Description
A simple guide to roasting a juicy, flavorful turkey with the perfect cooking time based on weight.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 whole turkey (10–14 lbs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage)
- 1 onion, quartered
- 1 lemon, halved
- 4 garlic cloves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
- Rub the skin with olive oil or butter.
- Season generously with salt, pepper, and herbs.
- Stuff the cavity with onion, lemon, and garlic.
- Place turkey breast-side up in a roasting pan.
- Roast for 15 minutes per pound, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Baste every 45 minutes with pan juices.
- Rest turkey for 20–30 minutes before carving.
Notes
General rule: 15 minutes per pound at 325°F. Use a meat thermometer for best accuracy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 48g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: turkey, thanksgiving, roast, poultry, holiday, cooking time