Description
Say goodbye to dry, flavorless turkey and hello to juicy, perfectly seasoned goodness with this Perfect Turkey Roaster Recipe! Designed to make your holiday meals effortless and memorable, this recipe ensures even cooking, crispy skin, and mouth-watering flavor. It’s versatile, easy to follow, and perfect for beginners and pros alike. Whether you’re hosting a grand Thanksgiving feast or a cozy family dinner, this turkey roaster recipe is your secret weapon for impressing everyone at the table. Ready to become the hero of your holiday gathering? Let’s get roasting!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 whole turkey (12–14 pounds), thawed and giblets removed
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
- 1 lemon, cut into quarters
- 1 onion, cut into quarters
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- Fresh herbs (optional): rosemary, thyme, and sage sprigs
- 2 cups chicken broth (for basting and added moisture)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat the Roaster: Preheat your electric roaster oven to 325°F.
- Prepare the Turkey: Pat the turkey dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
Step 2: Season the Turkey
- Mix the Seasoning: In a bowl, combine softened butter, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and dried rosemary.
- Rub the Turkey: Carefully loosen the skin over the turkey breast and rub half of the seasoned butter mixture under the skin. Rub the remaining butter mixture all over the outside of the turkey.
Step 3: Stuff and Arrange
- Stuff the Turkey: Stuff the turkey cavity with lemon quarters, onion quarters, smashed garlic, and fresh herb sprigs. This adds amazing flavor from the inside out.
- Tie the Legs: Use kitchen twine to tie the turkey legs together for even cooking.
Step 4: Place in Roaster
- Position the Turkey: Place the turkey breast-side up on the roasting rack in the preheated roaster.
- Add Moisture: Pour 2 cups of chicken broth into the bottom of the roaster for added moisture and flavorful drippings for gravy.
Step 5: Cook and Baste
- Roast the Turkey: Cover and roast the turkey at 325°F. Plan for 13 minutes per pound, approximately 2.5 to 3 hours for a 12-pound turkey.
- Baste Every 30 Minutes: Baste the turkey every 30 minutes with the juices from the bottom of the roaster to keep it moist and flavorful.
Step 6: Check for Doneness
- Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The turkey is done when the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F and the thighs reach 175°F.
- Crisp the Skin (Optional): If you want extra crispy skin, increase the temperature to 400°F during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
- Rest the Turkey: Remove the turkey from the roaster and let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat juicy.
- Carve and Enjoy: Carve the turkey and serve with your favorite sides and gravy made from the drippings.
Notes
Tips for Success:
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure perfectly cooked, juicy meat.
- Don’t Skip Resting: Resting the turkey allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat tender and flavorful.
- Avoid Opening the Roaster Frequently: This helps maintain a consistent temperature for even cooking.
Flavor Variations:
- Herb Butter Variation: Add fresh chopped herbs (parsley, thyme, rosemary) to the butter mixture.
- Citrus Twist: Add orange or lime slices to the cavity for a citrusy flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Mix paprika or cayenne pepper into the seasoning for a little heat.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2.5 to 3 hours (for a 12-pound turkey)
- Cuisine: American (Holiday/Thanksgiving)
Nutrition
- Calories: ~300 kcal
- Sodium: ~500 mg
- Fat: ~15g
- Carbohydrates: ~2g
- Protein: ~35g
- Cholesterol: ~120 mg