Name: Perfect Roast Turkey
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12-14 pounds whole turkey; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 large onion, quartered; 2 carrots, chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 2 cups chicken broth; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper

A golden, crisp-skinned, juicy turkey is the showstopper every holiday table deserves. This Perfect Roast Turkey delivers just that—tender meat on the inside, irresistibly crunchy on the outside, and a depth of flavor that makes it worth savoring every bite. It’s the kind of recipe that turns a gathering into a celebration.

Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, a festive family dinner, or simply love the tradition of roasting a whole bird, this method ensures the turkey turns out beautifully every time. With a simple herb butter rub and strategic roasting technique, you don’t need to be a professional chef to pull this off.

Why You’ll Love This Perfect Roast Turkey

The beauty of this roast turkey lies in its balance of simplicity and big flavor. You won’t need complicated brines or fancy ingredients. The skin comes out gorgeously browned and crisp, while the meat stays juicy thanks to a well-timed high-heat start followed by slow roasting. It’s the perfect centerpiece that fills your kitchen with comforting aromas and your table with compliments.

What Size Turkey Should I Buy?

A good rule of thumb is about 1 to 1.5 pounds of turkey per person. So if you’re feeding 8 guests, aim for a 10-12 pound bird. Leftovers are never a bad thing, especially when you can turn them into soups, sandwiches, and casseroles.

Ingredients for the Perfect Roast Turkey

To make this turkey shine, you only need a handful of classic ingredients that work together to amplify flavor and moisture.

Whole turkey (12-14 pounds): Look for a fresh or properly thawed bird, ideally with the neck and giblets removed.

Unsalted butter: Helps create that perfect golden skin and adds richness. You’ll mix it with herbs and spread it under the skin.

Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage): These bring an earthy, fragrant flavor that screams “holiday.” Fresh is best here.

Garlic cloves: Tucked into the cavity or mashed into the butter, garlic adds depth and aroma.

Onion: Placed inside the cavity, it subtly infuses the bird as it roasts.

Carrots and celery: Lined in the bottom of the roasting pan to lift the bird and flavor the drippings.

Chicken broth: Keeps the roasting pan moist and contributes to the eventual gravy.

Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the turkey generously, inside and out.

How To Make the Perfect Roast Turkey

Step 1: Prep the Bird

Pat the turkey dry with paper towels and remove any excess moisture. This helps the skin crisp up beautifully. Gently separate the skin from the breast meat using your fingers.

Step 2: Make the Herb Butter

Mix softened butter with chopped fresh herbs, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Spread this mixture under the skin and over the entire surface of the turkey.

Step 3: Stuff the Cavity

Fill the cavity with onion wedges, garlic cloves, and sprigs of rosemary and thyme. This gently perfumes the turkey as it roasts.

Step 4: Set Up the Pan

Place chopped carrots and celery in the bottom of a large roasting pan. Pour in chicken broth to create moisture. Position the turkey on top, breast-side up.

Step 5: Roast and Baste

Start roasting at 450°F for 30 minutes to get the skin golden, then reduce the heat to 325°F and roast until the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F. Baste with pan juices every 30-45 minutes.

Step 6: Rest Before Carving

Let the turkey rest, loosely tented with foil, for at least 30 minutes before carving. This ensures juicy meat that slices beautifully.

How to Serve and Store Perfect Roast Turkey

This roast turkey serves about 10 people generously, with plenty of room for seconds or leftovers. Serve it freshly carved on a platter garnished with herbs or citrus slices for a festive touch. Store leftover turkey in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze it for later.

To reheat, add a splash of broth or gravy and cover the slices with foil to keep the moisture in. You can also use leftovers in recipes like soups, pot pies, or turkey enchiladas.

What to Serve With Perfect Roast Turkey?

Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl

Pair your roast turkey with something lighter like this veggie-forward bowl for a fresh contrast. Try my Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl.

Classic Caprese Salad

A refreshing, colorful starter that adds brightness to your meal. Here’s the Classic Caprese Salad.

Easy Homemade Naan Bread

Sop up all that gravy with pillowy soft bread. My Easy Homemade Naan Bread is a cozy twist.

Delicious Ooey Gooey Mac and Cheese

Comfort food at its best. My Ooey Gooey Mac and Cheese is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Roasted Zucchini and Squash

Roasting veggies alongside your turkey keeps things simple yet elegant. This Roasted Zucchini and Squash adds a pop of color to the plate.

Cheesy Ranch Potatoes

Savory and rich, these Cheesy Ranch Potatoes are always a hit for holiday spreads.

Want More Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Perfect Roast Turkey, you’ll want to explore more hearty dishes that shine in any season:

Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta for a quick yet satisfying vegetarian option.
Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta when you’re craving comfort.
One Pan Garlic and Herb Pasta for a simple weeknight dinner.
Creamy Smothered Chicken with Spinach, Potatoes, and Mushrooms when you want cozy layers.
Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce for a lighter creamy twist.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can return to it when the next holiday rolls around.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go traditional or add your own twist with spices or stuffing? I love seeing how others bring these flavors to life.

Explore more festive mains, fresh ideas, and seasonal sides on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and turn every dinner into something delicious.

Conclusion

Roasting the perfect turkey doesn’t have to be intimidating. With a few key steps and the right flavors, you’ll be carving into a bird that’s moist, flavorful, and unforgettable. Whether it’s your first time hosting or you’re a seasoned holiday cook, this method will help you bring a little more magic to your table.