Name: Roasted Turkey
Ingredients: 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

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)