Roasted Turkey

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Roasted Turkey Roasted Turkey

54321 Based on 63 Reviews

Tip: Drizzle the bird with its own juices once every 30 minutes for a perfectly moist turkey!

Servings: 12 servings
Cook Time: 3 hours 30 min
Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients Add to grocery list

1 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon + 1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 turkey, 12-14 lbs, thawed if frozen
1 onion, quartered
1 head of garlic, halved crosswise
Several sprigs of fresh herbs, such as thyme, parsley, rosemary, and sage
2 bay leaves
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 can (14 1/2 oz) chicken broth
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
1/4 cup cornstarch

Directions

Preheat oven to 325 F. Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper inside turkey cavity. Place onion, garlic, herb sprigs, and bay leaves insides cavity. Place turkey breast-side up on rack in large roasting pan. brush with half of butter; sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon pepper and remaining salt. Truss, if desired.

Tent turkey with foil, roast 2 hours, 30 minutes. Remove foil, brush with remaining butter. Increase oven temperature to 425 F. Roast turkey until meat thermometer inserted into thickest part of thigh away from bone registers 180 F about 45 minutes, tenting with foil during last 15 minutes of cooking time, if browning too quickly. Let stand 15 minutes before carving.

Meanwhile, skim and discard fat from pan juices. Place roasting pan with 1 1/2 cups juices over medium heat. Add broth, chopped thyme, and remaining pepper, stirring up browned bits from bottom of the pan. Simmer 3 minutes.

Stir together cornstarch and 1/3 cup water. Strain gravy into small pot over low heat, gradually whisk in cornstarch mixture. Simmer stirring, until thickened, 2 minutes.

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Leave a Comment

Reader Comments:

54321

I am a 30 year old well educated food lover, however, I had never made a turkey. Using this recipie my first turkey was baked. My Christmas Day co workers LOVED it and could not understand I had never done this before!!! So easy and SUPER juicy smile

By Erica on January 09, 2013

54321

I am cooking a Paula Deen turkey this year I know it will wonderful!!!!!! She is awsome!

By Rose on November 19, 2012

54321

Bought a Honeysuckle frozen turkey. With this recipe, is it necessary to brine it ? Is it also necessary to baste so often since it causes oven temp changes every time the oven door is opened?

By mpcauley on November 19, 2012

54321

I have made this turkey for Thanksgiving the past two years and it was easy and tasted great. All the items you place in the cavity during cooking makes your kitchen smell awesome.

By Jackie on November 17, 2012

54321

can i use a oven roasting bag

By treasa baggett on November 16, 2012

54321

So easy! Thanks.

By Soma Sengupta on November 10, 2012

54321

I have used this for the past two Thanksgivings and it turns out wonderful. My family loves it. My sister-in-law asked for the receipe this year.

By Wendy Toole on November 08, 2012

54321

sounds good n quick

By MWRACarousel on November 07, 2012

54321

how long can I keep a turkey in freezer safe to eat?

By Anonymous on October 22, 2012

54321

Can I put this in a oven turkey bag?

By Rowena L Alsobrook on December 22, 2011

54321

Paula, I was given a 40# turkey for Christmas. Please help me cook it. I love your show very much, even my husband sits and wathes with me. Please help SOON. Pam

By Pam on December 22, 2011

54321

I've used this recipe for the past two Thanksgivings. Turned out perfect both times. I do use a breast of turkey, so it is a little difficult to get everything stuffed in the bird...but I manage to get it in there. The perfect turkey recipe. Everyone loves it! Thanks Paula!

By pacificdreamers on December 16, 2011

54321

A friend of mine made this for Thanksgiving one year and it was the BEST bird I have ever had in my life...and I am not exaggerating!

By Tammie Bowman on December 14, 2011

54321

Paula......woman you can burn! I've used your Turkey recipe two years in a row and my family LOVES it!! My wife has used several of your recipes in the past and let me say, they've all been hits. Thank you Paula!

By BigRayLuva on November 27, 2011

54321

Third time I made this.... it has a hit again! Thanks!!

By Jenny on November 26, 2011

54321

The bird turned out GREAT!!!

By Miami Girl on November 24, 2011

54321

you saved thanksgiving!..this is my fiance and i's first thanksgiving togather, and she will be soo suprised when she gets home..paula your the best!

By daniel & randi on November 24, 2011

54321

you just saved thanksgiving..my fiance and i's first thanksgiving togather, and she will be soo suprised..paula your the best!

By Anonymous on November 24, 2011

54321

This is my third Paula turkey and it's in the oven this moment.. Smells delicious! Best recipe ever smile

By Sarah Ray on November 24, 2011

54321

I tried this last year and it was a hit. I'm doing it again this year by popular demand. I thank you dearly and wish you continued success and may God continue to bless you.

By Shaniya on November 24, 2011

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