A perfectly golden Roast Turkey is the centerpiece of every holiday table. This recipe keeps it simple: tender, juicy meat with crisp skin, fresh herbs, garlic, and butter for unbeatable flavor. No complicated brines, no fuss—just a reliable method that works every time.
I’m Sandy Wilder, and I believe holiday meals should feel special but not stressful. I’m not a Michelin-star chef, just a mom who loves sharing recipes that bring families together. With this roast turkey, you’ll have a show-stopping main dish without overcomplicating things. (For side inspiration, my roasted potatoes recipe is always a hit.)
Why This Roast Turkey Recipe Works
Herb Butter for Maximum Flavor
Instead of brining, this recipe uses an herbed garlic butter rubbed under and over the skin. This adds incredible flavor while keeping the meat moist.
Reliable Cooking Method
Roasting at 350°F ensures even cooking, while starting at a higher temperature crisps the skin. No basting required—just set your timer, cover with foil when golden, and let the oven do the work.
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Roast Turkey – Juicy & Flavorful Recipe for the Holidays
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Juicy Roast Turkey with garlic herb butter, fresh herbs, and lemon. A simple, foolproof recipe for Thanksgiving or holiday dinners.
Ingredients
1 (14-16 pound) whole turkey
Salt & pepper to taste
Herb Butter:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
Inside the Turkey:
1 lemon, halved
Fresh sage, thyme, and rosemary sprigs
1 head garlic, cloves peeled
Instructions
1. Let turkey and butter sit at room temp 1 hour before cooking.
2. Preheat oven to 450°F. Move rack to lower third of oven.
3. Mix herb butter ingredients in a bowl.
4. Pat turkey dry. Season inside/outside with salt and pepper. Stuff cavity with lemon, herbs, and garlic.
5. Rub herb butter under skin and all over turkey. Tuck wings and tie legs if desired.
6. Place on roasting rack, breast side up. Reduce oven temp to 350°F.
7. Roast ~13 min per pound (about 3 hrs for 14 lb turkey). Cover with foil when skin is golden.
8. Cook until thigh reaches 165°F. Remove and let rest 20–30 min before carving.
Notes
Cooking time depends on turkey size: 13 min per pound at 350°F.
Always use a thermometer for doneness.
Resting the turkey keeps meat juicy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 oz
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 48g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
Keywords: Roast Turkey, Thanksgiving turkey, holiday turkey recipe
Ingredients for Roast Turkey
Here’s what you’ll need to prepare a juicy and aromatic turkey:
The Turkey
- 1 (14–16 pound) whole turkey
- Salt & pepper to taste
Herb Butter
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), softened
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Inside the Turkey
- 1 lemon, halved
- A few sprigs each of sage, thyme, and rosemary
- 1 head garlic, cloves peeled
Tip: If using a frozen turkey, plan ahead—it takes 3–4 days to thaw in the fridge.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps for the perfect roast turkey:
1. Prep the Turkey
Take the turkey out of the fridge 1 hour before roasting. Pat dry with paper towels and season inside and out with salt and pepper. Remove giblets and neck.
2. Make Herb Butter
Mix softened butter with sage, thyme, rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mash with a fork until smooth and fragrant.
3. Stuff and Season
Place lemon halves, herb sprigs, and garlic cloves inside the cavity. Rub herb butter generously under the skin, over the breast, legs, and wings.
4. Roast the Turkey
Preheat oven to 450°F, then reduce to 350°F once the bird goes in. Place turkey breast-side up on a roasting rack. Roast for 13 minutes per pound (about 3 hours for a 14 lb bird). Cover loosely with foil once skin is golden brown.
5. Check Temperature
Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh—165°F means it’s ready. The temperature will rise as it rests.
6. Rest Before Carving
Transfer turkey to a cutting board and let rest 20–30 minutes before slicing. This keeps juices inside the meat. Use pan drippings to make gravy.
Tips for the Best Roast Turkey
- Don’t skip the rest. Resting allows juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender.
- Use a thermometer. It’s the only way to ensure perfectly cooked turkey without guesswork.
- Cover when golden. This prevents the skin from burning while the meat finishes cooking.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Classic Pairings
- Serve with mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.
- Try it with roasted potatoes for a crispy side dish.
- Finish the meal with pumpkin fluff pie or Greek yogurt pumpkin muffins.
Flavor Variations
| Variation | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Citrus Herb Turkey | Add orange zest and juice to the herb butter for brightness. |
| Garlic-Lovers Turkey | Double the garlic in the herb butter for a bold twist. |
| Spicy Turkey | Mix smoked paprika and chili powder into the butter for smoky heat. |
FAQ About Roast Turkey
How big of a turkey do I need?
Plan for 1–1.5 pounds per person. A 14–16 lb turkey feeds 10–12 people.
Do I need to brine the turkey?
No. The herb butter keeps the turkey moist and flavorful without the extra step of brining.
How do I carve a turkey?
Remove the legs and wings first, then slice the breast meat against the grain.
What if my turkey cooks too fast?
Tent with foil and lower oven temperature to 325°F until it’s done.
Can I stuff the turkey with stuffing?
For food safety, it’s best to bake stuffing separately.
Conclusion
This Roast Turkey recipe is simple, flavorful, and reliable—the perfect way to create a holiday centerpiece without stress. The herb butter keeps the meat moist, the garlic and herbs infuse flavor, and the method ensures golden, crisp skin every time.
I’ve tested this recipe multiple times, and it never fails to impress guests. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a special family dinner, this roast turkey will make your table shine. Pair it with sides like roasted potatoes and end with a pumpkin dessert for the ultimate holiday feast.
