If you’re looking for a foolproof way to impress your family and friends this holiday season, look no further than this Easy Roast Turkey recipe. It’s not just about the turkey itself; it’s about creating memories around the table. The savory aroma of garlic and herbs wafting through your home is bound to get everyone excited for dinner! This turkey is tender, juicy, and slathered with a delicious garlic herb butter that takes it to the next level.

What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion when you want to gather loved ones around a hearty meal. Plus, it’s simple enough that even novice cooks can shine. Let’s dive into why this Easy Roast Turkey will become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simplicity: With just a few steps and easy-to-find ingredients, roasting a turkey has never been easier!
Flavorful: The garlic herb butter gives the turkey a mouthwatering flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Family-Friendly: This dish is sure to please both kids and adults alike—everyone loves a good roast turkey!
Great for Leftovers: Enjoy delicious turkey sandwiches or soups in the days following your feast.
Impressive Presentation: A beautifully roasted turkey is always a showstopper at any gathering!

Ingredients You’ll Need

In this section, you’ll find simple and wholesome ingredients that make this roast turkey so special. Many of these items may already be in your pantry! Here’s what you need:

1 (14-16 pound) whole turkey (see note)
Salt & pepper (to taste)
1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks) (softened)
1 tablespoon fresh sage (chopped finely)
1 tablespoon fresh thyme (chopped finely)
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (chopped finely)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
1 lemon (halved)
A few sprigs each of fresh sage, thyme, and rosemary
1 head of garlic (break into cloves and peel them)

Variations

This Easy Roast Turkey recipe is wonderfully flexible. Here are some fun ways you can switch things up:

Add citrus flavors: Toss in some orange or lime wedges along with the lemon for an extra burst of freshness.
Spice it up: Incorporate spices like paprika or cayenne pepper into your herb butter for a little kick.
Herb swap: Try using different herbs such as dill or parsley if you’re looking for new flavor combinations.
Stuffing options: Feel free to stuff the cavity with your favorite stuffing mix instead of just herbs and lemon.

How to Make Easy Roast Turkey

Step 1: Prepare the Turkey

Start by taking the turkey out of the fridge about an hour before roasting. Allowing it to come to room temperature helps ensure even cooking. Place it on a baking sheet to catch any spills when you open the packaging. Don’t forget to let that butter soften too—it makes mixing easier!

Step 2: Make the Herb Butter

In a bowl, combine softened butter with chopped sage, thyme, rosemary, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mash everything together with a fork until well blended. This herb butter will not only season the turkey but also help keep it moist throughout cooking.

Step 3: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 450°F while moving one rack to the bottom third of the oven. Make sure there’s plenty of room for your turkey—this step sets you up for success in achieving that perfect golden skin.

Step 4: Prepare the Cavity

Carefully unwrap your turkey and remove any giblets or neck inside the cavity. If your bird was frozen, expect some extra liquid during this process! Drain as much as possible before placing it back on the baking sheet.

Step 5: Season Like a Pro

Pat your turkey dry with paper towels—this is key for crispy skin! Generously season inside and out with salt and pepper. Stuff the cavity with halved lemon, fresh herbs, and peeled garlic cloves. Finally, rub that lovely herb butter all over your turkey!

Step 6: Get Ready to Roast

Place your seasoned bird breast side up on a rack in your roasting pan. Then it’s time to pop it into that preheated oven! After placing it in, reduce the heat to 350°F.

Step 7: Roast Away

Roast for about three hours (for a 14-pound turkey), checking occasionally until an instant-read thermometer shows that thickest part of the thigh has reached at least 165°F. Remember, no basting needed—trust me!

Step 8: Cover & Continue Cooking

The skin will start browning before it’s fully cooked—don’t panic! Loosely cover it with non-stick foil if necessary so that beautiful breast meat doesn’t burn.

Step 9: Rest Before Carving

Once done cooking, carefully tilt your roasting rack over so juices flow into the pan below—these are perfect for gravy! Transfer your beautiful roast turkey onto a cutting board or plate and let it rest for about twenty minutes before carving. This patience pays off in juiciness!

Enjoy serving this Easy Roast Turkey at your next gathering; I promise everyone will be talking about how delicious it was long after dinner ends!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Roast Turkey

Cooking a perfect turkey can seem daunting, but with a few simple tips, you’ll be able to impress your family and friends!

Start with a Quality Bird: Choose a fresh or properly thawed turkey for the best flavor and texture. Frozen turkeys are great, but ensure they’re fully thawed before cooking for even doneness.
Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper! A well-seasoned turkey will have amazing flavor throughout. Remember to season inside the cavity too—this enhances the overall taste.
Monitor Temperature Carefully: Invest in an instant-read thermometer. This tool is crucial for checking doneness without cutting into your turkey, ensuring it remains juicy and perfectly cooked.
Let It Rest: After roasting, let the turkey sit for at least 20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a tender and moist turkey.
Use Drippings Wisely: Don’t discard those flavorful drippings! They can be transformed into a rich gravy that complements your turkey beautifully. Just skim off excess fat and add spices or broth as needed.

How to Serve Easy Roast Turkey

Presenting your roast turkey can make all the difference at the dinner table. With some thoughtful garnishes and delicious side dishes, your meal will be both beautiful and satisfying!

Garnishes

Fresh Herb Sprigs: A few sprigs of rosemary or thyme placed around the turkey not only look beautiful but also infuse a lovely aroma.
Lemon Wedges: Placing lemon wedges around the platter adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.

Side Dishes

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with roasted garlic pair perfectly with turkey, offering comfort with every bite.
Green Bean Almondine: Sautéed green beans tossed with toasted almonds provide a delightful crunch and contrast to the softness of the turkey.
Stuffing: A savory bread stuffing loaded with herbs and vegetables complements the poultry flavors wonderfully, making it a classic choice for any holiday meal.
Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of homemade cranberry sauce balances out the savory richness of roasted turkey, creating a harmonious plate.

With these pro tips and serving suggestions in mind, you’re ready to create an unforgettable centerpiece for your gathering. Enjoy sharing this delicious Easy Roast Turkey recipe with loved ones!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Easy Roast Turkey is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy leftovers for days after your gathering. Here are some practical tips for storing and enjoying your roasted turkey later.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the turkey to cool completely before storing.
Wrap leftover turkey tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Keep any drippings in a separate container for added flavor in future meals.

Freezing

Cut the turkey into portions for easier thawing later.
Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag.
Label with the date and contents, then freeze for up to 3 months.
For best results, avoid freezing the turkey whole as it can affect texture upon defrosting.

Reheating

Thaw frozen turkey overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
Place the turkey pieces in a baking dish with a splash of broth or water to keep them moist.
Cover with foil and reheat for about 20-30 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid overheating to prevent dryness.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe that you might find helpful!

Can I make this Easy Roast Turkey ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare and season your turkey a day in advance. Simply cover and refrigerate it overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

How do I ensure my Easy Roast Turkey stays moist?

Proper resting is key! Let your turkey sit for at least 20 minutes after roasting before carving. This helps redistribute the juices throughout the meat.

What should I serve with Easy Roast Turkey?

Classic sides like mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, and stuffing pair wonderfully with roast turkey. Feel free to get creative based on seasonal ingredients!

How long does it take to cook an Easy Roast Turkey?

The general rule is about 13 minutes per pound at 350°F (175°C). A 14-pound turkey will typically take around 3 hours.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Easy Roast Turkey as much as I do! It’s not just a recipe; it’s a way to bring people together, celebrate traditions, and create lasting memories around the table. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a cozy family dinner, this turkey is sure to impress. Happy cooking, and may your gatherings be filled with joy and delicious food!

Easy Roast Turkey

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Author: Autumn
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 180 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Category: Main
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

Enjoy a tender and juicy Easy Roast Turkey that’s simple to make. Perfect for any occasion—try it today!

Ingredients

Scale

1 (14-16 pound) whole turkey
Salt & pepper (to taste)
1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 tablespoon fresh sage (chopped)
1 tablespoon fresh thyme (chopped)
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (chopped)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 lemon (halved)

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Instructions

Prepare the turkey by taking it out of the fridge an hour before roasting.
In a bowl, mix softened butter with sage, thyme, rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Preheat oven to 450°F; move one rack to the bottom third.
Remove giblets from the turkey cavity and pat dry with paper towels.
Season inside and out with salt and pepper; stuff cavity with lemon halves and herbs.
Rub herb butter all over the turkey.
Place turkey breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan; reduce oven temperature to 350°F.
Roast for about three hours or until an instant-read thermometer reads at least 165°F in the thigh.
Let rest for 20 minutes before carving.