Easy Thanksgiving Turkey
introduction
Thanksgiving is a time for family gatherings and enjoying a delicious meal together. One of the most popular dishes served is turkey. Preparing a turkey can seem intimidating, but with this easy Thanksgiving turkey recipe, you will be able to impress your guests with minimal effort.
why make this recipe
This easy Thanksgiving turkey recipe is perfect for anyone. It is straightforward and requires only a few ingredients. You can spend more time enjoying the holiday with your loved ones instead of stressing in the kitchen. Plus, the taste is simply delightful, with juicy meat and crispy skin that everyone will love.
how to make Easy Thanksgiving Turkey
Ingredients:
- 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Remove the turkey from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Rub the turkey all over with olive oil, then season generously with salt and pepper.
- Stuff the cavity with the quartered onion, smashed garlic, and fresh herbs.
- Place the turkey on a roasting rack inside a large roasting pan.
- Roast in the preheated oven for about 2-3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the breast.
- Let the turkey rest for at least 20 minutes before carving.
- Serve and enjoy!
how to serve Easy Thanksgiving Turkey
Carve the turkey into pieces and serve it on a large platter. You can add some fresh herbs on top for decoration. Pair it with your favorite Thanksgiving sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. Don’t forget the gravy!
how to store Easy Thanksgiving Turkey
If you have leftover turkey, let it cool down first. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn.
tips to make Easy Thanksgiving Turkey
- Use a meat thermometer to check the turkey’s internal temperature to ensure it is cooked properly.
- Basting the turkey every 30 minutes can help keep it moist, but it’s not necessary for this easy recipe.
- For extra flavor, you can marinate the turkey overnight in the fridge with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs.
variation (if any)
You can personalize this recipe by adding your favorite spices or using different herbs. For example, you may try using garlic powder, paprika, or adding citrus fruits like lemon or orange in the cavity for a zesty flavor.
FAQs
1. How long should I cook the turkey?
Cook the turkey for about 13-15 minutes per pound. It usually takes around 2-3 hours for a 12-14 pound turkey.
2. Do I need to cover the turkey while it cooks?
No, covering the turkey is not necessary for this recipe. However, if the skin starts to get too brown, you can loosely cover it with aluminum foil.
3. Can I use a frozen turkey?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw it before cooking. Thawing in the refrigerator may take a few days, so plan ahead.
Easy Thanksgiving Turkey
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 whole whole turkey (12-14 pounds) Select a fresh or thawed turkey.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For rubbing on the turkey.
- to taste Salt For seasoning.
- to taste Pepper For seasoning.
- 1 onion, quartered For stuffing the cavity.
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed For stuffing the cavity.
- a handful Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage) For stuffing the cavity.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Remove the turkey from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Rub the turkey all over with olive oil, then season generously with salt and pepper.
- Stuff the cavity with the quartered onion, smashed garlic, and fresh herbs.
- Place the turkey on a roasting rack inside a large roasting pan.
Cooking
- Roast in the preheated oven for about 2-3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the breast.
- Let the turkey rest for at least 20 minutes before carving.
Serving
- Carve the turkey into pieces and serve it on a large platter.
- Add some fresh herbs on top for decoration and pair it with your favorite Thanksgiving sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.
- Don’t forget the gravy!