The Best Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe for a Perfect Holiday Feast

This traditional Thanksgiving Day turkey recipe is the centerpiece of any holiday feast. With its golden-brown skin and juicy, flavorful meat, it's a dish that brings family and friends together to celebrate.

The recipe is simple to follow and ensures a perfectly roasted turkey every time. You can enhance the flavor with various herbs and spices, making it a memorable dish for your Thanksgiving gathering.

Creating the Perfect Thanksgiving Day Turkey

The Thanksgiving Day turkey is often the highlight of the holiday feast, bringing family and friends together in celebration. With its golden-brown skin and juicy meat, this dish is not just a meal; it's a tradition that evokes warmth and togetherness. The process of preparing this centerpiece is straightforward, ensuring a delicious outcome that will impress your guests.

Seasoning for Flavor

To achieve a flavorful roast turkey, a blend of herbs and butter is essential. This combination not only enhances the taste but also contributes to the moistness of the meat. Taking the time to season the turkey thoroughly, including under the skin, will elevate the overall flavor profile.

The Cooking Process

Roasting a turkey requires patience, as the cooking time can span several hours. Setting the oven to the right temperature and monitoring the internal temperature of the turkey is crucial for a successful roast. Basting the turkey periodically with its own juices helps maintain moisture and promotes an appealing golden color.

Classic Roast Turkey for Thanksgiving

This roast turkey is seasoned with a blend of herbs and butter, resulting in a moist and tender bird. The cooking process takes several hours, but the result is a stunning centerpiece that serves 8-10 people, perfect for your Thanksgiving Day celebration.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds)

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 2 tablespoons salt

• 1 tablespoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon dried thyme

• 1 tablespoon dried rosemary

• 1 tablespoon dried sage

• 4 cups chicken or turkey broth

• 1 onion, quartered

• 1 lemon, quartered

• 4 cloves garlic, smashed

• Fresh herbs for stuffing (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prep the Turkey: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the turkey giblets and pat the turkey dry with paper towels.

2. Season the Turkey: In a bowl, mix the softened butter with salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and sage. Rub the mixture all over the turkey, including under the skin and inside the cavity.

3. Stuff the Turkey: If desired, stuff the cavity with onion, lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs.

4. Roast the Turkey: Place the turkey breast-side up on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan. Pour the broth into the bottom of the pan. Roast for about 13-15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.

5. Baste the Turkey: Every 30 minutes, baste the turkey with the pan juices to keep it moist.

6. Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy your Thanksgiving feast.

Cook and Prep Times:

• Prep Time: 30 minutes

• Cook Time: 3-5 hours (Depending on the size turkey)

• Total Time: 4-5.5 hours

Nutrition Information:

• Servings: 8-10 servings

• Calories: 350kcal

• Fat: 20g

• Protein: 25g

• Carbohydrates: 0g