How long should I roast my turkey?

A stuffed turkey cooks at about 15 minutes per pound at 350°F and an unstuffed turkey at 12 minutes per pound. Take your turkey out of the oven when the temperature taken in the thickest part of the breast and thigh reaches 165°F.

How long does it take to defrost a turkey?

A turkey defrosts at 24 hours for every 5 pounds of turkey. So a 15 pound turkey would need 3 days. I usually give myself an extra day to make sure it's completely defrosted. A defrosted turkey can stay in the fridge for up to 3 - 4 days.

How do you carve a turkey?

To carve your turkey, use a large sharp knife (you don't need a carving knife). Here's a quick video showing where to cut from the Culinary Institute of America: How To Carve a Turkey .

Classic Roast Turkey Recipe (5 Easy Steps)

Description

This easy, classic roast turkey recipe is a simple, fail-proof way to cook a turkey that comes out juicy and flavorful every time in only 5 steps. The turkey is rubbed with a traditional mix of herbs and then oven roasted until golden brown. It's impressive, delicious, and beginner-friendly.

Ingredients

Scale

1 (12-22 pound) turkey
2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)
1 yellow onion, quartered
1 lemon, halved

Seasonings:

2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
2 teaspoons ground sage
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoons dried thyme
1 teaspoons dried rosemary
1 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Prepare the oven: move an oven rack to the lowest position possible. Preheat the oven to 350°F degrees.
Prepare the turkey: take the turkey out of the packaging. Remove the neck & giblets from the inside cavity. Pat dry with paper towels. Stuff with onion and lemon. Tuck the wings under the body and tie the legs with twine (optional).
Add seasoning: Rub turkey with 2 tablespoons of olive oil (or butter). mix the seasonings and rub it all over the turkey, adding some under the skin and in the inner cavity if desired.
Roast: cook your turkey in a roasting pan in the preheated oven for 13-15 minutes per pound. Tent loosely with foil if it becomes too brown. The turkey is done when the temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the breast and the thigh.
Rest & serve: remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 20-30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Roasting pan: any roasting pan will do; but a roasting pan fitted with a rack will help keep your turkey lifted above any drippings. Here's our favorite: Roasting Pan.
Carving: here's a quick tutorial on how to carve a turkey: Carving Tutorial.
Thermometer: an instant-read thermometer is easiest. Here's our favorite: Instant Read Thermometer.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours - 5.5 hours
Category: Dinner
Method: Oven Roasted
Cuisine: American

Keywords: thankgiving, turkey, roast, seasoning, holiday, christmas, rub