Description

Discover the joy of cooking with this Best Roast Turkey recipe, perfect for Thanksgiving or any family gathering. This golden-brown turkey is brined for maximum juiciness and infused with aromatic herbs, making it the centerpiece of your holiday table. Each tender bite will evoke warmth and cherished memories as you gather with loved ones.

Ingredients

Scale

1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds)
1 cup kosher salt
2 tsp black pepper
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 sprigs fresh rosemary
3 sprigs fresh thyme
3 sprigs fresh sage
6 whole garlic cloves
2 lemons, halved
1 gallon cold water

Instructions

Prepare the Brine: In a large pot, dissolve 1 cup of kosher salt in 1 gallon of cold water. Cool completely before adding the turkey. Submerge the turkey in the brine for at least 12 hours.
Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 325°F (165°C).
Season the Turkey: Remove the turkey from the brine, pat dry with paper towels, then rub all over with softened butter and season generously with salt and pepper inside and out.
Stuff the Cavity: Place rosemary, thyme, sage, garlic cloves, and lemon halves inside the turkey cavity to infuse flavor as it roasts.
Roast: Place the turkey breast-side up on a roasting rack in a large pan. Roast until a meat thermometer reads at least 165°F (74°C), about 13 minutes per pound.
Rest: Let the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: Approximately 3 hours (for a ~12-pound turkey)
Category: Main
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4 oz cooked turkey (113g)
Calories: 280
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 640mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 0g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 34g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: For added flavor variations, consider using different herbs or stuffing the turkey with fruits like apples or cranberries. This roast turkey pairs beautifully with classic sides such as mashed potatoes or green bean casserole.