Simple Roasted Turkey
+4 photos

Simple Roasted Turkey

10 servings
This simple roasted turkey is one you'll want to use year after year at your Thanksgiving feast. It's easy and nearly foolproof.

Ingredients

  • fresh or frozen

    thawed whole turkey, with giblets and neck reserved for homemade turkey stock

    1
  • kosher salt
    2 tbsp
  • black pepper
    1 tbsp
  • yellow onion

    quartered

    1 large
  • bay leaves
    3
  • garlic

    halved crosswise

    1 head
  • olive oil
    2 tbsp

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 450°F with oven rack in lower third of oven. Place a roasting rack in a large roasting pan lined with aluminum foil. Pat turkey dry with paper towels.

    Step 1
  2. 2

    Season on all sides with salt and pepper; place onion, bay leaves, and garlic in cavity.

    Step 2
  3. 3

    Tie ends of legs together with kitchen twine; tuck wing tips under. Place on rack in prepared pan, breast side up, and brush with oil.

    Step 3
  4. 4

    Bake in lower third of preheated oven 45 minutes. Loosely cover turkey with aluminum foil , and reduce oven temperature to 350°F. Continue baking until golden brown and a meat thermometer inserted in thickest portion of thigh registers 165°F, 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Transfer to a cutting board, and rest 30 minutes before carving. Pour pan drippings through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl; discard solids. Reserve 1 1/2 cups strained drippings for Old-Fashioned Turkey Gravy or Mushroom Gravy .

    Step 4
Simple Roasted Turkey
+4

Simple Roasted Turkey

5.0(3)180 min10 servings

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Ratings & Reviews

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Based on 3 ratings

southernliving.com
5.0(3 reviews)
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About this Recipe

Craving that perfectly golden, juicy centerpiece for your holiday table without all the stress? This Simple Roasted Turkey recipe is designed to be your go-to, delivering delicious results that feel effortless.

Why This Recipe Works

This roast turkey recipe stands out for its straightforward approach, proving that you don't need complex techniques or a lengthy ingredient list to achieve spectacular flavor. By focusing on a few essential aromatics—fresh onion, fragrant bay leaves, and robust garlic—and a simple seasoning of kosher salt and black pepper, you allow the natural, rich taste of the turkey to shine through. It’s truly a nearly foolproof method for a tender, flavorful bird every time.

What to Expect

You can look forward to a beautifully golden-brown turkey with incredibly tender and succulent meat inside. The aromatic combination of onion, garlic, and bay leaves subtly infuses the bird, creating a comforting, classic flavor profile that evokes the spirit of the holidays. This simple preparation ensures a moist interior and a beautifully crisp skin, making it a joy to carve and serve. Despite its impressive appearance and taste, this recipe is remarkably approachable, designed for home cooks who want a reliable, fuss-free experience, culminating in a satisfying meal after about 3 hours of cooking.

Customization & Variations

While this recipe champions simplicity, you can easily personalize it. Consider adding other fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme alongside the bay leaves for a different aromatic twist. For a slightly different fat, you could swap the olive oil for melted butter to enhance the richness of the skin. If you prefer, a lemon, quartered, can be added to the cavity along with the onion and garlic for a brighter note.

Serving & Context

This Simple Roasted Turkey is the quintessential dish for a grand Thanksgiving feast or any festive gathering. Its impressive presence and crowd-pleasing flavor make it ideal for sharing with family and friends. Serve it as the star of your dinner, perhaps alongside your favorite traditional side dishes, for a truly memorable meal.

Frequently Asked Questions