Thanksgiving is a special time filled with family, friends, and delicious food. One dish that often takes center stage is the turkey. Making a turkey might seem complicated, but with this Easy Thanksgiving Turkey recipe, you’ll find it is simple and rewarding. Whether you are a first-time cook or a seasoned chef, this recipe can help you create a perfect turkey that everyone will love.
Why make this recipe
This Easy Thanksgiving Turkey recipe is perfect for anyone looking to simplify their holiday cooking without sacrificing flavor. With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can serve a juicy, flavorful turkey that will impress your guests and make your Thanksgiving memorable. Plus, it is versatile enough to adapt to your taste!
How to prepare Easy Thanksgiving Turkey
Getting ready to cook your turkey is easy and quick. Follow these simple steps to ensure that your turkey comes out great every time.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole turkey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Herbs (such as thyme or rosemary)
Steps:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
- Rub the turkey with olive oil, and season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and herbs.
- Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a roasting pan.
- Roast in the oven for about 13-15 minutes per pound, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Let the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes before carving.
- Serve and enjoy!
How to serve Easy Thanksgiving Turkey
When it’s time to serve your turkey, carve it into slices and arrange them on a large platter. You can add some fresh herbs or citrus slices for decoration. Pair the turkey with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce for a complete Thanksgiving meal.
How to store Easy Thanksgiving Turkey
If you have leftover turkey, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for up to four days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure it is wrapped well to prevent freezer burn.
Tips to make Easy Thanksgiving Turkey perfectly
- Always let the turkey rest after cooking. This helps keep the meat juicy.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for perfect doneness.
- For extra flavor, you can brine the turkey beforehand or stuff it with aromatics like onions or apples.
Variations
Feel free to get creative with your seasonings! Add paprika for a smoky flavor, or use different herbs to change the taste. You can also try adding a little lemon juice or white wine to the olive oil for zest.
FAQ
1. How long does it take to cook a turkey?
It generally takes about 13-15 minutes per pound at 325°F (165°C).
2. Should I cover my turkey while cooking?
You can loosely cover it with foil during the first part of cooking to prevent over-browning. Remove the foil for the last 30-45 minutes to achieve a nice golden skin.
3. What should I do with leftover turkey?
There are many options! You can make turkey sandwiches, soups, or even casseroles. Get creative with your leftovers!
Now you are ready to tackle cooking your Easy Thanksgiving Turkey. With this guide, you’ll have a delicious centerpiece for your Thanksgiving feast that everyone will enjoy!
Easy Thanksgiving Turkey
A simple and rewarding recipe for a juicy Thanksgiving turkey that will impress your guests.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 180 minutes
- Total Time: 200 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Ingredients
- 1 whole turkey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Herbs (such as thyme or rosemary)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
- Rub the turkey with olive oil, and season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and herbs.
- Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a roasting pan.
- Roast in the oven for about 13-15 minutes per pound, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Let the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes before carving.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Let the turkey rest after cooking for juicier meat. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 50g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Thanksgiving, turkey, holiday recipe, main dish