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Garlic Thanksgiving Turkey

Savory Garlic Thanksgiving Turkey That's Juicy Every Time

This Garlic Thanksgiving Turkey recipe ensures a juicy and flavorful centerpiece for your holiday meal.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 3 hours
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Turkey
  • 1 whole Turkey opt for fresh for ease or frozen for savings
  • 2 tablespoons Kosher Salt for seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper freshly ground
For the Aromatics
  • 1 medium Onion quartered, yellow or sweet
  • 1 whole Lemon quartered
  • 8 cloves Garlic fresh, minced
For the Herbs
  • 3 sprigs Fresh Rosemary or poultry seasoning
  • 3 sprigs Fresh Thyme or dried thyme
  • 3 leaves Fresh Sage or other fresh herbs
For the Butter
  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter softened, or olive oil for healthier option
For the Roasting Base
  • 2 stalks Celery chopped
  • 2 medium Carrots chopped

Equipment

  • Roasting Pan
  • meat thermometer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Prepare the Turkey: Remove the turkey from the refrigerator to reach room temperature for about one hour. Gather a large roasting pan and a reliable meat thermometer.
  2. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 325°F (160°C).
  3. Prep the Turkey for Seasoning: Remove giblets, pat dry, and season the cavity with kosher salt and black pepper.
  4. Stuff the Cavity: Fill the turkey cavity with onion, lemon, rosemary, thyme, and sage.
  5. Make the Herb Butter: Blend softened butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and chopped herbs in a bowl until smooth.
  6. Apply the Herb Butter: Loosen the skin of the turkey and rub the herb butter underneath and on top.
  7. Arrange the Vegetables: Place chopped celery and carrots in the roasting pan, then position the turkey on top.
  8. Roast the Turkey: Cook in the oven for approximately 15 minutes per pound, checking for an internal temperature of 158°-160°F.
  9. Monitor for Browning: If the skin browns too quickly, tent it loosely with foil.
  10. Rest the Turkey: Once cooked, let the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before carving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 45gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Pair with sides like Cheesy Garlic Potato or Garlic Butter Honey for a festive meal.

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