If you’re looking for the ultimate centerpiece for your holiday feast, this Juicy Roast Turkey Recipe is sure to impress with every tender, flavorful bite. It’s the perfect blend of crispy skin and succulent meat, seasoned to perfection!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Tender: The butter and slow roasting technique ensure every slice is incredibly juicy.
- Flavor Explosion: Fresh herbs and a zesty lemon twist create a turkey that’s bursting with flavor.
- Foolproof Process: With step-by-step guidance, even beginners can roast their turkey to perfection.
- Show-Stopping Presentation: Perfectly golden and fragrant, it makes a gorgeous holiday centerpiece!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Juicy Roast Turkey Recipe is that it relies on simple, fresh ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating layers of flavor and texture. Let’s dive into the essentials!
- 12 lb turkey: Opt for a fresh turkey, 11-15 lbs, ensures even cooking and the perfect bake time.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture, making the meat tender and the skin crispy.
- Lemon zest and juice: Brightens the turkey with a hint of citrus, balancing the richness.
- Fresh herbs (parsley): Infuses a fragrant aroma and flavor into the turkey, enhancing every bite.
- Garlic: Provides depth of flavor—roasting transforms it into a nutty, sweet seasoning.
Variations
Who says you have to stick to the script? This Juicy Roast Turkey Recipe is highly adaptable, so feel free to switch up flavors and ingredients to suit your palate or family traditions.
- Citrus Herb Garden: Add orange zest or substitute lime for a different citrusy twist.
- Spice it Up: For an earthy, warming flavor profile, try adding cumin and smoked paprika to the butter blend.
- Herb Swap: Swap parsley for rosemary or thyme for a new aroma adventure.
How to Make Juicy Roast Turkey Recipe
Step 1: Prepping Your Turkey
Start by letting your turkey come to room temperature. This helps it cook evenly. Remove the neck and giblets, then pat the turkey dry with paper towels to ensure that dreamy crispiness. Don’t forget to tuck the wings for a neat presentation!
Step 2: Seasoning, Stuffing, and Tying
Generously season the inside of the turkey and massage a flavorful butter mixture under the skin for extra juiciness. Stuff the cavity with your choice of aromatics to enhance the overall flavor profile. Secure everything by tying the legs.
Step 3: Roasting the Turkey
Set your oven for the initial high-heat roast, then baste relentlessly! Use a foil shield on the breast to prevent drying. Roasting at the right temperature ensures the meat stays juicy while the skin crisps up beautifully.
Pro Tips for Making Juicy Roast Turkey Recipe
- Butter Magic: Make sure your butter is softened to blend easily with other ingredients.
- Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to avoid guessing the perfect doneness.
- Foil Tricks: Shield your turkey breast with foil to keep it juicy, not dry.
- Flavor Layering: Go generous on the seasonings for a complex, tantalizing final dish.
How to Serve Juicy Roast Turkey Recipe
Garnishes
Add a dash of vibrant color by garnishing with fresh herbs or sliced citrus fruits. It’s not just for looks—the aromas will envelop your dining area and enhance flavor depth.
Side Dishes
This juicy turkey pairs delightfully with classic sides like buttery mashed potatoes, glossy gravy, and zesty cranberry sauce. Each side complements the turkey without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the carved turkey on a large platter surrounded by its stuffing and garnishes for a table-ready presentation that impresses even before the first bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover turkey can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days. This makes it easy to enjoy days of delicious meals post-holiday!
Freezing
To keep turkey even longer, portion and freeze it with airtight packing for up to two months. Remember to label with the date for best use before freshness.
Reheating
Reheat slowly in the oven with a drizzle of broth or gravy to maintain moisture and flavor, ensuring it tastes just as good as the day it was cooked.
FAQs
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Can I brine the turkey before roasting?
Yes, brining can add extra moisture and flavor. Opt for a basic saltwater solution for a few hours to overnight in the fridge.
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What if my turkey is over 15 lbs?
For larger turkeys, increase the cooking time at the lower oven temperature. Bake approximately 13 minutes per pound after the initial high-temp roast.
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How do I know when the turkey is done?
Use a meat thermometer. The thigh should reach 170°F and the breast 160°F. The temperature will rise by a few degrees as it rests out of the oven.
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Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Use half the amount of dried herbs in place of fresh, and rub them between your fingers first to release their aroma.
Final Thoughts
This Juicy Roast Turkey Recipe captures the essence of a festive gathering, bringing warmth and cheer to the dinner table. Its delicious aroma and golden hue promise a meal full of love and flavor. Give it a try and let it be the highlight of your holiday tradition, year after year!
Print
Juicy Roast Turkey Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Roasting
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Juicy Roast Turkey recipe guarantees a tender, flavorful centerpiece for your holiday table. The turkey is seasoned with a savory flavored butter under the skin, stuffed with aromatic herbs and vegetables, then roasted to perfection with a crispy, seasoned skin. The process involves careful basting and wrapping to keep the meat moist, resulting in an impressively juicy and delicious turkey that everyone will love.
Ingredients
For the Turkey
- 12 lb turkey, thawed
- Salt & Pepper, for the inside and outside of the bird
For the Flavored Butter
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
- 2 Tbsp olive oil, not extra virgin
- 4 Tbsp fresh lemon juice (from 1 large lemon)
- 1/2 Tbsp lemon zest
- 3 large garlic cloves, pressed
- 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley
- 1/2 Tbsp salt, sea salt preferred
- 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
For the Stuffing
- 1 large onion, quartered (no peeling)
- 4 garlic cloves, halved (no peeling)
- 1/2 bunch parsley
- 1 lemon, quartered
Instructions
- Prepping your Turkey: Remove the thawed turkey from the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking to bring it closer to room temperature. Remove the neck and giblets, then pat dry with paper towels. Place it in a roasting pan lined with paper towels to absorb excess water. Fold wings behind the turkey to prevent burning.
- Seasoning, Stuffing, and Tying: Season the cavity generously with 1 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Make the flavored butter by combining softened butter, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, pressed garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl, mixing until well combined. Carefully separate the skin from the breast and stuff 2/3 of the butter mixture underneath the skin, then massage remaining butter over the top. Pat the skin dry and spread remaining butter on the outside of the turkey, then drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Stuff the cavity: Fill with quartered onion, halved garlic, parsley, and lemon pieces. Tie the legs with kitchen string crossing the cavity for a neat finish.
- Roasting: Preheat your oven to 430°F. Place an oven-safe meat thermometer into the dark meat of the turkey. Roast uncovered for 20 minutes, then baste with drippings and apply foil shield over the breast. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F and continue roasting for about 2 hours and 30 minutes, or until the thickest part of the thigh reaches 170°F and the breast reaches 160°F. Baste periodically and keep the foil shield in place during roasting.
- Resting and Serving: Transfer the turkey to a serving platter, loosely cover with foil, and let rest for at least 1 hour. Use the pan drippings to make gravy and serve the sliced turkey garnished with greens, apples, oranges, and lemons for a festive presentation.
Notes
- Ensure the turkey is fully thawed for even cooking.
- Using a meat thermometer is crucial for perfectly cooked poultry.
- Letting the turkey rest is key to juicy, tender slices.
- Adjust cooking times based on your turkey’s weight; usually about 13 minutes per pound at 350°F.
- Brining the turkey beforehand can enhance moisture and flavor, but isn’t necessary with this recipe.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/12 of turkey)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
