How To Roast A Turkey in the Oven Perfectly
This classic roast turkey comes together with simple herbs, a stick of butter, and fresh aromatics tucked right into the cavity for incredible flavor. Drying the turkey well, spreading on the herb butter, and roasting it at a steady oven temperature helps the breast meat stay juicy while the skin turns golden brown. It’s an easy, reliable way to roast a whole turkey for Thanksgiving dinner or any holiday gathering, and the leftovers store well for sandwiches and soups the next day.
Ingredients
- 14 lb turkey
- 1 stick unsalted butter softened
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried rosemary
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried sage
- 1 onion
- 1 apple
- 2 garlic cloves
- Fresh thyme
- Fresh rosemary
Instructions
- Pat the turkey dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture from the skin.
- Tuck the wings underneath the bird. Tie the legs together, or leave them tucked under the skin if that’s how the turkey was packaged.
- In a small bowl, cream together the softened butter, salt, pepper, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and dried sage.
- Spread the butter mixture all over the turkey skin using a spatula or your hands.
- On a cutting board, cut the onion and apple into four sections each. Smash the garlic cloves.
- Place the turkey in a roasting pan.
- Stuff the onion, apple, garlic, and fresh herb sprigs into the cavity.
- Roast the turkey in a preheated 350°F oven for 3 to 3 ½ hours, or until it reaches a safe internal temperature.
- Remove from the oven and allow the turkey to rest for at least 20 minutes before carving and serving.
Notes
- Be sure to let the turkey rest so the juices settle.
- For extra flavor, add additional fresh herbs around the roasting pan.
- You can use the pan drippings to make a simple turkey gravy.