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Directions for a perfectly roasted and seasoned turkey every time. Herb-glazed roast turkey is a juicy, moist show-stopper.
This roast turkey turned out totally delicious! The turkey skin came out really crisp and flavorful, and the meat was very tender. Try Turkey Noodle Soup, Easy Turkey Tetrazzini, Turkey Chili, or Creamy Turkey and Noodles to use up every bit of that delicious turkey.
Perfection every time!
If you’ve been tasks with presenting the main dish at Thanksgiving, it can be a little daunting! Whether you are preparing for yourself or a small family, or for the entire gang…I’ve got you!
Just follow these simple steps and you will achieve the perfect roast turkey every time! I’ve even included tips on how to choose a turkey (what size) and a guide to make sure your frozen turkey is thawed and ready to go.
After roasting, you will pour on a delicious herb glaze. This glaze adds so much flavor and helps you get that crispy skin that is sure to be a hit! Put your mind at ease and get working on those tasty sides and must-make pies!
How to roast a turkey
PREP. Preheat the oven to 425.
SEASON. Brush the olive oil all over the skin of the turkey and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place about 2/3 of the vegetables and apples in the bottom of a roasting pan with an elevated rack in it.
TIE. Place the turkey in the roasting pan and stuff the remaining vegetables inside the turkey. If the turkey’s legs are not already tied together, tie them with kitchen twine.
BAKE. Roast the turkey uncovered in the oven for 30 minutes, then cover loosely with foil. Reduce the heat to 375 and roast for an additional 2 – 2 1/2 hours. The turkey is fully cooked when a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165 degrees.
Turkey Glaze
GLAZE. To finish the turkey, whisk together the glaze ingredients. Brush the glaze over the turkey, and return the turkey to the oven uncovered for 15-20 minutes, until golden.
REST. Remove from oven, discard the vegetables, and let rest 10-20 minutes before serving.
Turkey Prep Notes
The Right Size: When making turkey you typically plan for about 1-1.5 lbs per person. If your family loves leftover turkey, be sure to plan on 1.5 per person.
If you have a huge extended family, like mine, there’s no way I’ll buy a 30 lb turkey. You can cook and serve two smaller turkeys so that everyone will get some.
Fully Thawed: It’s really important to calculate how long it is going to take to thaw your turkey. The easiest way is to stick it in the fridge and let it thaw in there, but if you need to thaw it faster you can use Cold water.
- Fridge: When thawing in the fridge, plan on 4-5 hours per pound. After it has fully thawed it can stay in the fridge for an additional 2 days before it needs to be cooked.
- Cold water: Place the bird in a bucket of COLD water. You need to change the water every 30 minutes. Plan for it to take 30 minutes per pound. Once the turkey is thawed it will need to be cooked right away.
Roasting Tips
Roasting Notes:
- Use a roasting pan with an elevated rack that way the bird is somewhat above the liquid.
- Basting every 40-45 minutes. If the drippings evaporate before the turkey is done add a little bit of broth to the bottom of the pan.
- If the turkey is browning more quickly than it is cooking, you can tent a piece of tin foil over the top to keep the skin from burning.
Cooking Times + Storing
Cook Time: The internal temperature will need to reach 165°F. Many turkeys will come with a little plastic insert that will popup when done. You can also buy a thermometer for extra accuracy. Be sure to insert it in the thickest part of the turkey. Use the following times to help you gage about how long it may take to fully roast:
Unstuffed:
- 10 – 18 lbs: 3-3.5 hours
- 18 – 22 lbs: 3.5-4 hours
- 22 – 24 lbs: 2-2.5 hours
- 24 – 29 lbs: 4.5-5 hours
Stuffed:
- 10 – 18 lbs: 3.5-4.5 hours
- 18 – 22 lbs: 4.5-5 hours
- 22 – 24 lbs: 5-5.5 hours
- 24 – 29 lbs: stuffed 5.5-6.5 hours
Let the Turkey Rest: Line a baking sheet with a wire rack. After you have removed the tukey from the oil, place it on the wire rack. Tent a piece of tin foil over the turkey and let it rest for 20 minutes.
Storing Info
Remove the meat from the bones. STORE in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or freezer for 2-3 months.
Must-make Sides to Serve:
- Turkey Veggie Platter
- Charcuterie Board
- Fresh Green Bean Casserole
- Crescent Rolls
- Cornbread Stuffing
- Turkey Gravy With Drippings
Roast Turkey Recipe
Equipment
- kitchen twine
Ingredients
Turkey
- 1 (14-16 pound) turkey thawed
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 2 Granny Smith apples cored and sliced
- 2-3 carrots peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 onion cut into 1-inch pieces
- 5-6 stalks celery cut into 1-inch pieces
Glaze
- 1 cup honey
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 teaspoons dried sage leaves
- 1 teaspoon ground thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Set an elevated rack into the bottom of a roasting pan.
- Brush olive oil all over turkey and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place about two-thirds of the vegetables and apples on the rack in the prepared roasting pan.
- Place turkey on the rack and stuff remaining third of the vegetables and apples inside the turkey. If turkey’s legs are not already tied together, tie them with kitchen twine.
- Roast turkey uncovered in the oven for 30 minutes, then cover loosely with foil and reduce the heat to 375 degrees F. Roast for another 2–2 ½ hours, until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165 degrees F.
- To finish the turkey, whisk together all glaze ingredients in a medium bowl.
- Brush glaze over turkey and return it to the oven, uncovered, for 15–20 minutes, until golden. Remove from the oven, discard the vegetables, and let turkey rest for 20 minutes before serving.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Well you had me till remove turkey from the oven & discard the vegetables, I understand the flavor from the veggies but what a waste of good money spent they probably cost about the same as the turkey it’s self , please explain
I agree. I would have taken those vegetables and at least 1 apple and blend it to add to my gravy!!!😋
This is a great recipe! First of all… I’ve always used honey for my ham. But to use it on a turkey was so good! Everybody loved it! The honey added a shine to the turkey and the honey mixture was really good! And the apples was also a great idea to add with my celery and onions. 😁 Thanks!
My parents are on a mission this year and so Ive been looking up all the different Thanksgiving dishes that my mom usually takes care of, the biggest being the turkey. Thanks for all the tips on portions, thawing, and cookin as well as a the delicious recipe.
Very thorough instructions for making your very own juicy turkey!
This turkey was so moist and easy to make, we loved it!! This recipe is also super easy to follow which is amazing!!
Love your tips! I’ve always been intimidated to make the turkey, but you make it seem easy, so thank you for sharing!
Absolutely amazing! The glaze is so perfect!
This truly is the best turkey recipe ever!! It is our favorite and we will continue to make it every Thanksgiving!!