on Nov 01, 2024 23 Comments If you are looking for a golden roasted and juicy, no-stress Thanksgiving turkey, then this recipe is for you. I’m sharing tips and tricks learned from my Mama for cooking the most perfectly moist, tender, and juicy roasted turkey every year for our Thanksgiving dinner. She always served the most beautiful turkey as the centerpiece of our meal. And it’s super easy to do with these steps and this recipe! Before we get into the recipe, let’s start with a few tips, must-dos, and things to ignore for an easy, foolproof turkey every time. It all begins with just a little planning.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy to prep and cook – Just a few ingredients and a couple of steps. No brining or basting is required for the best turkey! Detailed guide and tips – Guide for everything from the size you’ll need to the perfect cooked turkey temperature. Delicious and beautiful turkey – The recipe gives you a flavorful, golden, juicy, beautiful turkey with ease!
How to Prep a Turkey for Roasting
My family’s method for roasting turkey is so easy and low-stress! In our recipe, you won’t rinse or brine the turkey. And you don’t even need a special roasting pan! Plan 1 1/2 pounds per person for your Thanksgiving Turkey. Rule of thumb for planning:
9 pounds for 6 guests 12 pounds for 8 guests 18 pounds for 12 guests
For more than 12 guests, I suggest preparing separate turkey breast(s) or a second turkey for the additional servings. Anything larger than an 18-pound turkey will not cook as evenly.
How to Cook a Thanksgiving Turkey
Ingredients
Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.
Turkey – You can use a fresh or frozen whole turkey. If frozen, see instructions in the recipe for How to Thaw. Butter – softened Salt and Pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
My secret to a beautifully browned, moist, and juicy turkey is BUTTER!
Storage Tips
To store. Place the turkey leftovers in airtight containers or plastic storage bags and refrigerate for up to 3 or 4 days. If the breast meat isn’t already sliced, leave the breast as whole as possible to refrigerate to retain the juices in the larger cut of meat.
Oven Thermometer. Many ovens include a thermometer you can insert into the turkey as it roasts.
Digital Wireless Remote Thermometer. You can also use a digital wireless remote meat thermometer inserted into the turkey. I prefer this type of oven thermometer for roast turkey since you do not have to open the oven to check the temperature, and it alerts you once the turkey reaches your preset temp and is done.
Instant Read Digital Thermometer. You can also use an instant-read digital meat thermometer inserted into the turkey to check for doneness. Simply open the oven door and quickly slip the thermometer into the turkey breast at the thickest part. If it registers the correct temperature, remove it from the oven. If not, continue to cook, checking often to prevent it from overcooking.
Check the internal temperature of your turkey for about 15 minutes before you believe it should be done. If you use a thermometer with an alerting feature, set it to alert you once the turkey reaches about 155º F so that you are close by and do not allow your turkey to overcook. Additionally, prick the skin between the thigh and the breast of the turkey. The juices should run clear. Remove it from the oven and place a tent of foil on top. Allow it to rest for 20 minutes. The following time guide for cooked turkey is included from the USDA Food Safety for planning purposes. UNSTUFFED at 325º F
4 – 6 pound turkey breast for 1 1/2 – 2 1/4 hours 6 – 8 pound turkey breast for 2 1/4 – 3 1/4 hours 8 – 12 pounds for 2 1/2 – 3 hours 12 – 14 pounds for 3 – 3 3/4 hours 14 – 18 pounds for 3 3/4 – 4 1/4 hours 18 – 20 pounds for 4 1/4 – 4 1/2 hours 20 – 24 pounds for 4 1/2 – 5 hours
Tip: I like to include an additional hour in my schedule to allow time for the turkey to rest and any additional roasting time that may be needed. To freeze. If you will not eat or cook with the leftover turkey within 3 or 4 days, it’s best to freeze it. Cut the meat away from the turkey carcass, leaving sections of meat as whole as possible, and seal in airtight containers or airtight bags and freeze for up to 3 months.
Make Ahead Roast Turkey
Cook and slice the turkey according to the directions. Arrange on an oven-safe serving platter or on a rimmed baking sheet. Cover and leave at room temperature for up to 1 hour before reheating in the oven. Be sure to reheat until the temperature reaches 165º F. Here is my family’s Roast Turkey recipe. I hope your family enjoys it as much as mine always has.
Cornbread Dressing Turkey Gravy Cranberry Sauce Mashed Potatoes Green Bean Casserole Sweet Potato Casserole Pecan Pie Pumpkin Pie Sweet Potato Pie
Enjoy!Robyn xo
