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–+ servings
Thanksgiving Turkey

Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey

A whole turkey rubbed inside and out with seasoned butter and fresh herbs, then roasted and basted until golden.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Rest Time 30 minutes
Total Time 6 hours
Servings: 20 servings
Course: Main
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 fresh turkey 12 to 20 pounds
  • 1/2 cup butter softened
  • 1 onion quartered
  • 2 stalks celery cut into large pieces
  • 1 lemon quartered
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons sea salt

Equipment

  • Roasting pan
  • Meat thermometer
  • Baster

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, rosemary, thyme, and butter. Mix well.
  3. Use the butter mixture to generously coat the turkey, inside and out.
  4. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and add the water to the bottom of the pan.
  5. Stuff the cavity with some of the onion, celery, and lemon, then place the rest around the turkey in the pan.
  6. Roast according to weight, using the times in the notes below.
  7. Baste every 40 minutes with the pan juices.
  8. The turkey is done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165 degrees F. Rest 20 to 30 minutes before carving.

Nutrition

Calories: 300kcal

Notes

Cook time shown is for a 20 pound turkey. Roast by weight:
12 to 14 pounds, 3 to 3 1/2 hours
14 to 16 pounds, 3 1/2 to 4 hours
16 to 18 pounds, 4 to 4 1/2 hours
18 to 20 pounds, 4 1/2 to 5 hours

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