The BEST Thanksgiving Turkey recipe that packs all of the flavor and juiciness you expect from the perfect Thanksgiving turkey, with none of the stress! Plus a step by step tutorial for how to cook the perfect turkey.
Not only is this roasted turkey recipe fool-proof and easy to make, it will exceed expectations as the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving feast!
Why in the world do people stress so much over their Thanksgiving Turkey? Ok, I guess it IS the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving meal. And that usually means you have a table full of people not to disappoint. Ok, I get it. It’s a big deal.
My hope is to squash any fears or insecurities you might have about cooking a perfect, beautiful Thanksgiving Turkey. This method is completely fuss-free and EASY. There’s no brining or basting the turkey, no cooking it upside down, or anything weird.
You don’t even need an expensive roasting pan. I’m convinced that this recipe is not only the simplest way to cook a Thanksgiving turkey, it also yields a gorgeous, super juicy, perfectly cooked turkey.
The real KEY to baking a perfect Thanksgiving Turkey is not to overcook it–that’s what dries out the meat, and you want to carve into a juicy, moist turkey on Thanksgiving! So, just plan ahead to get the timing right.
Cooking a whole turkey can seem intimidating, especially if you’ve never done it before. But have no fear, cooking turkey is easier than you think when you follow some simple tips and techniques. This step-by-step beginner’s guide will walk you through everything you need to know to roast a juicy, flavorful turkey.
Selecting and Thawing the Turkey
The first step is choosing the right size turkey. Plan on about 1-1.5 pounds per person, buying a slightly bigger bird if you want leftovers. Opt for a plain, unbrined turkey the first time.
You can buy a fresh or frozen turkey Frozen works well since you can get it ahead of time, but you’ll need to thaw it in the fridge 1 day for every 4-5 pounds, so start early For a faster thaw, use the cold water method, submerging the wrapped turkey in a sink of cold water, changing water every 30 mins.
Don’t wash the turkey – this can spread bacteria. Just pat dry and remove giblets and neck from cavities.
Seasoning and Preparing the Turkey
Season the cavity with salt, pepper, lemon, herbs, onion, carrots. Truss legs if desired.
Loosen the skin on the breast and spread an herb butter mix under the skin This adds moisture and flavor
Tuck wing tips under the body to hold its shape. Put turkey on a rack in a roasting pan with veggies like onion, celery, carrots. The rack elevates it for even cooking. Add broth to pan.
Calculating Cook Times
Figure 15-20 mins per pound at 325°F for an unstuffed turkey. Use a meat thermometer to check temp – cook to 165°F.
If browning too fast, tent foil over it. Remove foil 30-60 mins before end for crispy skin.
Baste every 30 mins if desired. Don’t keep opening oven – this slows cooking.
Letting Turkey Rest and Making Gravy
When turkey reaches 165°F, remove it from the oven. Let it rest 30-40 mins so juices redistribute.
Make gravy while turkey rests. Pour drippings into fat separator. Add flour to make a roux with the fat. Whisk in turkey broth, cook till thickened. Season with salt, pepper.
Carving the Turkey
Carve turkey on a cutting board. Remove legs and wings first. Then slice breast meat off bone. Cut against the grain for tender slices.
Be sure to save leftovers in the fridge or freezer! Enjoy your delicious roasted turkey.
Turkey Roasting Tips for Beginners
Here are some helpful turkey roasting tips to ensure success on your first try:
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Buy the right size bird – Allow 1-1.5 pounds per person, plus extra for leftovers.
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Thaw properly – Thaw frozen turkey in the fridge 1 day per 4-5 pounds. Use cold water method to thaw faster.
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Season the cavity – Salt, pepper, lemon, onion, garlic, herbs add great flavor.
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Loosen the skin – Slip butter or herb mix under skin for added moisture and flavor.
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Truss legs – Tie legs together for a compact shape (optional).
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Use a rack – Elevate turkey on a rack in a pan so air circulates for even cooking.
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Calculate cook times – Figure 15-20 mins per pound at 325°F. For stuffed turkey, add 30 mins.
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Check temperature – Cook until 165°F in thickest part of thigh using meat thermometer.
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Let turkey rest – Wait 30-40 mins after roasting so juices redistribute.
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Make gravy – Use pan drippings, roux, turkey broth for easy, delicious gravy.
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Carve carefully – Remove legs and wings first, then breast meat. Slice against the grain.
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Store leftovers – Refrigerate 3-4 days or freeze turkey meat for longer storage.
Follow these simple turkey roasting basics for a tender, juicy bird you’ll be proud to serve this holiday season. Keep the tips handy so you can refer to them for guidance. With some preparation and patience while cooking, you’ll have a beautiful roasted turkey on your table in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking Turkey for Beginners
Here are answers to some common questions people have when cooking a whole turkey for the first time:
How long does it take to cook a turkey?
Plan for 15-20 minutes per pound at 325°F oven temperature. So a 12 pound turkey will take about 3 hours. Add 30 minutes if stuffed. Always use a meat thermometer to confirm it reaches 165°F internally.
Can I stuff my turkey?
It’s best to cook stuffing separately to ensure it cooks fully without overcooking the turkey. Cook an unstuffed turkey your first time.
Should I brine the turkey?
Brining makes a flavored, moist turkey but isn’t required. Good for wild turkeys or if you want extra flavor.
What size turkey should I buy?
Get 1-1.5 pounds per person, plus extra if you want leftovers. So for 8 people, a 12-15 pound turkey is a good size.
How do I thaw a frozen turkey safely?
Thaw in the fridge 1 day for every 4-5 pounds, on a tray to catch drips. Or submerge in cold water, changing every 30 mins.
How do I prep the turkey?
Dry turkey inside and out. Season cavity with salt, pepper, lemon, herbs. Truss legs if desired. Loosen skin, add butter or herbs under it.
Do I need a special roasting pan?
A heavy pan with a rack is ideal but you can also use a large casserole dish or even a disposable foil pan. Add vegetables to bottom to elevate turkey.
How do I know when the turkey is done?
Insert a meat thermometer into thickest part of thigh, making sure it doesn’t touch bone. Turkey is fully cooked at 165°F.
How long should the turkey rest before carving?
Let it rest 30-40 minutes after roasting so the juices redistribute evenly. Tent with foil to keep warm.
Can I freeze leftover turkey?
Yes, store carved turkey meat in an airtight container in the freezer for 2-3 months. Refrigerate leftovers for 3-4 days.
With the proper techniques and some patience, you’ll have a delicious roasted turkey on your table this holiday season. Let this guide give you confidence to cook your first turkey!
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