Crispy Thanksgiving Turkey: Ultimate Recipe for Golden, Juicy Perfection
This garlic herb butter turkey roasts to golden, crispy skin and tender, juicy meat—your go-to recipe for a show-stopping holiday centerpiece.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
1 whole turkey (12–18 lb / 5.4–8.2 kg), thawed — allow about 1 lb per person
1 onion, quartered (for cavity and roasting base)
1 lemon, quartered
1–2 sprigs fresh rosemary (plus 1 tbsp chopped)
1–2 sprigs fresh thyme (plus 1 tbsp chopped)
1–2 sprigs fresh sage
Kosher salt, to taste (plus 1 tsp for butter)
Black pepper, to taste (plus ½ tsp for butter)
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
6 cloves garlic, minced
3 ribs celery, chopped (for roasting base)
2 carrots, chopped
Instructions
Prep the Turkey:
Remove the turkey from the fridge 1 hour before cooking.
Pat it thoroughly dry with paper towels for extra-crispy skin.
Preheat Oven:
Preheat to 325°F (160°C).
Season the Cavity:
Salt and pepper the inside of the turkey.
Stuff with onion, lemon wedges, and fresh herb sprigs.
Make Herb Butter:
Mix softened butter with garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, 1 tsp salt, and ½ tsp pepper.
Butter the Turkey:
Gently loosen the skin over the breast and spread about ⅓ of the herb butter underneath.
Rub remaining butter all over the exterior of the turkey.
Arrange Roasting Base:
Place chopped onion, celery, and carrots in the roasting pan to create a bed for the turkey.
Place the turkey breast-side up on top of the vegetables. Tuck the wings under.
Roast the Turkey:
Roast approximately 15 minutes per pound, or until the thickest part of the thigh reaches 158–160°F (70°C) on a meat thermometer.
Tent loosely with foil if browning too quickly.
Rest Before Carving:
Remove from oven and rest 30 minutes, loosely covered with foil, to allow juices to redistribute.
Notes
For a maple-glazed variation, brush turkey with pure maple syrup during the last 30 minutes of roasting for deep color and sweetness.
No basting required—herb butter seals in moisture and keeps the turkey flavorful and tender.
Use a meat thermometer for best results; don’t rely on the pop-up timer.
Leftovers are perfect for sandwiches, soups, or turkey pot pie.
