Classic Thanksgiving Dinner with Roast Turkey
This classic Thanksgiving dinner centers on a golden roast turkey seasoned with butter, herbs, and vegetables for a reliable holiday centerpiece.
Prep
: 10
Total
: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 whole turkey 12 to 14 pounds, thawed
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter softened
- 2 tsp kosher salt divided
- 1 tsp black pepper divided
- 1 yellow onion quartered
- 2 carrots cut into chunks
- 2 stalks celery cut into chunks
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 cups chicken stock plus more as needed
Instructions
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 425°F. Pat the turkey very dry and remove the neck and giblets. Place it breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan.
- Rub the softened butter over the breast and legs, then season all over with the salt and pepper. Put the onion, carrots, celery, thyme, and rosemary inside the cavity and scatter any extra vegetables in the pan.
- Pour the stock into the pan. Roast at 425°F for 30 minutes, then reduce the oven to 325°F and continue roasting until the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F, about 3 to 3 1/2 hours total.
- Tent the breast loosely with foil if it browns too quickly, and add a little stock to the pan if the drippings begin to darken. Transfer the turkey to a board and rest for 30 minutes before carving.