Oven Roasted Turkey Recipe

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ByMelissa November 20, 2020November 25, 2023

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Best Ever Oven Roasted Turkey Recipe

Roasting a whole turkey seems to intimidate many cooks. It could be that, the sheer size is generally much larger than an everyday chicken and if not handled properly, it can be dry. There are many different cooking techniques, wet brines and seasoning blends you can use. Each one claiming to be the “secret” to the best turkey and admittedly, it can be a little overwhelming. I utilize different techniques, depending on the flavors I want to shine through, and this recipe is one such variation in my turkey arsenal.

Oven Roasted Turkey Recipe - melissassouthernstylekitchen.com (2)

How to Make the Best Oven Roasted Turkey Recipe

Ingredients you’ll need to make homemade Oven Roasted Turkey: 12-14 pound whole bone-in turkey, salt, sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, granulated garlic powder, black pepper and poultry seasoning. You’ll also need chicken stock, onion, orange wedges, sprigs of thyme, sage and rosemary, butter, honey, orange zest and a bulb of fresh garlic.
Kitchen gadgets you’ll need: A large turkey roasting pan or a large pan fitted with an oven safe rack, a small bowl to mix together the dry rub, a sharp knife and cutting board, measuring cups and spoons. You’ll also need a carving set to carve the turkey.
The turkey should be fully thawed before rubbing with the seasonings. Rinse, remove giblets and pat dry with paper towels.
Can you use a fresh turkey? Of course! The technique and seasoning would be the same.
This recipe utilizes a dry brining technique. In other words, the turkey is rubbed with a seasoning blend then chilled for 24 hours before roasting. Whether you use a dry brine or a wet brine, 24 hours is a good rule of thumb for the amount of time it needs to permeate and flavor the turkey.
It’s preferable to bring the turkey to room temperature before placing it into the oven. This will allow for more even cooking.
The addition of honey in the citrus herb butter balances the flavor without making the turkey or drippings sweet.
You should always adjust the roasting time depending on the size and weight of the turkey you’re cooking. See more turkey roasting tips from Butterball here.
Check the temperature of the turkey before removing from the oven. Insert a thermometer into the deepest portion of the thigh. Keep in mind, it will continue to rise as it rests on the counter.
Allow time for the turkey to rest after baking, to reabsorb juices.
Store leftover easy Oven Roasted Turkey chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or cool and freeze for up to 2 months.

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Southern Style Side Dishes to Serve with Oven Roasted Turkey

I get as excited about the side dishes as I do the actual turkey on Thanksgiving, Maybe even more so. Some of our favorite holiday side dish recipes:

Southern Cornbread Dressing is how my Mom showed me to make and it’s still my favorite year after year.
Sweet Potato Casserole is an absolute must on the holiday table.
Buttermilk Ranch Mashed Potatoes are creamy and full flavored.
Scratch made Green Bean Casserole.
Scalloped Corn is a popular side dish that goes well with Thanksgiving dishes, Christmas or Easter ham.
Fluffy homemade Honey Yeast Rolls.
Cranberry Apple Chutney is just the ticket if you’re not fond of the canned version.
Stuff leftover turkey into these fluffy Honey Yeast Rolls for a snack.
Cheesy Baked Asparagus is a stellar addition to any special occasion menu.

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5 from 1 vote

Prep Time25 minutes mins

Ingredients

1 Tbsp salt
1 Tbsp sugar
1 Tbsp smoked paprika
1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 1/2 tsp onion powder
1 1/2 tsp poultry seasoning
1 1/2 tsp black pepper
1 12-14 lb thawed turkey giblets removed, rinse and pat dry
3 cups chicken stock
1 medium onion quartered
1 medium orange quartered
1 small bulb garlic top cut off
1 bunch each fresh sage, rosemary and thyme (Reserve 1 Tbsp thyme leaves for butter)
1/2 cup butter melted
1 Tbsp honey
1 Tbsp orange zest

Instructions

In a small bowl, mix together salt, sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, poultry seasoning and black pepper.
Using your fingers, separate the skin from the meat on the breast, Season with rub under the skin. Use remaining on all sides and interior of turkey.
Place turkey into a dish or on a rimmed pan, cover with plastic wrap. Chill overnight.
To prepare: Remove turkey from fridge 1 hour prior to roasting. Set oven rack to lowest position and preheat oven to 325°F. Spray a roasting pan fitted with rack, with cooking spray.
Center turkey on rack. Tie legs using kitchen twine and tuck wings under. Pour stock into pan.
Place onion, orange, sage, rosemary and thyme with garlic inside turkey. Sprinkle breast with additional salt and black pepper if desired.
Mix together butter, honey, reserved thyme and orange zest. Drizzle 1/3 over turkey.
Roast turkey for about 2 1/2 hours total, depending on weight. Roast until a thermometer inserted into the thickest portion of the thigh registers 165-170°F. Check at 1 1/2 hours, drizzle with 1/3 reserved butter and lay foil on top to prevent over browning.
Transfer to a platter brush or drizzle with remaining citrus herb butter, Cover loosely with foil. Rest for 20 up to 30 minutes.
To make gravy, pour pan juices into a saucepan, bring to a boil. You may add more chicken stock, if needed. Whisk in a flour slurry, of all purpose flour and chicken stock (or milk) whisking until smooth. Cook whisking until thickened then immediately lower the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings. Keep warm until serving.

Notes

As the citrus herb butter sits it will solidify. Warm in the microwave for a few seconds as needed.

Nutrition

Tried this recipe?Mention @melissassk or tag #melissassk!

Oven Roasted Turkey Recipe - melissassouthernstylekitchen.com (2024)

FAQs

Is it better to cook a turkey at 325 or 350? ›

Oven-Roasted Turkey

We recommend starting the turkey in a 425 degree oven for 30-45 minutes before tenting the pan with foil and lowering the temperature to 350 degrees until a meat thermometer reads 165 degrees when inserted into the thickest part of the bird.

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Should a turkey be roasted in the oven covered or uncovered? ›

To achieve a perfectly golden, juicy turkey, let the bird spend time both covered and uncovered in the oven. We recommend covering your bird for most of the cooking time to prevent it from drying out; then, during the last 30 minutes or so of cooking, remove the cover so the skin crisps in the hot oven.

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How does Martha Stewart roast a turkey? ›

Roast 1 hour, then baste every 30 minutes with pan liquids, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of thigh (avoiding bone) registers 125°F, about 3 hours. Remove foil; raise oven heat to 400°F. Continue roasting, basting occasionally, until thigh reaches 180°F, 45 to 60 minutes more.

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How does Bobby Flay roast a turkey? ›

Put the turkey on top of the vegetables, put in the oven and roast in the oven for 45 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Reduce the heat to 350 and continue roasting, basting with the warm chicken stock every 15 minutes until basting with some of the chicken stock every 15 minutes, about 2 to 2 ¼ hours longer.

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What is the best temperature to cook a turkey to keep it moist? ›

Begin by roasting your turkey at 425°F for 40 to 45 minutes before lowering the temperature of the oven to 350°F for the rest of the cooking time. Like the other method, it's a good idea to brush the turkey every 15 to 20 minutes with butter or olive oil to help the surface brown and keep the meat moist.

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How long does it take to cook a 15 lb turkey at 325? ›

At 325°F for an unstuffed turkey: 10-12 pounds: cook 2 3/4 to 3 hours. 15-16 pounds: cook 3 1/2 to 4 hours. 18-20 pounds: cook 4 to 4 1/2 hours.

How does Trisha Yearwood cook her turkey? ›

Bake for exactly 1 hour and turn off the oven. Do not open the oven door! Leave the turkey in the oven until the oven completely cools; this may take 4 to 6 hours. Reserve the pan juices and refrigerate the turkey if it will not be served soon after roasting.

How does Gordon Ramsay cook a turkey? ›

Roast the turkey in the hot oven for 10–15 minutes. Take the tray out of the oven, baste the bird with the pan juices and lay the bacon rashers over the breast to keep it moist. Baste again. Lower the setting to 180°C/Gas 4 and cook for about 2 1⁄2 hours (calculating at 30 minutes per kg), basting occasionally.

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What's the difference between roasting and baking a turkey? ›

What's the Difference Between Baking and Roasting? Roasting uses the same type of all-over, dry heat as baking, but at higher temperatures between 400 and 450° F. Choose the roasting method to get thicker, tougher foods brown and crisp, and the baking method to retain moisture in thinner, more delicate foods.

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What to stuff a turkey with for flavor? ›

Alliums: Add quartered onions, shallots, leeks, or garlic cloves for a delicious, earthy aroma. Fruits: Insert quarters of apple, lemon, orange, lime, or even grapefruit to add moisture and brightness to the turkey. You can even go with dried fruit, like cranberries, to double down on the autumn vibes.

Do you cook a 16 lb turkey at 325 or 350? ›

For whole, unstuffed turkeys in oven cooking bags, cook at 350 °F for the following approximate times:

8-12 lb turkey: 1 1/2 to 2 hours;
12 to 16 lb turkey: 2 to 2 1/2 hours;
16-20 lb turkey: 2 1/2 to 3 hours;
20-24 lb turkey: 3 to 3 1/2 hours.

Apr 5, 2024

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How many hours do you cook a turkey at 325? ›

Regular Oven 325°

Weight	Cook Time (Unstuffed)	Cook Time (Stuffed)
3-5½ lbs.	1½-2¼ hrs.	2-2¾ hrs.
5½-9 lbs.	2¼-2¾ hrs.	2¾-3¼ hrs.

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Do you cook a Butterball turkey at 325 or 350? ›

Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Place roasting rack or foil ring on pan, and place turkey on top. In a small bowl, combine butter, garlic, salt, thyme, and parsley.

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Is it too high to cook a turkey at 350? ›

Most recipes call for 350°F. I've done high heat turkeys (450°F to start, turn down to 400°F after 30 minutes). It's fast, and it creates a beautifully browned and juicy bird, as long as you watch the internal temperature.

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