When Thanksgiving rolls around, there’s one dish that steals the spotlight the turkey. This Thanksgiving turkey recipe is your ultimate guide to roasting a bird that’s juicy inside, golden outside, and bursting with flavor. Whether it’s your first time hosting or you’ve been perfecting your feast for years, this step-by-step Thanksgiving turkey recipe will ensure your holiday centerpiece turns out perfect every single time.
From aromatic herbs and melted butter to roasting techniques that lock in moisture, this turkey recipe for Thanksgiving will help you create a show-stopping bird everyone will remember long after the leftovers are gone.
Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe
- Perfectly Juicy: Never worry about dry turkey again this method ensures tender, flavorful meat every time.
- Easy to Follow: Simple ingredients, clear steps, and no fancy equipment required.
- Packed with Flavor: A blend of butter, herbs, and citrus creates that classic Thanksgiving aroma.
- Family-Tested & Approved: A hit at every holiday table, guaranteed to impress guests.
Whether you’re a first-time cook or a seasoned host, this Thanksgiving turkey recipe delivers reliable, delicious results every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make the best Thanksgiving turkey recipe for your feast:
For the Turkey
- 1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs), thawed
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 head garlic, halved
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4 sprigs each fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage
For the Basting Mixture
- ½ cup melted butter
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: a splash of white wine for extra flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the giblets and pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Place it on a rack inside a large roasting pan the foundation of a perfect Thanksgiving turkey recipe starts here.
2. Butter & Season
Mix softened butter with chopped herbs, salt, and pepper. Gently lift the turkey’s skin and spread the butter mixture underneath and over the top. This is key to achieving that golden, crispy skin in your Thanksgiving turkey recipe.
3. Stuff & Tie
Stuff the cavity with lemon, garlic, onion, and herbs. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine to help the turkey cook evenly.
4. Roast
Pour chicken broth and melted butter into the pan. Roast uncovered, basting every 45 minutes. Plan for 13–15 minutes per pound, or until the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F (74°C) on a meat thermometer.
5. Rest & Serve
Once done, tent the turkey loosely with foil and let it rest for 30–45 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Carve and serve your Thanksgiving turkey recipe with classic sides like mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and green bean casserole.
Tips for a Perfectly Juicy Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe
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Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe – Juicy, Golden & Perfect Every Time
- Total Time: PT4H
- Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
- This Thanksgiving turkey recipe is your go-to guide for a juicy, golden, and flavorful bird. Perfect for hosts of all levels with simple ingredients and foolproof steps.
Ingredients
- 1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs), thawed
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 head garlic, halved
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4 sprigs each fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage
- ½ cup melted butter
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: splash of white wine
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the giblets and pat the turkey dry. Place it on a rack in a large roasting pan.
- Mix softened butter with chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Gently loosen the turkey skin and rub the butter mixture under and over the skin.
- Stuff the cavity with halved lemon, garlic, onion, and herb sprigs. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wings under the bird.
- In the bottom of the roasting pan, combine melted butter, chicken broth, olive oil, and optional white wine.
- Roast the turkey, basting every 45 minutes with the pan juices. Cook for 13–15 minutes per pound until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F.
- Remove the turkey from the oven and tent it loosely with foil. Let it rest for 30–45 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.
Notes
- Prepare the herb butter the day before to save time on Thanksgiving morning.
- If the turkey skin browns too quickly, loosely tent it with foil during roasting.
- Always use a meat thermometer don’t rely on pop-up timers.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container with a splash of broth to keep moist.
- Freeze extra turkey for up to 3 months for soups or casseroles.
- Prep Time: PT20M
- Cook Time: PT3H30M
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Even the best turkey recipes Thanksgiving hosts use can turn dry if a few steps are skipped. Keep these expert tips in mind:
- Don’t Skip the Rest: Letting the turkey rest keeps it moist and tender.
- Butter Is Your Best Friend: Spread it generously under and over the skin for flavor and moisture.
- Add Aromatics: Stuff the cavity with herbs, lemon, and garlic for natural seasoning.
- Monitor Temperature: Use a thermometer it’s the secret to a perfectly cooked Thanksgiving turkey recipe.
- Baste Regularly: Keep that skin golden and juicy by basting every 45 minutes.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the butter mixture and season the turkey up to a day ahead.
- Leftovers: Store sliced turkey in airtight containers with a little gravy to keep it moist.
- Freezing: Freeze leftover turkey for up to 3 months. Perfect for sandwiches, soups, or casseroles.
When you reheat, add a drizzle of broth to preserve the moisture a small trick that keeps your Thanksgiving turkey recipe just as juicy the next day.
Ground Turkey Recipes for Dinner
After the feast, turn your leftovers into something special! These ground turkey recipes for dinner are healthy, cozy, and keep the Thanksgiving spirit alive:
- Ground turkey chili
- Turkey meatballs with marinara
- Thanksgiving turkey soup
- Ground turkey lettuce wraps
- Turkey shepherd’s pie
These ideas prove you can enjoy Thanksgiving recipes all week long without repeating the same meal twice.
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FAQs
1. What size turkey should I buy?
Plan for 1½ pounds of turkey per person this ensures enough for seconds and leftovers.
2. How long should I cook a 14-lb turkey?
Roughly 3½ to 4 hours at 325°F, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Always check with a thermometer to make sure your Thanksgiving turkey recipe is fully cooked.
3. Should I cover my turkey while roasting?
Start uncovered for crisp skin, then loosely cover with foil if it browns too quickly.
4. What’s the best way to thaw a frozen turkey?
Defrost in the fridge about 24 hours for every 4–5 pounds of turkey.
5. Can I use ground turkey for Thanksgiving recipes?
Absolutely! Ground turkey recipes are great for lighter Thanksgiving meals like turkey meatloaf or stuffed peppers.
Conclusion
This Thanksgiving turkey recipe is more than just a dish it’s a tradition. With buttery skin, aromatic herbs, and juicy, flavorful meat, this recipe brings everyone together around the table.
Whether you’re serving it with creamy mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, or a spread of Thanksgiving recipes, this turkey recipe for Thanksgiving is the key to a holiday meal that’s both classic and unforgettable.