This Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe Is The Perfect Thanksgiving Recipe
The Thanksgiving turkey is the primary sight of attraction on thanksgiving day’s dinner table, to the typical American family it symbolizes togetherness of the family and the American people and abundance. A Thanksgiving is incomplete without the Thanksgiving turkey. This turkey is roasted to perfection, offering tender, juicy meat and a rich, savory aroma that fills the home with warmth and anticipation. Usually seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices such as rosemary, thyme, garlic, and paprika, the turkey boasts layers of flavor that delight every palate.
Inside, the cavity is often filled with aromatic ingredients like onion, lemon, and fresh herbs, which infuse the meat with a fragrant essence as it cooks. The skin is brushed with butter or oil to create a crisp, flavorful crust that contrasts beautifully with the tender meat underneath.
I know all of the above is already getting you salivating in anticipation for the coming thanksgiving so you too can have this delicious and much-loved American dish. I’ll be helping you make this dream come through with my special thanksgiving turkey recipe below. This recipe is meant to help you prepare the very best thanksgiving turkey that your family and guests would bever forget.
This Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe Is The Perfect Thanksgiving Recipe
Equipment
- Aluminum foil
- medium saucepan (for gravy)
Ingredients
For the Turkey:
- 1 14-pound whole turkey thawed and giblets removed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
For the Aromatics:
- 1 onion quartered
- 1 lemon halved
- 4 garlic cloves smashed
- 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
For the Gravy (optional):
- 2 cups turkey drippings from the roasting pan
- 2 cups turkey stock or chicken
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Turkey
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Place it on the roasting rack in the roasting pan.
Season the Turkey
- Mix olive oil (or butter) with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, and rosemary.
- Rub the mixture all over the turkey, including under the skin and inside the cavity.
Add Aromatics
- Stuff the cavity with onion, lemon, garlic, rosemary, and thyme.
- Tuck the turkey’s wings under its body and tie the legs together with kitchen twine.
Roast the Turkey
- Place the turkey in the oven, uncovered. Roast for about 13-15 minutes per pound (approximately 3 ½ to 4 hours for a 14-pound turkey).
- Baste the turkey every 30-45 minutes with pan drippings to keep it moist.
Check for Doneness
- Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh (without touching the bone). The turkey is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- If the turkey skin browns too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil during the last hour of roasting.
Rest the Turkey
- Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute.
