The Best Homemade Turkey Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade turkey recipe is a game-changer, making your holiday meal both delicious and stress-free. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare, with juicy, flavorful results every time.
- Perfectly juicy meat: The brining method keeps the turkey tender, so no dry bites here.
- Easy to customize: Add your favorite herbs or spices to make it your own.
- Crowd-pleasing flavor: Even picky eaters will come back for seconds.
Recipe
Making a homemade turkey is a classic tradition, especially during holidays or family gatherings. This recipe guarantees a juicy, flavorful turkey that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 onion, quartered
1 lemon, quartered
1 bunch fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, sage)
4 cups chicken or turkey broth
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Remove the turkey from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix the butter, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Rub this mixture all over the turkey, including under the skin.
- Stuff the cavity of the turkey with the onion, lemon, and fresh herbs.
- Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan. Pour the broth into the bottom of the pan.
- Cover the turkey loosely with aluminum foil and roast for about 3 hours, basting every 30 minutes with the pan juices.
- Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the skin to brown.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should read 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving.
Notes:
- Confirm the turkey is fully thawed before cooking.
- Adjust cooking time based on the size of the turkey (approximately 15 minutes per pound).
Equipment:
Roasting pan
Roasting rack
Meat thermometer
Basting brush
Time:
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 3-3.5 hours
Cuisine:
American
Serving:
Serves 8-10
Nutrition
This homemade turkey recipe is packed with essential nutrients, making it a healthy and delicious choice for any meal.
| Nutrition | Per Serving (100g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 135 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Fat | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 0 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sodium | 50 mg |
What To Serve With It
I always love pairing my homemade turkey with classic side dishes like mashed potatoes and green bean casserole, but sometimes I mix it up with roasted veggies or a fresh salad. Don’t forget the cranberry sauce and gravy—they’re the kind of perfect pairings that make the meal unforgettable. I’ve found that adding a warm bread roll or two never hurts, either!
Side Dishes
A great turkey dinner isn’t complete without the right sides to round it out. For me, holiday traditions mean serving creamy mashed potatoes, savory stuffing, and tangy cranberry sauce—classics that remind me of family gatherings around the table. I also love adding roasted vegetables, like carrots and Brussels sprouts, for a touch of sweetness and crunch. Cornbread or rolls are a must for soaking up gravy, and a fresh green salad balances the richness. These dishes don’t just complement the turkey; they bring warmth and nostalgia to the meal, making it feel like home. Let’s make this feast unforgettable!
Perfect Pairings
Once the turkey’s golden and ready to go, it’s time to think about what’s going on the plate alongside it. I love pairing it with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted veggies, but don’t forget the wine selection—a crisp white or light red works wonders. Herb variations in your sides, like rosemary roasted carrots or thyme-infused gravy, add layers of flavor. A tangy cranberry sauce cuts through the richness, and buttery rolls are a must. Trust me, balancing these flavors makes every bite better. Just keep it simple, let the turkey shine, and enjoy the feast!
