How to Make the Perfect Turkey

This recipe will guide you step-by-step on how to make the perfect turkey for your Thanksgiving or Christmas feast. The turkey is moist, flavorful, and perfectly golden brown. Follow these instructions to impress your family and friends with a deliciously cooked turkey that will be the centerpiece of your holiday table. The recipe also includes interesting facts about turkeys and helpful tips to ensure a stress-free cooking experience.

Ingredients

• 1 (12-14 pound) turkey, thawed
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 onion, quartered
• 3 garlic cloves, smashed
• 1 lemon, halved
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for gravy)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey cavity.
3. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, salt, black pepper, thyme, rosemary, and sage.
5. Rub the seasoned butter mixture all over the turkey, including under the skin. Make sure to season the cavity as well.
6. Place the quartered onion, smashed garlic cloves, and halved lemon inside the turkey cavity.
7. Tie the turkey legs together with kitchen twine.
8. Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan, breast side up.
9. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the roasting pan.
10. Cover the turkey loosely with aluminum foil.
11. Roast the turkey in the preheated oven for 2 hours.
12. After 2 hours, remove the foil and baste the turkey with the pan drippings.
13. Continue roasting uncovered for an additional 1 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
14. If the turkey starts to get too brown during cooking, tent it loosely with foil.
15. Once the turkey is cooked, transfer it to a cutting board and let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving.
16. While the turkey is resting, prepare the gravy. Pour the pan drippings into a measuring cup and let the fat rise to the top.
17. Skim off the fat and discard, leaving behind the flavorful drippings.
18. In a small saucepan, whisk together the flour and a bit of the drippings to form a smooth paste.
19. Gradually whisk in the remaining drippings and cook over medium heat until the gravy thickens.
20. Carve the turkey and serve with the homemade gravy.

Interesting Facts