Baked Turkey
Baked turkey is the centerpiece of any festive gathering, enveloping your home with its delightful aroma. This juicy and tender dish, perfectly seasoned and roasted to golden perfection, will elevate your holiday celebrations or cozy weeknight dinners. With minimal effort, you can create a mouthwatering turkey that promises to impress your family and friends. Whether served with traditional sides or transformed into delicious leftovers, this baked turkey recipe is an experience you won’t forget.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: Approximately 3 hours
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves up to 10 people
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Thaw the turkey completely if frozen (about 1 day per 4 lbs in the fridge). Pat dry with paper towels.
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Rub the turkey with olive oil, salt, pepper, and minced garlic both inside and out.
- Stuff the cavity with fresh herbs and lemon halves for added flavor.
- Place the turkey in a roasting pan and bake for about 13-15 minutes per pound.
- Baste occasionally with pan juices for moisture.
- Check doneness using a meat thermometer; it should read at least 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the thigh.
- Let it rest before carving to retain juices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 oz (85g)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg