THIS IS IT! The best Thanksgiving Turkey recipe. I’ve been roasting turkey for more than 15 years. This post brings together the best things I’ve learned about cooking a turkey in the oven so that it’s juicy, flavorful, and the star of your feast. It’s 100% doable and easier than you think!.
Cooking a turkey is a Thanksgiving tradition for many families While there are several methods for preparing turkey, roasting it in the oven is by far the most popular. Here’s a detailed guide to roasting the perfect turkey
Why Roast a Turkey?
Roasting a whole turkey in the oven results in a beautiful golden brown bird that makes a stunning centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table. It also allows you to use the pan drippings to make a delicious gravy or sauce.
Some key benefits of roasting turkey include
- Traditional method that gives great results
- Requires minimal equipment – just a roasting pan
- Allows you to infuse flavor from herbs, spices, broth
- Produces moist, tender meat if done properly
- Easy to learn basic technique
While deep frying and smoking turkeys have grown in popularity, good old oven roasting remains the top choice for most home cooks.
Step-by-Step Guide to Roasting Turkey
Follow these simple steps for roasting turkey perfection:
1. Select and Prepare the Turkey
Choose a turkey that fits your gathering – plan for about 1 pound per person. Allow extra if you want ample leftovers. Fresh turkeys are best, but you can also use a thawed frozen turkey.
Remove the giblets from the turkey cavities. Rinse the turkey under cold water and pat it completely dry with paper towels. This helps achieve crispy skin.
2. Brine the Turkey
Soaking the turkey in a saltwater brine solution before roasting helps keep it incredibly moist and well seasoned. Dissolve 1 cup kosher salt in 2 gallons of water along with any desired herbs and spices. Submerge the turkey and let it brine 12-24 hours. Rinse and pat dry.
3. Season the Turkey
Rub the turkey all over with olive oil or butter. Generously season the cavity and outside with salt, pepper and any additional herbs or spices. Stuff the cavity loosely with aromatics like onions, garlic, lemons, fresh herbs.
4. Prep the Roasting Pan
Place turkey on a roasting rack in a large sturdy pan. Add broth, wine or water to the bottom of the pan – this helps baste the turkey. Scatter cut onions, carrots, celery around it.
5. Roast the Turkey
Roast at 450°F for 30 minutes to brown the skin. Reduce temperature to 325°F and continue roasting until the thickest part of breast and thigh reach 165°F on a meat thermometer. Plan for about 13 minutes per pound for an unstuffed turkey, and 15 minutes per pound for a stuffed turkey.
Baste turkey every 30 minutes with the pan juices to keep it moist. If breast browns too quickly, tent with foil. Let rest 20 minutes before carving.
6. Make Delicious Gravy
Use the flavorful pan drippings to make a simple yet delicious gravy. First prepare a brown roux with butter and flour. Whisk in pan drippings, broth and seasonings. Cook until thickened.
Tricks for Roasting Turkey Perfectly
Use these top tips for roasting excellence:
- Always thaw frozen turkey safely in the fridge
- Dry brining 2-3 days before roasting seasons the meat beautifully
- Test oven size and rack positioning before heating oven
- Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness
- Shield breast and drumsticks if over-browning
- Let turkey rest before carving for juicier meat
Roasting Tools and Equipment
Having the right tools makes roasting turkey much easier:
- Sturdy roasting pan with rack
- Instant-read digital meat thermometer
- Basting brush or bulb baster
- Kitchen twine for trussing
- Fat separator for gravy
Roasting Turkey Safely
Be sure to follow safe food handling practices when roasting turkey:
- Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F
- Refrigerate promptly after carving
- Store leftovers within 2 hours
- Reheat thoroughly to 165°F
Delicious Ways to Use Leftover Turkey
Leftover roasted turkey is incredibly versatile. Get creative with these tasty ideas:
- Turkey sandwiches with cranberry sauce
- Turkey chili or soup
- Turkey tetrazzini or casserole
- Turkey tacos or enchiladas
- Turkey salad with apples and walnuts
- Turkey pot pie with veggies
- Turkey curry with coconut milk
The Perfect Centerpiece for Thanksgiving
When it comes to serving up the ultimate Thanksgiving feast, oven roasted turkey reigns supreme. With its beautiful golden brown exterior, tender and juicy meat, and rich pan drippings, roasted turkey is the perfect centerpiece. Follow these simple tips for roasting success. You’ll have a gorgeous, delicious turkey that delights your guests and provides leftovers to enjoy.
Buy Your Turkey
Whenever possible, I prefer to purchase a fresh turkey from a local butcher for two great reasons.
- Most of the time, the quality is much better than regular frozen turkey, and buying it helps local farmers and businesses.
- You don’t have to worry about where and when to thaw the turkey.
One and a half pounds of turkey for each person is a good size. Two pounds of turkey for each person if you have big eaters or want leftovers is better. See How Much Turkey Per Person for more.
- For 6 to 8 people: get a 10-12 pound turkey
- For 9 to 12 people: get a 14-18 pound turkey
- for 12 to 16 people: get an 18-24 pound turkey
If the turkey is less than 10 pounds, I don’t think it’s worth the trouble because you’ll end up paying more for the bones than the meat.
If you only want a little turkey, check out my Crockpot Turkey Breast or Air Fryer Turkey Breast.
First: Cook the Turkey at 450°F for 45 Minutes
Starting the turkey at a high temperature results in better, crispier skin.
How to Cook a Turkey
FAQ
What is the secret to a moist turkey?
What’s the best way to cook a turkey?
What is the best way to cook a turkey without drying it out?
Is it better to cook a turkey at 325 or 350?
What is the best way to cook a Thanksgiving turkey?
Roasting is probably the most common way to cook a Thanksgiving turkey. It is the classic presentation and looks stunning on the dinner table.
Can one have turkey and carrots?
Eating turkey and carrots is part of healthy habits. The turkey has meat like chicken and is another healthy poultry option. Carrots are rich in carotenoids, it is a source of vitamin A, fiber, potassium and vitamin B3.
How do you cook a juiciest roast turkey?
How to Make the Juiciest Roast Turkey Recipe (no lengthy marinating required) Season inside of turkey cavity generously with about 1 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper.
How do you cook a 13 pound turkey in the oven?
Pour the turkey or chicken broth into the bottom of the bag, making sure not to wash off the spices. Use the little tie that comes with your oven bags and seal the bag. Cut small holes into the top of the roasting bag to let steam out. Place in the oven and cook for 3-4 hours for my 13 pound turkey and up to 5-6 for a larger turkey.
How long do you cook a 14 pound turkey?
1 hour before roasting: Preheat the oven; let your turkey come to room temperature; stuff and tie the turkey, then place it on your roasting pan. Roast the turkey (2 to 3 hours). The timing will vary depending on its size. See How Long to Cook a Turkey for details. Plan on between 2 and 2 ½ hours total for a 14- to 16-pound bird.
What are the health benefits of ground turkey?
Ground turkey has multiple benefits. It is a good source of minerals, and B vitamins, rich in proteins, low in fat and it is lower in calories than common turkey.