Name: Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 30 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (14-16 lb) whole turkey, thawed; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 2 teaspoons dried thyme; 2 teaspoons dried rosemary; 1 lemon, quartered; 1 onion, quartered; 4 cloves garlic, crushed; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Hey y’all! If you’re dreaming of the ultimate centerpiece for your holiday table, this Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey recipe is about to become your new favorite tradition. With juicy, perfectly seasoned meat and crisp, golden-brown skin, it’s a showstopper for any special gathering—whether it’s Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or Sunday family dinner. The secret is in the easy but flavor-packed prep, and I promise it’s beginner-friendly. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey

Soaked in a buttery herb mixture, making every bite moist and packed with flavor.
The golden, crispy skin looks stunning and delivers a delicious, crackly finish.
Feeds a crowd—perfect for holiday parties or big family get-togethers.
The recipe is foolproof with step-by-step instructions for stress-free success.
Leftovers are just as delicious, ideal for sandwiches and salads.

Ingredients for Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey

1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs), thawed if frozen and neck/giblets removed
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp kosher salt
1 tsp black pepper
2 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
1 tsp dried sage
2 onions, quartered
1 lemon, halved
1 head of garlic, halved horizontally
2 carrots, cut into large chunks
2 celery stalks, cut into large chunks
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Directions: Step-By-Step Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey

Step 1: Prep the Turkey

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Remove your turkey from the refrigerator 1 hour before roasting to allow it to come to room temperature. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.

Step 2: Season and Stuff

In a bowl, mix the softened butter with thyme, rosemary, sage, salt, and pepper. Loosen the skin over the turkey breast by gently sliding your fingers under it. Spread half the herb butter under the skin, and the rest over the turkey’s exterior. Stuff the cavity with the onion, lemon, and garlic halves.

Step 3: Arrange and Add Aromatics

Place the carrots and celery in the bottom of a large roasting pan. Set the turkey breast-side up on a rack over the vegetables. Tuck the wings under. Pour the chicken broth into the pan’s base.

Step 4: Roasting the Thanksgiving Turkey

Roast the turkey for about 13 minutes per pound (approximately 2 hrs 45 mins to 3 hrs 15 mins for a 12–14 lb turkey). Baste every 45 minutes with pan juices. If the skin begins to over-brown, tent loosely with foil.

Step 5: Check Doneness & Rest

The turkey is done when a thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a platter, tent with foil, and rest for 30 minutes before carving.

Notes for the Best Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey

A meat thermometer is your best friend for foolproof doneness.
Letting the turkey rest before carving ensures all those savory juices stay locked in the meat.
For more guidance on trussing and prepping, visit Bon Appetit – How to Cook a Turkey.

Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey Variations

Citrus & Herb Brined Turkey: Soak the turkey in a simple citrus-herb brine overnight for extra juiciness.
Spiced Butter Roasted Turkey: Add smoked paprika, cumin, and a hint of cayenne to the butter mix for a warm, spicy variation.
Maple-Glazed Turkey: Brush maple syrup over the skin during the last 30 minutes of roasting for a sweet, caramelized finish.

Required Equipment for Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey

Large roasting pan with rack
Cooking twine (for trussing legs)
Instant-read meat thermometer
Basting brush or spoon
Sharp carving knife

Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey Storage Instructions

Wrap leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Sliced turkey can also be frozen for up to 3 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently in the oven or microwave for best results.

Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations

Serve your Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey with creamy mashed potatoes, tangy cranberry sauce, buttery stuffing, and roasted Brussels sprouts for a classic holiday feast.
Check out Thanksgiving Menu Planning by EatRight for more side dish ideas.
Finish with warm rolls or cornbread and a rich gravy made from turkey drippings!

Pro Tips for Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey Success

Drape piece of foil over the bird if it browns too quickly, but remove it for the last 30 minutes for beautifully crisp skin.
Tuck the wings under to keep them from burning and to help the bird sit evenly.
Letting the turkey rest before slicing is critical—give it at least 30 minutes for maximum juiciness. Learn more about proper resting on Food Network’s Turkey Guide.

FAQ: Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey

How big of a turkey do I need for my guests?: Plan on about 1.5 pounds per person to allow for hearty servings and some delicious leftovers.
Should I roast my Thanksgiving turkey covered or uncovered?: Roast uncovered for most of the time for crisp skin. Cover loosely with foil only if the skin is browning too quickly.
Can I prepare my turkey ahead of time?: Yes, you can prep the turkey up to 24 hours in advance—just season, cover, and refrigerate until ready to roast.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes

Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey

Why You’ll Love This Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey

Ingredients for Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey