Recipe Courtesy of Paula DeenTip: 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
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
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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Can I put this in a oven turkey bag?
By Rowena L Alsobrook on December 22, 2011
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
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
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
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
Third time I made this.... it has a hit again! Thanks!!
By Jenny on November 26, 2011
The bird turned out GREAT!!!
By Miami Girl on November 24, 2011
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
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
This is my third Paula turkey and it's in the oven this moment.. Smells delicious! Best recipe ever ![]()
By Sarah Ray on November 24, 2011
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
the most moist bird I've ever roasted...I must admit that I added a quarted granny smith apple since I love the touch of flavor it adds to it.Also I rub my bird w/ a mixture of evoo,herbs,honey and spices...but Paula's recipe rocks.Timming is perrrrrfect too!!! the easiest bird I've ever roasted...Thanks for sharing your cooking tips!we just love ya and your boys in the kitchen....
By MMML on November 23, 2011
This turkey is the best ever! This is my second year cooking it and I will use the recipe exactly! Thanks Paula! The Hoffmans
By Mary on November 23, 2011
trying out youre roasted turkey recipe wish me luck =0) thanks for the recipe
By tamm on November 23, 2011
why does the picture show a turkey with stuffing?? When we dont put stuffing in it right? Do we add it after or something??
By E on November 21, 2011
The Strickland's in my family originated from Alabama. We grew up on Southern cooking, even after my mom & dad moved to Mo., we still ate Southern foods. I give my sisters a subscription to your magazine every Christmas. It doesn't cost much & it truly makes their day !!!!! You are an inspriation to all us girls. WE LOVE YA !!!! Hope you & your family have a Happy Thanksgiving & A Very Merry Christmas. Rai Jean, Annette, Sherry & Toni
By Annette Strickland on November 20, 2011
I love your show. I don't miss a day. I have learned alot from your show and others. You have a nice family. Happy Holiday! to you and yours. I'm fixing my turkey just the way you do. Barb
By Barbara Graeff on November 16, 2011
I made this Roasted Turkey last year for Thanksgiving and it was a hit. I plan on making it again this year. It has so much flavor and is real juicy. Thank You, Paula!!
By Kathleen on November 13, 2011
hey nice show my moms a big fan nice food!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By matthew sterling on November 11, 2011
Love your cooking,you are real.I have been cooking since I was 11.Use a lot of natural spices and herbs I could relate to your recipes because you have the best flavours, you need the best stew oxtail ,drop me a line.
By Cherylann Hernandez on November 09, 2011
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Join Paula, Bobby and Jamie for a book signing at the Lady and Sons restaurant in Savannah from 2 to 4 pm.
Join Paula, Bobby and Jamie for a book signing at Uncle Bubba’s Oyster House in Savannah from 10 am to 12 pm.
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