Type of Cuisine:
American
Prep Time: 30 minutes.
Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
How Many Servings?
10-12 servings
Table of Contents
Oven-roasted turkey and Thanksgiving are synonymous for many. Thanksgiving happens to be one of my most cherished holidays! It’s that special time when all my children gather around the same table. The anticipation begins days in advance, with family flocking to town, eager for the feast and the joy of cooking together.
Like clockwork, my phone buzzes with calls from my kids inquiring about the menu. Being a mom, I playfully turn the tables and ask for their wishes. The answer? Invariably, it’s my oven-roasted herbed butter turkey.
Despite its 25-year legacy in our family, the recipe remains unchanged. Yet, our family has expanded. Today, a single turkey isn’t enough; I roast two! The beauty of this turkey recipe is its simplicity. Just 20 minutes to prep, and what emerges from the oven is a succulent, aromatic masterpiece, perfect for Thanksgiving. My unwavering commitment to this cooking method guarantees perfection every single time.
Key Ingredients for a Flavorful Oven Roasted Turkey
- Turkey: The star of the show, the turkey’s meaty flavor is enhanced by the herbs and aromatics used for roasting.
- Fresh Rosemary, Sage, and Chopped Thyme: These aromatic herbs provide a fragrant and earthy note to the turkey, infusing it with a savory essence.
- Unsalted Butter: Used to create a luscious herb butter mixture, it adds richness and ensures a crispy, golden skin.
- Oranges Zest: The citrusy zest brightens the dish, lending a zesty, fresh aroma to the roasted turkey.
- Onion, Celery Stalks, and Fennel: This trio forms the flavor base, infusing the turkey with a sweet, savory, and slightly anise-like essence.
- Carrots: Along with the other vegetables, carrots add depth and natural sweetness to the pan juices, which later become the foundation for a flavorful gravy.
All About Turkey Day
Preparing for Thanksgiving is an exciting time, and it all begins with the star of the show – your oven-roasted turkey. Let’s dive into some essential tips and guidelines to make your Turkey Day a delicious success.
Thawing the Bird
When gearing up for the Thanksgiving festivities, early planning is essential, especially when it comes to your oven-roasted turkey. Proper thawing is crucial for a successful roast if you’re starting with a frozen bird. The recommended method is a refrigerator thaw. As a general guideline, allow one day of thawing for every 4-5 pounds of turkey. So, for a 12-pound turkey destined to be your oven-roasted centerpiece, you’re looking at a three-day thawing period in the fridge. Plan accordingly!
Serving Size
Wondering how much oven-roasted turkey you’ll need for your Thanksgiving gathering? As a rule of thumb, estimate between 1 and 1.5 pounds of turkey per guest. For a dinner party of 20, aim for a turkey of around 30 pounds. The recipe I’m sharing caters to 14 people, so I opt for a 21-pound bird. Always remember, it’s better to have leftovers than to fall short!
Choosing the Right Herbs
Selecting the right herbs is crucial when aiming for that perfect oven-roasted turkey. While you can always play around with your favorites, I highly recommend sticking to a trio that never fails – rosemary, sage, and thyme. These herbs infuse the turkey with a distinctive aroma and flavor and harmonize wonderfully with traditional Thanksgiving sides.
Dos and Don’ts for Oven Roasted Herbed Butter Turkey:
After perfecting this oven-roasted turkey recipe for over 25 years, I’ve come to rely on a set of guiding principles that ensure a mouthwatering result:
Dos:
- Early Prep: Always prepare your turkey a day early and let it sit out an hour before the big roast.
- Herb Butter: Gently spread the herbed butter under the skin, focusing on the breast area.
- Cover: Keeping your turkey covered with foil during most roasting ensures moisture retention. Only reveal its beauty in the last 30 minutes.
- Temperature Game: Start with a robust 425°F for the initial 30 minutes and then dial it down to 350°F depending on your turkey’s size.
- Digital Thermometer: This is your best friend. A perfectly roasted bird reaches 165°F, but I prefer pulling it out between 157°F and 160°F, trusting the carryover cooking.
- Resting: After your turkey’s oven time, drape it in foil and let it relax for at least 20 minutes before the grand reveal and carving.
Don’ts:
- Early Basting: Hold off on the basting until the final stages.
- Stuffing Inside: I always prefer my stuffing on the side.
Follow these essential dos and don’ts, and your Thanksgiving centerpiece will surely be a showstopper!
Pairing Sides with Your Oven-Roasted Turkey
As the tantalizing aroma of your turkey fills your kitchen, it’s time to create the perfect ensemble of side dishes. Start with the essentials: creamy mashed potatoes and rich turkey stuffing. A hearty casserole always hits the mark, and don’t forget the vibrant cranberry relish that adds a tangy twist. Ensure you have homemade gravy to generously drizzle over your plate to tie everything together. And when it comes to dessert, stick with the classics: a deep dish apple pie and a luscious pumpkin tart. Each dish complements the other, culminating in a genuinely unforgettable Thanksgiving feast.
Preparation
Scrub the skin with salt and vinegar.
.
Soften the butter
Chop your fresh vegetables and spread them on the bottom of a roasting pan, reserving 2 cups for the stuffing.
Gently lift a bit of the skin over the breast and carefully edge your fingers under the turkey's skin as far as you can without tearing it (a wooden spoon may be used if preferred).
Stuff the bird with 2 cups of the cut vegetables and add a few sprigs of fresh herbs if you have extra.
Transfer the turkey to the roasting pan over the cut vegetables.
Spread the remaining herbed butter all over the bird, including the breast, legs, and wings.
Add one cup of water to your roasting pan before covering the turkey with multiple layers of aluminum foil to retain moisture.
After 30 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and continue roasting for another 2 hours, or until the thermometer reads between 157-160°F.
Remove the turkey from the oven and keep it covered for a minimum of 20 minutes before carving and serving.
Happy Turkey Day! Many blessings to you and your family from me and mine.
Dive into the rich flavors of this oven roasted herbed butter turkey, perfected over 25 years. With rosemary, sage, and thyme, every bite promises a festive delight. Pair with classic sides like mashed potatoes, homemade gravy, and stuffing to complete your Thanksgiving feast.
Type of Cuisine:
American
Prep Time: 30 minutes.
Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
How Many Servings?
10-12 servings
Ingredients:
Adjust Servings
| 21 lbs. turkey (clean and dry) | |
| 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary (chopped fine) | |
| 2 tablespoons fresh sage (chopped fine) | |
| 2 tablespoons fresh thyme (chopped fine) | |
| 12 oz unsalted butter (soften) | |
| 2 oranges zest | |
| 1 large onion (chopped) | |
| 8 celery stalks (roughly chopped) | |
| 1 fennel (chopped roughly) | |
| 5 carrots (peeled and chopped) | |
| Salt and pepper to season | |
| 1 cup water |
Preparation
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Ready to wow your guests this holiday season? Follow this tried-and-true method for the ultimate Thanksgiving centerpiece. Don’t forget to leave a comment below!