Linda's Baked Turkey Half

Elevate your holiday table or weeknight dinner with Linda's Baked Turkey Half, a succulent roasted turkey recipe that's bursting with flavor. Perfect for smaller gatherings, this recipe features a tender turkey half coated in a luscious garlic-herb butter infused with fresh rosemary, thyme, and a hint of paprika for a warm, aromatic crust. Roasted alongside zesty lemon slices and sweet onions, the dish basks in a savory chicken stock bath to stay irresistibly moist while developing golden, crispy skin. With just 20 minutes of prep time, this easy baked turkey delivers impressive results, complete with basting tips for maximum juiciness and a resting period for perfectly tender slices. Whether you're creating a holiday centerpiece or a comforting family meal, this turkey recipe is sure to shine. Perfect for searches related to "roasted turkey half," "herb butter turkey," and "easy Thanksgiving recipes."

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:140 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 turkey half (breast and wing attached, about 5-7 pounds)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1 yellow onion, sliced
• 1 cup chicken or turkey stock

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Pat the turkey half completely dry with paper towels and transfer it to a large roasting pan or baking dish with a rack.

Step 3

In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper until a uniform paste forms.

Step 4

Carefully loosen the skin of the turkey by sliding your hand underneath it, being careful not to tear it, and spread half of the butter mixture under the skin. Rub the remaining butter mixture all over the exterior of the turkey.

Step 5

Arrange the sliced lemon and onion around the turkey in the roasting pan. Pour the chicken or turkey stock into the bottom of the pan to help keep the bird moist while roasting.

Step 6

Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven and roast for about 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature measures 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the meat using a meat thermometer.

Step 7

Every 30 minutes, baste the turkey with the pan juices to ensure it stays moist and develops a flavorful crust.

Step 8

Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes, tented loosely with foil, to allow the juices to redistribute.

Step 9

Carve the turkey and serve it alongside the roasted lemon, onion, and some of the pan drippings for extra flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2814.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	777.3

Total Fat 77.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 32.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 124mg	0%
Sodium 2059.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 27.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 6.6g	0%
Total Sugars 7.5g
Protein 5.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 111.1mg	0%
Iron 2.7mg	0%
Potassium 481.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 84.2%

Protein: 2.7%

Carbs: 13.1%