Homemade Roast Turkey Recipe Everyone Loves
Most delicious roast turkey recipe you have ever seen. Learn how to make the roast turkey your family would never stop talking about.
Prep Time 30 minutes mins
Cook Time 4 hours hrs
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 12 Servings
Calories 450 kcal
Roasting pan with rack
Large mixing bowl
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
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
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.
Calories: 450kcal
Keyword Homemade Roast Turkey Recipe Everyone Loves