Simple Savory Roast Turkey

If you’re looking for a classic roast turkey recipe that’s both simple and savory, you’ve come to the right place. This recipe features a whole turkey seasoned with a fragrant herb butter and stuffed with fresh herbs, lemon, and garlic. Perfect for any holiday feast or special family dinner, this roast turkey is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

Ingredients

For the Turkey:

• 1 (14-16 pound) whole turkey, see note
• Salt & pepper to taste

For the Herb Butter:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), softened
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped finely
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped finely
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped finely
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper, or to taste

For Inside the Turkey:

• 1 lemon, halved
• A few sprigs each of fresh sage, thyme, and rosemary
• 1 head garlic, broken into cloves and peeled

Directions

1. Preparation:
   • Take the turkey out of the fridge and let it warm up for an hour. Set it on a baking sheet.
   • Soften the butter and mix it with the sage, thyme, rosemary, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat the oven to 450°F and adjust the rack to the bottom third.
3. Prepare the Turkey:
   • Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey, drain any excess liquid, and place it back on the baking sheet.
   • Pat the turkey dry, then season it with salt and pepper.
   • Stuff the cavity with the halved lemon, fresh herb sprigs, and garlic cloves.
   • Rub the herb butter all over the turkey, ensuring an even coating.
   • Tuck the wings under the bird and optionally tie the legs with kitchen twine.
4. Roasting:
   • Place the turkey on the roasting pan rack, breast side up.
   • Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and roast the turkey for about 3 hours, or until the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F.
   • If the skin browns too quickly, cover the turkey with foil.
5. Rest and Serve:
   • Once the turkey is done, let it rest for 20 minutes before carving.

Cooking and Prep Time

• Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 3 hours
• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 520 kcal per serving
• Servings: 10

Conclusion

This Simple Savory Roast Turkey recipe is an easy-to-follow guide for creating a delicious and impressive main course. The combination of fresh herbs, lemon, and garlic infuses the turkey with rich flavors, making it a memorable dish for any occasion. Enjoy your perfectly roasted turkey with family and friends!

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I hope you enjoy this recipe! Let me know how it turns out, and feel free to share your own tips and tweaks in the comments below. Happy cooking!