Ingredients
Scale
For the Turkey:
- 1 whole turkey (12–16 pounds), thawed if frozen
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 2 lemons, halved
- 2 apples, halved
- 1 cup chicken broth or water
For the Brine (Optional but Recommended):
- 1 gallon water
- 1 cup kosher salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons black peppercorns
- 4 bay leaves
- 1 orange, sliced
Instructions
Preparation:
- Brine the Turkey (Optional):
- In a large pot or brining bag, mix water, salt, brown sugar, peppercorns, bay leaves, and orange slices until dissolved.
- Submerge the turkey in the brine, cover, and refrigerate for 12-24 hours. Remove and rinse thoroughly.
- Prepare the Turkey:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Pat the turkey dry with paper towels and place it on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan.
- Loosen the skin over the turkey breasts and rub the softened butter underneath the skin.
- Season the Turkey:
- Combine olive oil, rosemary, thyme, sage, and minced garlic. Rub the mixture over the turkey’s skin.
- Stuff the cavity with onion, lemons, and apples for added flavor.
Roasting:
- Add Liquid:
- Pour chicken broth or water into the bottom of the roasting pan to prevent drying and create flavorful drippings.
- Roast the Turkey:
- Cover the turkey loosely with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Roast for approximately 15 minutes per pound.
- Remove the foil during the last hour of cooking to allow the skin to crisp up.
- Check Doneness:
- Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone. The turkey is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C).
Resting and Serving:
- Rest the Turkey:
- Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute.
- Carve and Serve:
- Use a sharp carving knife to slice the turkey and serve with your favorite sides and gravy.
Enjoy your flavorful and perfectly roasted turkey!