My tried and true method for preparing a juicy, delicious roasted turkey for Thanksgiving that the whole family enjoys.

Roasted Turkey

Having a turkey on your table is arguably one of the most quintessential elements of a Thanksgiving table. I wanted to take a moment to share my recipe I use every year for Thanksgiving. With a crisp exterior and a juicy, moist interior, this recipe is fool proof. My whole family is in agreeance on this classic Thanksgiving meal element.

Paired with a side of my family recipe for French sage dressing and drizzled with turkey gravy, this bird cannot be beat.

Setting the table for Thanksgiving is one of my very favorite things. From the menu to the table linens, I feel it is such a special time to gather around the table together. Check out this blog for setting a meaningful table this year.

Roasted Turkey

Author: Heirloomed Collection

Print Recipe

Description

My tried and true method for preparing a juicy, delicious roasted turkey for Thanksgiving that the whole family enjoys.

Ingredients

Scale

1 whole Turkey (based on a 10–14 lb turkey*)
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 freshly squeezed lemon & zest
2 tbsp dried oregano
2 tbsp dried sage
2 tbsp kosher salt
freshly cracked black pepper to taste
10 cloves fresh, peeled garlic
1 large yellow onion, quartered
2 small granny smith apples, sliced
Sprigs of fresh sage & thyme leaves

Instructions

Allow frozen, whole turkey to safely thaw according to chart shared below. Additionally, allow turkey to rest at room temperature for 1 hour in a large roasting pan. Set oven to 350 degrees F. Tip: move baking racks in oven before oven is cool to fit turkey in.
Remove the neck + giblets stored inside the turkey before cooking. Pat dry the entire outside skin of the whole turkey, as well as the inside cavity. Season cavity with a generous amount of kosher salt + fresh black pepper
In a mixing bowl, mix together softened butter, dried herbs, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Carefully spread mixture underneath the turkey skin, covering the entire breast and sides using approximately 1/3 of the mixture. Rub remaining 2/3 of the mixture on top of the skin over the entire outside of the turkey breast, legs, wings and sides until fully covered. Season generously with kosher salt + pepper.
Stuff turkey cavity with garlic cloves, chopped onion, apples, and fresh herbs.
Bake turkey at 350 degrees oven until internal temperature of thickest part of the turkey thigh reaches 165 degrees, approximately 3 hours depending on turkey size. Baking time will vary due to size so approximate 15 minutes for each pound of turkey you are cooking as a guideline.
Once turkey has reached 165 degrees to doneness, allow turkey to rest for 30 minutes before carving.
Enjoy!

Notes

Defrosting Guide for a frozen turkey:
3-4 lb. turkey (1 Day)
4-8 lb. turkey (2 Days)
8-12 lb. turkey (3 Days)
12-16 lb. turkey (4 Days)
16-20 lb. turkey (5 Days)
20-24 lb. turkey (6 Days)

heirloomed is a lifestyle brand with a mission of “keeping heirlooms around for another generation.” Our blog features stories about my favorite made-from-scratch recipes, creating traditions with your family, farmhouse home decor, effortless entertaining by mixing new and vintage pieces, tips on gardening creating a timeless capsule wardrobe, and small town + historic travel. Our product designs feature a collection of “goods inspired by the past, for generations to enjoy” with an array of aprons, table linens, hand-poured candles and keepsake gifts. Learn more at www.heirloomedcollection.com. .