The Best Homemade Roast Turkey Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade roast turkey recipe is a game-changer for your holiday table, delivering juicy, flavorful meat with a golden, crispy skin every time. You’ll love how simple it is to make, even if you’re new to roasting a whole bird.
- Perfectly juicy meat: Brining the turkey guarantees it stays moist and tender, no more dry, disappointing slices.
- Crispy, golden skin: A butter herb rub gives the skin a delicious crunch and rich flavor everyone will rave about.
- Easy to customize: Add your favorite herbs or spices to make it your own, perfect for any family tradition.
Recipe
Roast turkey is a classic centerpiece for holiday feasts, offering succulent meat and crispy skin when prepared correctly. This homemade recipe guarantees a flavorful and tender turkey that will impress your guests.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cups chicken or turkey broth
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Remove the turkey from its packaging, discard the giblets and neck, and pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and garlic powder.
- Gently loosen the skin of the turkey by sliding your hand between the skin and the meat. Spread the butter mixture evenly under the skin and on the outside of the turkey.
- Stuff the turkey cavity with the quartered onion, carrots, and celery. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine.
- Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan. Pour the broth into the bottom of the pan.
- Roast the turkey in the preheated oven for about 3 to 3 1/2 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (75°C). Baste the turkey every 30 minutes with the pan juices.
- Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 20 minutes before carving.
Notes:
- For best results, brine the turkey overnight before roasting.
- Adjust cooking time based on the size of the turkey; allow approximately 15 minutes per pound.
- Save the pan juices to make gravy.
Equipment:
- Roasting pan with rack
- Kitchen twine
- Meat thermometer
- Basting brush
Time:
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 3-3.5 hours
- Total time: 3 hours 20 minutes to 3 hours 50 minutes
Cuisine: American
Serving: 10-12 people
Nutrition
Homemade roast turkey is a classic dish that offers a balance of protein and essential nutrients. This recipe provides a hearty meal suitable for festive occasions or family dinners.
| Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbohydrates | Fiber | Sugar | Sodium | Cholesterol |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 331 | 48g | 13g | 0g | 0g | 0g | 416mg | 154mg |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my roast turkey with savory side dishes, like creamy mashed potatoes or buttery green beans, because they balance the rich flavors perfectly. Don’t forget sweet accompaniments, though—cranberry sauce or honey-glazed carrots add a touch of brightness to the meal. Trust me, the right mix of these makes every bite even more delicious.
Savory Side Dishes
When it comes to pairing sides with a roast turkey, I like to think about balancing flavors and textures for a meal that feels complete. Creamy mashed potatoes are a must, and I love adding garlic or herbs for extra flavor. Roasted vegetables, like carrots or Brussels sprouts, bring a nice caramelized crunch. Stuffing is my favorite—whether it’s classic herb or sausage-based, it’s always comforting. Gravy ties everything together, so I make sure it’s rich and flavorful. Don’t forget a tangy cranberry sauce for brightness! These sides complement the turkey perfectly, making every bite satisfying and memorable.
Sweet Accompaniments
Even though the roast turkey steals the show, sweet accompaniments can elevate the meal to something truly special. I love pairing turkey with cranberry sauce—its tangy sweetness is a classic match. Mashed sweet potatoes, sprinkled with cinnamon and brown sugar, are another favorite of mine. They’re creamy and comforting, with just the right touch of sweetness. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll whip up a homemade apple pie or pecan tart for dessert. These treats add a cozy, festive vibe to the table. Trust me, balancing savory and sweet makes the meal feel complete and keeps everyone coming back for more.
