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Garlic Thanksgiving Turkey

Garlic Thanksgiving Turkey for a Juicy Holiday Feast

This Garlic Thanksgiving Turkey is a juicy and flavorful centerpiece perfect for holiday gatherings.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 3 hours
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Turkey
  • 1 whole turkey (12 to 18 lb) fully thawed
  • 3 tbsp kosher salt adjust for density
  • 1 tsp fresh ground black pepper
For the Aromatics
  • 1 whole onion quartered
  • 1 whole lemon or orange
  • 1 bundle fresh rosemary sub with thyme if unavailable
  • 1 bundle fresh thyme use fresh
  • 1 bundle fresh sage
For the Herb Butter
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
For the Roasting Bed
  • 3 ribs celery chopped
  • 2 whole carrots sliced

Equipment

  • Roasting pan
  • meat thermometer
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Prepare the turkey by allowing it to sit at room temperature for 1 hour. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and pat the turkey dry.
  2. Season the cavity of the turkey with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper.
  3. Stuff the cavity with quartered onion, lemon, and a mix of fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage.
  4. Make the herb butter by combining softened butter, minced garlic, and your chosen herbs.
  5. Apply herb butter under the turkey skin, especially around the breast, and then coat the surface with the remaining butter.
  6. Create a roasting bed in your pan with quartered onion, chopped celery, and sliced carrots.
  7. Place the turkey on the vegetable bed and roast for about 15 minutes per pound until the internal temperature reaches 158°-160°F.
  8. Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 30 minutes before carving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 50gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 140mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 8mg

Notes

This recipe is gluten-free and can be prepared ahead to make your Thanksgiving celebration stress-free.

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