Back to list

Best Easy Roast Turkey Recipe

Name: Best Easy Roast Turkey Recipe
Total time: 180 min
Yield: 180 g
Ingredients: whole turkey 12 lbs; onion 2 pieces; celery stalk 4 pieces; carrot 3 pieces; fresh thyme 6 sprigs; fresh rosemary 4 sprigs; fresh sage 5 leaves; unsalted butter 0.5 cup; olive oil 2 tbsp; kosher salt 2 tbsp; black pepper 1 tbsp

A golden, juicy roast turkey with crispy skin is the high protein centerpiece of every family Thanksgiving table. This iconic American tradition brings everyone together for a memorable holiday feast.

Cook 180 min Difficulty NORMAL 295 kcal

#high protein #mediterranean

Image coming soon

Ingredients

Main ingredients

whole turkey 12 lbs
onion 2 pieces
celery stalk 4 pieces
carrot 3 pieces
fresh thyme 6 sprigs
fresh rosemary 4 sprigs
fresh sage 5 leaves

Seasonings/Sauce

unsalted butter 0.5 cup
olive oil 2 tbsp
kosher salt 2 tbsp
black pepper 1 tbsp

Nutrition summary

Carbohydrates 0 g 0%

Protein 38 g 52%

Fat 14 g 48%

Serving size 180g

Cooking steps

1

Preheat your oven to 325°F and set the rack in the lower third. Pat the whole turkey dry with paper towels, ensuring crispier skin.
2

Rub the turkey inside and out with the kosher salt and black pepper. Gently loosen the skin and spread half the softened butter underneath, then brush the outside with olive oil.
3

Stuff the cavity with peeled onions, celery stalks, carrots, and most fresh herbs, letting aromatics infuse during roasting.
4

Tie the legs loosely with kitchen twine and tuck the wings beneath for even cooking. Place the turkey breast-side up on a roasting rack in a large pan.
5

Roast uncovered, basting occasionally with melted butter. Maintain oven heat: roast about 13–15 minutes per pound, tenting with foil if browning too quickly. Aim for 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh. Rest turkey 30 minutes before carving.

Personalized Q&A

Q. What's the key ingredient in this roast turkey recipe?

The centerpiece of this recipe is the whole turkey, which provides both the iconic flavor and the bulk of the high protein content. Aromatic vegetables and fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage contribute depth, but the turkey is what defines this dish.

Q. How do I ensure juicy meat and crispy skin when roasting turkey?

Patting the turkey dry before seasoning, spreading butter beneath the skin, and roasting uncovered at a consistent 325°F are essential for moisture control and crisp skin. Basting with melted butter and tenting with foil if the skin browns too quickly help prevent dryness and ensure even cooking.

Q. What steps help prevent overcooking or dry turkey texture?

Using a roasting rack, stuffing the cavity with moist aromatics, and tying the legs loosely promote even cooking. Checking for an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest thigh and allowing the turkey to rest for 30 minutes before carving are key steps to preserve juiciness and prevent dryness.

Q. How many calories and protein does each serving contain?

Each 180g serving of roast turkey delivers approximately 295 kcal and a robust 38g of protein. The protein makes up about 52% of total calories in each serving, making this dish ideal for those seeking a high-protein centerpiece.

Best Easy Roast Turkey Recipe

AI 영양사 앤디