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Thanksgiving Roast Turkey

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This Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey by Ree Drummond is the perfect centerpiece for your holiday table. Juicy, flavorful, and golden brown, it uses a simple butter and rosemary-orange zest rub after slow roasting to lock in moisture and flavor.

  • Author: Tina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 hours
  • Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 16 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

1 whole turkey (about 20 pounds), brined if desired

½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened

1 whole orange (for zest)

2 sprigs fresh rosemary, leaves stripped and minced

1 tsp salt

1 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 275°F.
  2. If brining, rinse turkey under cold water and soak in fresh cold water for 15–20 minutes. Pat dry and place on a roasting rack in a pan, breast-side up. Tie legs together with kitchen twine.
  3. Cover the pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil, tucking it under the pan. Roast at 275°F for 10 minutes per pound (about 3.5 hours for a 20 lb bird).
  4. Meanwhile, use a vegetable peeler to remove strips of orange peel and slice thinly. Mix with softened butter, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
  5. After initial roasting, remove turkey and foil. Smear rosemary-orange butter over the entire surface and crevices of the turkey.
  6. Increase oven temperature to 350°F. Insert a meat thermometer into the thigh. Return turkey to the oven and roast, basting every 30 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F–168°F (about 1.5–2 hours more).
  7. Remove from oven, loosely tent with foil, and let rest 15–20 minutes before carving. Save pan juices for gravy!

Notes

  • Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and keep meat juicy.
  • Roasting unstuffed ensures better airflow, faster cooking, and food safety.
  • Resting the turkey after roasting keeps juices inside for tender meat.
  • Great for leftovers: sandwiches, soups, and casseroles!

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cheftinaskitchen.com/thanksgiving-roast-turkey/