Description
Nothing embodies a Thanksgiving or holiday gathering like a perfectly roasted turkey. This “Simply Perfect Roast Turkey” recipe simplifies the process, ensuring even novice cooks can achieve a moist, tender, and flavorful dish. With a handful of basic ingredients, this recipe takes the guesswork out of roasting, allowing the turkey’s natural flavors to shine.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 18–pound whole turkey
- 8 cups prepared stuffing (store-bought or homemade)
- Salted butter (for rubbing onto the skin)
- Salt and pepper (for seasoning)
- Turkey stock (store-bought or homemade, for basting)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Turkey:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Remove the turkey neck and giblets from the cavity. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
- Place the turkey breast-side up on a rack in a large roasting pan.
2. Stuff and Season the Turkey:
- Fill the cavity of the turkey with prepared stuffing.
- Rub the turkey skin with softened salted butter.
- Season the outside of the turkey with salt and pepper.
- Pour 2 cups of turkey stock into the roasting pan to keep the turkey moist during cooking.
3. Roast the Turkey:
- Tent the turkey loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning and place it in the oven.
- Roast for approximately 4 hours (13–15 minutes per pound).
- Baste the turkey with the stock from the pan every 30 minutes. Add more stock if needed as drippings evaporate.
- After 2.5 hours, remove the foil to allow the skin to become golden brown.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The thickest part of the thigh should reach 165°F (74°C).
4. Rest the Turkey:
- Remove the turkey from the oven, tent it with foil, and let it rest for 20–30 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
5. Carve and Serve:
- Carve the turkey and serve with your favorite sides and the stuffing from the cavity.