If you’ve ever dreamed of serving a perfectly juicy and flavorful bird without a mountain of stress, this Easy Roast Turkey Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a straightforward, no-fuss way to nail that tender, golden roast turkey that everyone raves about. With simple pantry staples and fresh herbs, you’ll create a beautiful centerpiece that’s moist inside, crisp on the outside, and packed with classic, comforting flavors. Whether it’s your holiday table or a special Sunday feast, this recipe makes roasting a turkey feel relaxed and downright enjoyable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Roast Turkey Recipe lies in its simple, quality ingredients. Each one plays an important role — from adding moisture and rich buttery flavor to infusing the turkey with a fragrant herby aroma and creating that irresistible golden skin.
- 1 whole turkey (10-12 pounds), thawed and giblets removed: The star of the show, fresh and ready for roasting.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and helps crisp the skin beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Works with the butter to lock in moisture and tenderize the meat.
- 2 teaspoons salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the turkey’s natural flavors.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Lends a subtle kick that balances the mild taste of the bird.
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried): Adds earthy, aromatic notes that are classic with poultry.
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried): Offers piney, fragrant undertones for depth.
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried): Brings warm, savory tones, pairing perfectly with turkey.
- 1 onion, quartered: Stuffed inside to release natural sweetness and moisture during roasting.
- 1 lemon, quartered: Introduces a subtle citrus brightness that cuts through the richness.
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed: Infuses mellow garlicky warmth deep inside the bird.
- 2 cups chicken or turkey broth, plus more if needed: Keeps the roasting pan moist, preventing drying out and adding flavor.
How to Make Easy Roast Turkey Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Roasting Setup
Start by heating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place a sturdy rack inside a large roasting pan—this ensures the air circulates evenly and your turkey cooks beautifully on all sides without sitting in its juices, which helps keep the skin crispy.
Step 2: Create the Herb Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter and olive oil with salt, freshly ground black pepper, thyme, rosemary, and sage. This flavorful herb butter is the magic that will deliver moist, juicy meat and that golden skin everyone dreams of. Make sure everything is well mixed for even seasoning.
Step 3: Butter Under and Over the Skin
Gently loosen the skin over the turkey’s breast and thighs with your fingers—this is key for juicy meat. Spread half of the herb butter under the skin to season the meat directly. Then, rub the rest all over the outside of the bird for that irresistible crisp finish.
Step 4: Stuff the Turkey Cavity
Fill the turkey’s cavity with the onion quarters, lemon pieces, and smashed garlic cloves. These aromatics steam from the inside, keeping the meat flavorful and succulent while roasting.
Step 5: Place and Pour Broth
Set the turkey breast-side up on the rack in your roasting pan. Pour 2 cups of chicken or turkey broth into the pan; this moisture helps keep the oven environment humid, which prevents drying.
Step 6: Cover and Roast, Basting Regularly
Loosely cover the turkey with foil and roast it for roughly 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Every 30 to 45 minutes, carefully baste the bird with pan juices, adding more broth if the pan looks dry. This consistent moisture helps keep the turkey tender and flavorful all the way through.
Step 7: Uncover and Crisp the Skin
During the last 30 to 45 minutes, remove the foil to let the skin develop a golden, crispy finish. This is the final step to achieve that amazing turkey skin everyone loves.
Step 8: Check for Doneness and Rest
Roast the bird until the thickest part of the thigh reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once done, remove it from the oven and let it rest, tented loosely with foil, for about 20 minutes. Resting locks in all those wonderful juices before carving.
How to Serve Easy Roast Turkey Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh thyme sprigs or a few bright rosemary leaves on your serving platter add a lovely fresh touch and a burst of color that looks as good as it tastes. Don’t forget a few lemon wedges on the side to brighten each slice with a refreshing squeeze.
Side Dishes
This Easy Roast Turkey Recipe pairs beautifully with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, buttery green beans, tangy cranberry sauce, and savory stuffing. These familiar flavors complement the herbaceous turkey and round out a truly comforting meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve turkey sliders with soft rolls and cranberry mayo, or set up a festive carving station where guests can customize their plates. Alternatively, arrange thin slices of turkey over mixed greens for a fresh salad that feels just a bit lighter but still satisfying.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your turkey has cooled, store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge. It will keep beautifully for 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or reheated dinners.
Freezing
If you want to keep the turkey for longer, freezing slices or shredded turkey is a fantastic idea. Wrap portions tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags, where they can last up to 2 to 3 months without losing flavor.
Reheating
To warm your turkey without drying it out, cover the pieces with foil and heat in an oven at 325°F (165°C) for 20-30 minutes or until warmed through. Adding a splash of broth before reheating helps keep the meat moist and tender.
FAQs
Can I use frozen turkey for this Easy Roast Turkey Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure the turkey is fully thawed in the fridge before roasting. Thawing can take a couple of days depending on size, but it’s essential for even cooking and safety.
How do I know when my turkey is done?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh. When it reaches 165°F (74°C), your turkey is safely cooked and ready to rest and carve.
Do I need to baste the turkey?
Basting helps keep the turkey moist and keeps the flavor pumping through the skin. While not absolutely necessary, it’s highly recommended for this recipe and adds to the beautiful, glossy appearance.
Can I prepare the herb butter ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can mix the herb butter up to a day before and keep it in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature before spreading it under the skin and over the turkey.
What if I want extra crispy skin?
Remove the foil earlier during roasting or finish the turkey under the broiler for a minute or two while watching carefully to avoid burning. The herb butter also plays a key role in crispiness, so don’t skip brushing it on liberally.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Roast Turkey Recipe has everything you want in a classic roast bird: simplicity, comforting flavors, and juicy, tender meat with a crispy skin to match. It’s an accessible recipe that invites you to relax in the kitchen while creating a meal that brings people together and warms hearts. I absolutely encourage you to give it a try on your next holiday or family gathering — you’ll wonder why you didn’t start roasting turkey this way sooner!
Print
Easy Roast Turkey Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This easy roast turkey recipe features a beautifully herb-infused bird with a crispy golden skin, perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions. The turkey is seasoned with a fragrant butter and herb mixture, roasted slowly to keep it juicy and tender, and basted for flavorful, moist meat.
Ingredients
Turkey and Seasonings
- 1 whole turkey (10–12 pounds), thawed and giblets removed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
Stuffing and Broth
- 1 onion, quartered
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed
- 2 cups chicken or turkey broth, plus more if needed
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and place a rack in a large roasting pan to prepare for roasting the turkey evenly.
- Prepare Herb Butter: Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix softened butter, olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and sage to create a fragrant herb butter mixture.
- Apply Herb Butter: Loosen the skin over the turkey breast and thighs carefully without tearing. Spread half of the herb butter under the skin, ensuring even coverage. Rub the remaining butter all over the surface of the turkey for maximum flavor.
- Stuff Turkey: Fill the turkey cavity with quartered onion, lemon, and smashed garlic cloves to infuse aromatic flavors from the inside while roasting.
- Position Turkey and Add Broth: Place the turkey breast-side up on the roasting rack inside the pan. Pour 2 cups of chicken or turkey broth into the pan to provide moisture during roasting.
- Roast Covered: Cover the roasting pan loosely with aluminum foil to retain moisture and roast the turkey for about 2 1/2 to 3 hours, basting every 30-45 minutes with the pan juices. Add more broth as needed to prevent the pan from drying out.
- Crisp the Skin: During the last 30 to 45 minutes of cooking, remove the foil to allow the turkey skin to brown and become crispy and golden.
- Check Doneness: Roast until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C), indicating the turkey is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest uncovered for 20 minutes before carving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moist and tender bird.
Notes
- Thaw the turkey completely before roasting to ensure even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to accurately check doneness for food safety.
- Basting helps keep the turkey moist and adds flavor, but avoid opening the oven too frequently to maintain temperature.
- Letting the turkey rest before carving helps the juices settle and improves texture.
- Extra broth can be used to make a flavorful gravy from the pan drippings.
