Homemade Roast Turkey Recipe Everyone Loves
Roast turkey is a symbol of celebration, family gatherings, and culinary tradition especially for the American family. Whether it’s the star of your Thanksgiving dinner or a festive dinner centerpiece, roast turkey combines the rich flavors of juicy turkey meat, aromatic herbs, and crispy skin to create a dish that’s truly unforgettable.
For an American, roast turkey needs no introduction, all the memorable moments filled with lovely aroma are enough to remind you how much of awesome meal roast turkey can be especially with family and loved ones.
Even though we all enjoy a healthy meal of roast turkey, not everyone knows how to make the kind of roast turkey that is remembered by everyone for a long while. A kind of roast turkey meal that leaves an indelible mark in the hearts and tastebuds of everyone that ate it. Helping you become the cook that makes such roast turkey is what this roast turkey recipe is meant to achieve. So, let’s get started.
Homemade Roast Turkey Recipe Everyone Loves
Equipment
- Roasting pan with rack
- Aluminum foil
- Large mixing bowl
Ingredients
Turkey and Brine:
- 1 whole turkey 12–14 pounds, thawed if frozen
- 1 gallon water
- 1 cup kosher salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 4 garlic cloves smashed
Herb Butter:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Stuffing (Optional):
- 1 onion quartered
- 1 lemon halved
- 1 apple halved
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
For Roasting:
- 2 cups chicken or turkey broth
- 1 cup white wine optional
Instructions
Brine the Turkey:
- In a large pot, combine water, kosher salt, brown sugar, rosemary, thyme, and garlic. Heat until the salt and sugar dissolve. Cool completely.
- Submerge the turkey in the brine. Refrigerate for 12–24 hours.
Prepare the Herb Butter:
- Mix softened butter, olive oil, parsley, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Prep the Turkey for Roasting:
- Remove turkey from the brine, rinse under cold water, and pat dry with paper towels.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Gently loosen the skin over the turkey breasts and thighs. Spread herb butter under the skin and rub any remaining butter on the outside of the turkey.
- Stuff the cavity with onion, lemon, apple, and thyme sprigs. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine.
Roast the Turkey:
- Place the turkey on a roasting rack in the pan. Pour broth and white wine (if using) into the pan.
- Cover the turkey loosely with aluminum foil. Roast in the preheated oven.
- Baste the turkey every 30 minutes with pan drippings.
Check Temperature:
- After 2.5–3 hours, check the turkey’s internal temperature using a meat thermometer.
- The breast should read 165°F (74°C) and the thighs 170–175°F (77–80°C).
Rest and Serve:
- Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 20–30 minutes before carving.
- Serve with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, gravy, and cranberry sauce.
