Roasted Turkey

why make this recipe

Roasted turkey is a classic dish that many people enjoy, especially during holidays and special occasions. It offers a delicious flavor and a centerpiece that brings family and friends together. Making roasted turkey is rewarding, as you’ll have a mouthwatering meal and lovely leftovers to enjoy.

how to make Roasted Turkey

Ingredients:

• 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups chopped onions
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 3 cups bread crumbs
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups chicken broth

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Rinse the turkey inside and out. Pat it dry with paper towels.
3. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
4. Add onions, celery, and carrots to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are soft.
5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked vegetables, bread crumbs, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well.
6. Stuff the turkey with the bread mixture and tie the legs with kitchen twine.
7. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and pour chicken broth around it.
8. Roast the turkey for about 13-15 minutes per pound, basting every 30 minutes.
9. Check the turkey for doneness (it should reach 165°F or 74°C).
10. Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving.
11. Serve the roasted turkey on a large platter with fresh herbs and lemon slices, along with gravy, cranberry sauce, and your favorite sides.
12. If you have leftovers, store the turkey in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3-4 days or freeze for up to 4 months.

how to serve Roasted Turkey

Serve the roasted turkey on a beautiful platter. Add some fresh herbs and lemon slices for a nice touch. You can also serve it with gravy, cranberry sauce, and any of your favorite side dishes, like mashed potatoes or green beans.

how to store Roasted Turkey

After your meal, let the leftover turkey cool down before storing. Place the turkey in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the turkey for up to 4 months.

tips to make Roasted Turkey

• Make sure to take the turkey out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking. This will help it cook evenly.
• Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. This will ensure the turkey is cooked perfectly without being dry.
• Basting the turkey every 30 minutes will help keep it moist and add flavor.

variation

You can add different herbs or ingredients to the stuffing, like sage, cranberries, or nuts. You can also try cooking the turkey with apple juice or white wine in the broth for a different flavor.

FAQs

1. How long does it take to cook a turkey?
It takes about 13-15 minutes per pound to cook a turkey at 325°F (165°C).

2. Can I stuff the turkey ahead of time?
It’s best to stuff the turkey just before cooking to ensure food safety.

3. How do I know when the turkey is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the turkey.

Roasted Turkey

A classic roasted turkey recipe perfect for holidays and special occasions, delivering delicious flavor and tender meat with satisfying leftovers.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs

Total Time 3 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Servings: 10 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Turkey

• 1 whole whole turkey (12-14 pounds) Make sure the turkey is thawed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups chopped onions
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 3 cups bread crumbs Can use stale bread for better texture
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• to taste Salt and pepper
• 4 cups chicken broth For basting and moisture

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Rinse the turkey inside and out. Pat it dry with paper towels.
3. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
4. Add onions, celery, and carrots to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are soft.
5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked vegetables, bread crumbs, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well.
6. Stuff the turkey with the bread mixture and tie the legs with kitchen twine.

Cooking

1. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and pour chicken broth around it.
2. Roast the turkey for about 13-15 minutes per pound, basting every 30 minutes.
3. Check the turkey for doneness (it should reach 165°F or 74°C).

Serving

1. Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving.
2. Serve the roasted turkey on a large platter with fresh herbs and lemon slices, along with gravy, cranberry sauce, and your favorite sides.

Notes

Make sure to take the turkey out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking. Using a meat thermometer ensures the turkey is cooked perfectly without being dry. Basting every 30 minutes keeps it moist and flavorful. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 4 months.