Easy, No Fuss Thanksgiving Turkey
Thanksgiving is a special time of year when family and friends gather to celebrate and enjoy delicious food. At the heart of this holiday feast is the turkey. If you’re looking for an easy and straightforward way to prepare your Thanksgiving turkey, then this Easy, No Fuss Thanksgiving Turkey recipe is just what you need. It’s simple, delicious, and sure to impress your guests.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is perfect because it requires minimal fuss and uses fresh herbs to create a flavorful turkey. It’s a great choice for both novice and experienced cooks. Plus, the step-by-step guide ensures that you won’t feel overwhelmed. With this Easy, No Fuss Thanksgiving Turkey, you can spend more time enjoying the holiday and less time worrying about the cooking process.
How to Make Easy, No Fuss Thanksgiving Turkey
Ingredients:
- 1 (12-20 pound) turkey*
- 1 onion, peeled and quartered
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 1 apple (your favorite kind), quartered
- 0.75 ounce container fresh rosemary*
- 0.75 ounce container fresh thyme*
- 0.75 ounce container fresh sage*
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 6-8 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh chopped herbs
Directions:
- If the turkey is frozen: Thaw in the fridge, giving 24 hours for every 5 pounds. It’s always good to add an extra day, just to be safe.
- Remove the thawed turkey from the fridge 1 hour before roasting to let it come to room temperature.
- Adjust your oven rack so the turkey will sit in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
- Make the herb butter by mixing the room temperature butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, and 0.5 tablespoon fresh sage.
- Remove the turkey from its packaging and take out the neck and giblets from the cavities. You can reserve these for gravy or discard them. Pat the turkey very dry with paper towels.
- Season the cavity of the turkey with salt and pepper. Stuff it with the quartered lemon, onion, apple, and leftover herbs.
- Use your fingers to loosen the skin above the breasts and smear a few tablespoons of the herb butter underneath.
- Tuck the wings of the turkey underneath and place the turkey on a roasting rack inside a roasting pan*.
- Microwave the remaining herb butter mixture for 30 seconds until it’s very soft (it doesn’t need to be fully melted). Use a basting brush to spread the herb butter all over the outside of the turkey, including the legs and wings.
- Roast at 325 degrees F for about 13-15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature (inserted in the middle of the thigh and breast) reaches about 165 degrees. You can tent it with foil halfway through cooking to protect the breast meat if needed.
- Allow the turkey to rest for 20-30 minutes before carving. Remember to reserve any drippings and juice from the roasting pan to make turkey gravy.
How to Serve Easy, No Fuss Thanksgiving Turkey
When it’s time to serve, carve the turkey carefully and arrange the slices on a platter. You can serve it with classic Thanksgiving sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. Don’t forget the gravy made from the drippings!
How to Store Easy, No Fuss Thanksgiving Turkey
If you have leftovers, store the turkey in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. You can also freeze the turkey, but it’s best to slice it first and store it in portions. Make sure to consume frozen turkey within three months for the best taste.
Tips to Make Easy, No Fuss Thanksgiving Turkey
- Make sure to let the turkey come to room temperature before roasting for even cooking.
- Keep a meat thermometer handy to check doneness without cutting into the turkey.
- Don’t skip the resting time; it helps the juices redistribute for a more flavorful turkey.
Variation
Feel free to experiment with different herbs based on your taste. You can also add other fruits or vegetables inside the cavity, like oranges or carrots, for extra flavor.
FAQs
1. How long does it take to cook a turkey?
Cooking time is about 13-15 minutes per pound at 325 degrees F. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the safe internal temperature of 165 degrees.
2. Can I prepare the turkey the night before?
Yes, you can prepare the turkey the night before by seasoning and stuffing it. Just cover it and refrigerate it, then bring it to room temperature before roasting.
3. What should I do with leftover turkey?
Leftover turkey can be used in salads, sandwiches, soups, or casseroles. Be creative with your leftovers to enjoy turkey in new ways!
Now you’re ready to confidently make your Easy, No Fuss Thanksgiving Turkey and enjoy a wonderful holiday with family and friends!
Easy, No Fuss Thanksgiving Turkey
Ingredients
Turkey and Stuffing
- 1 (12-20 pound) turkey* Make sure it is thawed if frozen.
- 1 piece onion, peeled and quartered
- 1 piece lemon, quartered
- 1 piece apple (your favorite kind), quartered
- 0.75 ounce container fresh rosemary*
- 0.75 ounce container fresh thyme*
- 0.75 ounce container fresh sage*
Butter and Seasoning
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 6-8 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh chopped herbs For additional flavor
Instructions
Preparation
- If the turkey is frozen: Thaw in the fridge, giving 24 hours for every 5 pounds.
- Remove the thawed turkey from the fridge 1 hour before roasting to let it come to room temperature.
- Adjust the oven rack so the turkey will sit in the center. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
- Make the herb butter by mixing the softened butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, 1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary, 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme, and 0.5 tablespoon of fresh sage.
Cooking
- Remove the turkey from its packaging and take out the neck and giblets from the cavities.
- Pat the turkey very dry with paper towels.
- Season the cavity of the turkey with salt and pepper. Stuff it with the quartered lemon, onion, apple, and leftover herbs.
- Loosen the skin above the breasts and smear a few tablespoons of the herb butter underneath.
- Tuck the wings of the turkey underneath and place it on a roasting rack inside a roasting pan.
- Microwave the remaining herb butter mixture for 30 seconds until it’s very soft. Use a basting brush to spread the herb butter all over the outside of the turkey, including the legs and wings.
- Roast at 325 degrees F for about 13-15 minutes per pound or until the internal temperature reaches about 165 degrees.
- Tent the turkey with foil halfway through cooking to protect the breast meat if needed.
- Allow the turkey to rest for 20-30 minutes before carving.
- Remember to reserve any drippings and juice from the roasting pan to make turkey gravy.