Go Back
–+ servings
Thanksgiving Turkey on a platter

Easy Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe

Even beginners can make this oven-roasted turkey for Thanksgiving without any problems! A simple spice rub and some aromatics creates a flavorful roast turkey that everyone will love!
No ratings yet
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe
Course: Turkey
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Calorie
Keyword: main dish, meat, turkey
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Resting Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours
Servings: 16 Servings
Calories: 320kcal
Cost: $25.00

Equipment

  • 1 large roasting pan
  • 1 large carving knife
  • kitchen twine
  • aluminum foil
  • 1 meat thermometer
  • 1 large serving platter
  • paper towel

Ingredients 

  • 1 16 pound turkey
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup softened butter or margarine
  • 3 rosemary sprigs
  • ¼ cup thyme
  • ¼ cup sage

Instructions

  • First make sure to preheat the oven to about 325 degrees
  • Remove the giblets and neck
  • Now you want to wash the turkey inside and outside, and pat the outside of the turkey dry with some paper towel.
  • Season the cavity or inside with salt and pepper.
  • Fill the cavity of the turkey with half of the herbs
  • Rub the butter all over the turkey, including under the skin of the turkey. Then season with some salt and pepper.
  • Now, place the turkey breast side up in the roasting pan. Also tuck the wings underneath the turkey, and tie the end of the legs together with the kitchen twine.
    raw thanksgiving tuckey going into the oven
  • This is when you can place the turkey into the oven, and let it roast for about 15 minutes per pound. (So a larger turkey will require additional cooking time).
  • Don't forget to check the turkey several times during cooking, to be sure the skin is not getting too brown. If it is then you can loosely cover the turkey with the aluminum foil.
  • Check the turkey for doneness, by inserting the thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey breast and thigh. The turkey should register about 165 degrees fahrenheit.
  • Then cover the turkey with aluminum foil and let it stand for about 15 minutes before carving it. This allows the juices to redistribute and not escape when it is carved.

Notes

Recipe Tip 1: Place butter under the skin for extra moisture and flavor.
Recipe Tip 2: Use a meat thermometer instead of relying solely on cooking time.
Recipe Tip 3: Let the turkey rest before carving to keep it juicy.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Easy Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe
Serving Size
 
1 g
Amount per Serving
Calories
320
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
10
g
15
%
Saturated Fat
 
6
g
38
%
Trans Fat
 
0.3
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
2
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
4
g
Cholesterol
 
159
mg
53
%
Sodium
 
265
mg
12
%
Potassium
 
621
mg
18
%
Carbohydrates
 
7
g
2
%
Fiber
 
2
g
8
%
Sugar
 
2
g
2
%
Protein
 
56
g
112
%
Vitamin A
 
380
IU
8
%
Vitamin C
 
10
mg
12
%
Calcium
 
59
mg
6
%
Iron
 
4
mg
22
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Tried this recipe?Mention @KaleandCroutons or tag #kaleandcroutons!