Moist Roast Turkey

Achieve holiday perfection with this Moist Roast Turkey recipe, guaranteed to deliver a succulent and flavorful centerpiece for your table. Featuring a 12-pound turkey generously seasoned with herb-infused butter crafted from fresh rosemary, thyme, sage, and garlic, this recipe ensures each bite is tender and aromatic. A medley of vegetables—onion, carrot, and celery—enhance the turkey’s natural juices, while a basting technique keeps the bird moist as it roasts to golden perfection. With a simple yet effective prep process, including stuffing the turkey with fragrant aromatics and basted pan drippings, this recipe will elevate your cooking game. Perfect for Thanksgiving or a special family dinner, this juicy roast turkey pairs beautifully with your favorite holiday sides. Prepare to impress with this easy-to-follow recipe that guarantees a delectable and moist turkey every time!

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:180 mins

Total Time:210 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 12 lbs whole turkey
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic cloves
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 6 leaves fresh sage
• 1 large yellow onion
• 1 large carrot
• 2 stalks celery stalk
• 2 cups chicken or turkey stock
• 2 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the turkey from the fridge and let it come to room temperature (about 1 hour).

Step 2

Remove the turkey's giblets and neck from the cavity, rinse the turkey under cold water, and pat it dry with paper towels.

Step 3

Season the turkey inside and out with the kosher salt and black pepper.

Step 4

In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Mince the garlic cloves and stir them into the butter along with the fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage. Remove the pan from heat and let the herb butter cool slightly.

Step 5

Gently separate the skin from the turkey's breast by sliding your hands under it. Rub half of the herb butter directly onto the meat under the skin. Rub the remaining herb butter all over the outside of the turkey.

Step 6

Roughly chop the onion, carrot, and celery. Stuff the turkey cavity with half of the chopped vegetables and a sprig each of rosemary and thyme.

Step 7

Place the remaining vegetables in the bottom of a large roasting pan. Add the 2 cups of chicken or turkey stock to the pan.

Step 8

Brush the turkey with olive oil for added crispness. Tie the turkey legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wings underneath the bird.

Step 9

Place the turkey on a roasting rack in the pan, breast-side up. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and roast in the preheated oven for 2 1/2 hours.

Step 10

Remove the foil and baste the turkey with the pan drippings every 30 minutes. Continue roasting uncovered for another 30-60 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (74°C).

Step 11

Remove the turkey from the oven, tent it loosely with foil, and let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Step 12

Carve the turkey and serve with your favorite sides. Enjoy your moist and flavorful roast turkey!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	6400 grams (6400.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	8591

Total Fat 316.50g	406%
Saturated Fat 115.20g	576%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 4058mg	1353%
Sodium 8661mg	377%
Total Carbohydrate 35.80g	13%
Dietary Fiber 9.70g	35%
Total Sugars 11.00g
Protein 1314.80g	2630%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 823mg	63%
Iron 64mg	356%
Potassium 13907mg	296%

*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: 34.5%

Protein: 63.7%

Carbs: 1.7%