Description
This Juicy Roast Turkey recipe delivers a perfectly cooked, flavorful turkey that’s sure to impress your guests. Using simple seasonings and a two-stage roasting method ensures a crispy skin and tender meat every time. Ideal for holiday dinners or special occasions, this recipe guides you through preparing and roasting an 18-pound bird to juicy perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Turkey
- 18 pounds whole turkey, defrosted
Seasoning
- 0.5 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the turkey: Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey cavity, then thoroughly pat the turkey dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy skin during roasting.
- Adjust your roaster: Remove the rack from your roaster oven to create enough space for the whole turkey to fit comfortably.
- Position the bird: Place the turkey breast side up inside the roaster, making sure it’s stable and well positioned for even cooking.
- Season the turkey: Generously rub the softened unsalted butter all over the turkey’s skin and inside the cavity if desired. Then, sprinkle kosher salt and coarse ground black pepper evenly over the entire surface of the turkey to enhance flavor and develop a delicious crust.
- Start cooking: Cover the roaster and cook the turkey at 400°F for the first 30 minutes. This initial high heat helps to brown the skin and lock in juices.
- Lower the heat and continue roasting: Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F, cover the roaster again, and cook the turkey for an additional 3.5 to 4 hours. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh for safe consumption and optimal juiciness.
Notes
- Ensure the turkey is fully thawed before cooking for even roasting.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature to avoid overcooking.
- Let the turkey rest for at least 20 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Butter is unsalted to better control the salt level; feel free to adjust seasoning to taste.
- Covering the turkey during roasting helps to retain moisture and tenderness.
