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Easy, Fuss-Free Roast Turkey

roast turkey on a platter with vegetables and herbs
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Follow this easy recipe for a fuss-free roast turkey that’s easy to fix and perfectly roasted. Gravy included!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 whole turkey, about 16 to 18 pounds
  • 6 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried crushed rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Fresh herbs, optional

For the Gravy

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter or all or part drippings from the roasting pan
  • 1/3 cup flour
  • 4 cups turkey or chicken stock
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Adjust the oven rack to the lowest position and preheat to 325 F (convection is great if possible). Place a rack in a roasting pan and set aside.
  2. Remove the giblets from the turkey and set aside to make broth or discard. Place the turkey on the rack in the roasting pan.
  3. Loosen the skin over the turkey breast and spread 2 tablespoons of the butter under the skin. Tuck the wings under the turkey and tie the legs together if they are not already secured.
  4. Combine the salt, rosemary, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper; rub all over the turkey. If desired, add a handful of fresh herbs to the cavity.
  5. Melt 4 tablespoons of butter and drizzle over the turkey.
  6. Roast the turkey in the preheated oven for about 2 hours then untie the legs to expose the thighs to the heat. Continue roasting for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, until the temperature reaches at least 165 on an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a thigh. Check for overbrowning and tent with foil if necessary.
  7. To make the gravy, melt 4 tablespoons of butter and/or drippings in a medium saucepan. Whisk in 1/3 cup of flour and cook, stirring, until golden, about 4 minutes. Slowly whisk in 4 cups of turkey or chicken broth—you may use broth made with the giblets (see below). Simmer over low heat for 10 minutes until reduced slightly and thickened.

Find it online: https://classic-recipes.com/roast-turkey-recipe/