Nothing says Christmas comfort like a golden, perfectly roasted turkey fresh out of the oven. The aroma fills the house, laughter echoes from the kitchen, and everyone gathers around the table — it’s more than just a meal; it’s a tradition that warms the heart. ❤️
This Classic Roast Turkey recipe captures that nostalgic holiday magic — tender, juicy meat with crisp golden skin and rich, buttery flavor. Whether you’re hosting your first family dinner or continuing a long-loved tradition, this recipe will make your table shine.
🧈 Ingredients:
1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs), thawed if frozen
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
1 onion, quartered
1 lemon, halved
1 head of garlic, halved crosswise
2 cups chicken broth (for roasting pan)
👨🍳 Instructions:
Preheat & Prep Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove giblets from the turkey cavity, rinse the turkey inside and out, and pat it dry with paper towels.
Season the Turkey In a small bowl, mix softened butter with herbs, salt, and pepper.
Gently loosen the turkey skin and spread half the butter mixture underneath it (especially over the breast). Rub the remaining butter all over the outside of the bird.
Stuff the Cavity Place onion, lemon, and garlic inside the cavity for flavor.
You can also add some herbs for extra aroma. Roast Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan. Pour chicken broth into the bottom of the pan to keep the meat moist. Roast about 3–3½ hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
Baste & Rest Every 45 minutes, baste the turkey with the pan juices for that golden-brown finish. Once done, cover loosely with foil and let it rest for 20–30 minutes before carving.
🥄 Optional Gravy:
Use the pan drippings! Strain the juices, whisk with a bit of flour and chicken broth, and simmer until thick.
The result? A silky, savory gravy that ties everything together.
❤️ Nostalgic Note:
There’s something special about a roast turkey — it’s not just food, it’s a feeling. It brings back childhood memories of cozy Christmas mornings, mom’s laughter in the kitchen, and that first slice of perfectly roasted turkey that made the whole room go quiet for a second… before everyone said, “This is perfect.”
