How to Cook a Thanksgiving Turkey

By Feelgoodfoodie · 270 min

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Take the thawed turkey out of the fridge 1 hour before roasting so it comes to room temperature. Remove the neck and giblets from the cavity and set them aside.
2. Place the turkey breast side up in the roasting pan. Pat the outside and inside dry with paper towels. Stuff the cavity with the quartered onion, chopped celery and chopped carrot.
3. Tuck the wing tips under the bird. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine or dental floss.
4. Season the inside and outside of the turkey generously with the 2 tablespoons salt and 1 tablespoon black pepper.
5. Melt the 4 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the 6 rosemary sprigs and the ¼ cup fresh sage leaves and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Use tongs to remove the herbs and place them inside the turkey.
6. Brush the melted butter over the entire turkey, including the sides. Rub some butter under the skin with your hands.
7. Roast uncovered for 15 minutes per pound, about 3 hours and 45 minutes for a 15-pound turkey. It is done when a thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F to 170°F.
8. Remove from the oven and rest for 15 to 20 minutes before carving.

Summarized from Feelgoodfoodie's video. Watch it for the details.