful technique makes every bite memorable. Give it a try for your next holiday or special occasion and watch your family and friends fall in love with your cooking!
Print
Easy Roast Turkey Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Roast Turkey recipe guides you through preparing a tender, juicy, and flavorful roast turkey using a simple herb butter rub and classic roasting technique. Perfect for holiday dinners or special family gatherings, this recipe ensures a beautifully golden, crispy-skinned turkey with aromatic herbs and citrus accents.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 whole turkey (10–12 pounds), thawed and giblets removed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 onion, quartered
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed
- 2 cups chicken or turkey broth, plus more if needed
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and place a rack inside a large roasting pan to ensure even cooking and proper air circulation around the turkey.
- Make Herb Butter: Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and sage to create a fragrant herb butter mixture.
- Apply Herb Butter Under Skin: Gently loosen the skin over the turkey breast and thighs without tearing it, then spread half of the herb butter underneath the skin to infuse flavor directly into the meat. Use your hands or a spatula to spread evenly.
- Rub Remaining Butter Over Turkey Surface: Take the remaining herb butter and rub it thoroughly over the entire surface of the turkey to enhance browning and impart additional flavor.
- Stuff Turkey Cavity: Stuff the turkey’s cavity with the quartered onion, lemon, and smashed garlic cloves to aromatize the meat from the inside during roasting.
- Place Turkey on Rack and Add Broth: Position the turkey breast-side up on the roasting rack inside the pan. Pour 2 cups of chicken or turkey broth into the bottom of the pan to keep the environment moist and to use for basting.
- Cover and Roast: Loosely cover the turkey with foil to prevent over-browning and roast for approximately 2 1/2 to 3 hours, basting with the pan juices every 30 to 45 minutes to keep the meat juicy. Add more broth if the pan becomes dry.
- Remove Foil for Crisping Skin: During the final 30 to 45 minutes of cooking, remove the foil to allow the skin to brown beautifully and become crisp.
- Check Internal Temperature: Roast until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (74°C), ensuring the turkey is safely cooked through.
- Rest Before Carving: Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest, loosely covered, for 20 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, making carving easier and the meat juicier.
Notes
- Ensure the turkey is fully thawed before roasting to guarantee even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer for accurate doneness rather than relying solely on time.
- If you prefer, fresh herbs can be substituted for dried and vice versa without significantly affecting flavor.
- Basting helps keep the turkey moist but avoid opening the oven too often to maintain temperature consistency.
- Allowing the turkey to rest before carving enhances juiciness and tenderness.
