Perfect Every Time Turkey

Achieve holiday perfection with this *Perfect Every Time Turkey* recipe—a guaranteed showstopper that's as juicy as it is flavorful. This classic roasted turkey features a simple herb-infused butter rub made with fresh rosemary, thyme, and paprika, ensuring crispy, golden skin and tender meat with every bite. Stuffed with aromatic lemons, garlic, onions, and celery, and roasted with a rich broth for extra moisture, this turkey is baste-worthy and bursting with flavor. With beginner-friendly instructions and foolproof results, this 12-pound masterpiece serves 8 and is ready in under 4 hours, making it an ideal centerpiece for Thanksgiving or any celebratory feast. Whether you're a seasoned host or a first-time cook, this recipe guarantees a succulent roasted turkey that's sure to impress!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:180 mins

Total Time:210 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 12 pounds whole turkey, thawed
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 lemon, halved
• 4 garlic cloves, smashed
• 1 yellow onion, quartered
• 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
• 2 cups chicken or turkey broth

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Remove any giblets from the turkey cavity and pat the turkey dry with paper towels.

Step 2

In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, kosher salt, black pepper, rosemary, thyme, and paprika until well combined.

Step 3

Gently loosen the skin on the turkey breast by sliding your fingers between the skin and the meat. Spread half of the butter mixture under the skin, directly onto the meat, and the remaining butter mixture on the surface of the turkey.

Step 4

Stuff the turkey cavity with the lemon halves, smashed garlic cloves, quartered onion, and chopped celery. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wing tips under the body for even cooking.

Step 5

Place the turkey, breast side up, on a rack in a large roasting pan. Pour the chicken or turkey broth into the bottom of the pan to keep the turkey moist during roasting.

Step 6

Roast the turkey in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes per pound, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast reads 165°F (74°C) and the thigh reads 175°F (79°C). Baste the turkey with the pan juices every 30 minutes for extra flavor and moisture.

Step 7

When the turkey is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and tent it loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 20-30 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute before carving.

Step 8

Serve the turkey with your favorite side dishes, and enjoy your perfectly roasted turkey!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(6559.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	9215.6

Total Fat 574.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 230.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 3782.5mg	0%
Sodium 8667.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 33.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 9.7g	0%
Total Sugars 11.3g
Protein 938.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 859.1mg	0%
Iron 65.2mg	0%
Potassium 12837.8mg	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: 57.1%

Protein: 41.5%

Carbs: 1.5%