Introduction: Perfect Roast Turkey

About: Author at www.theviewfrom8600ft.com. I just stumbled upon instructables and I love it!

Making your first Roasted Turkey is intimidating, especially on Thanksgiving, but it really doesn't have to be.  I have, in my opinion, the best recipe for How to roast the Perfect Turkey, so it comes out super flavorful, moist and golden brown every time.  It's very easy to get a photo worthy, impressive turkey, and it only requires a few ingredients.  There are a million different ways that people swear to for a perfect bird, but this is my favorite.

Here is what you will need:

12-14 pound turkey

1 stick Butter

1 Lemon

1 whole head of Garlic, cut in half

1 small bunch Thyme, divided

1 small bunch Rosemary

1 small bunch Sage

1 Onion, quartered

Salt and Pepper

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees.

Melt 3/4 of the stick of butter in a small saucepan with the zest and juice of 1 lemon, and 1 teaspoon of chopped thyme.

take the giblets out of the turkey and wash the inside and out.  Salt and Pepper the cavity.  Pat the outside of the turkey dry and place in your roasting pan.  Ok, this is the gross part... Starting from the cavity side, Slide your fingers in between the skin and the meat gently separate the skin from the meat, being careful not to tear the skin.  Take the remaining 1/4 stick of butter and cut it up into small pieces, you can get about 12 little cubes out of it.  Spread out the cubes of butter under the skin, right on the meat.

Stuff the Turkey with your onion, lemon and garlic, and tied up herb bundles.

Then brush the melted butter mixture all over the bird, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.   Tuck the wings underneath the body of the turkey and secure the legs together with twine.

Roast the turkey for about 2 1/2 hours or until the internal temperature is exactly 161 degrees.  If you have a  thermometer that you can stick in the bird, and it will beep when it's done, this is the time to use it.   If your turkey is golden brown, but not cooked fully, cover it with foil until it reaches temperature.  When it's done, cover your turkey and let it rest for 20 minutes.  Carve it up and serve!


Check out this delicious recipe and more with step-by-step instructions at www.theviewfrom8600ft.com!
While you're there, check out my Family Style Thanksgiving Menu for some great side dishes and deserts to go along with this lovely Roasted Turkey!

Loaded Cheesy Scalloped Carrots

Sausage, Apple and Pecan Stuffing

Skinny Sweet Potato Casserole