Easy Roasted Turkey Recipe

An easy, flavorful roasted turkey recipe using herb butter and fresh aromatics for a juicy and golden-brown bird perfect for holidays.

Units Scale

Herb Butter:

Inside the Turkey:

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Let the turkey sit at room temperature for 1 hour before roasting. Place it on a baking sheet. Also, let the butter soften.
In a bowl, mash together all the herb butter ingredients using a fork.
Preheat oven to 450°F and position a rack in the bottom third of the oven.
Remove packaging, giblets, and neck from the turkey. Drain excess liquid and pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
Season the turkey inside and out with salt and pepper. Stuff the cavity with lemon, herbs, and garlic cloves.
Rub the turkey all over with the herb butter, except the very bottom. Tuck wings under and tie legs together with twine if desired.
Place the turkey breast side up on the rack in a roasting pan.
Put the pan in the oven and reduce heat to 350°F.
Roast for about 3 hours (13 minutes per pound), or until a meat thermometer in the thigh reads 165°F. Start checking doneness 30 minutes early.
Loosely cover with non-stick foil once the skin is browned to prevent burning.
When done, tilt the turkey to release juices into the pan. Transfer to a cutting board and let it rest for 20 minutes before carving.
Use pan drippings to make gravy while the turkey rests.