A beautiful golden-browned turkey, artistically displayed on a large platter, is the main attraction for any given Thanksgiving celebration. My Friendsgiving Feast was no exception.  However, the perceived prestige of the said bird, along with the fear of overcooking or undercooking, can intimidate even the most experienced cooks. There are several tricks or methods to avoid the cringeworthy worries often associated with cooking a large turkey. While many great cooks and chefs swear by the brining method, I find it too time consuming and messy.  I prefer to cook a turkey the same way I roast a chicken (just more cook time).

Roasted turkey is a great, lean  protein throughout the year.  So, whenever I see a turkey on sale for a good price, I buy it.  Of course we love roasted turkey for dinner, but my family especially likes “real” turkey sandwiches for lunch.

I hope you will find this recipe as easy and tasty as we do.

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Roasted Turkey

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

2 hrs 30 mins

Total Time

2 hrs 40 mins

 

Course: Main Course

Author: Magnolias & Meltdowns - Kimberly

Ingredients

• 1 12-14 Turkey (fresh or thawed)
• 1 stick butter (room temperature)
• 1 Tbs McCormick Montreal CHICKEN seasoning
• 1 tsp course black pepper
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 onion
• 1 lemon
• 1 Sprig fresh rosemary
• 2-3 cloves garlic

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350'F. 

2. Place softened butter in a small bowl and stir in pepper and Montreal and set aside.

3. Remove neck and giblets (heart, gizzard, liver) out of the turkey cavity. 

4. Place turkey neck and giblets in a small saucepan for gravy and discard the rest.  

5. Place turkey in a roasting pan and pat dry.

6. Stuff the turkey cavity with the lemon, onion, garlic and rosemary

7. Tie the turkey legs together and tuck the wings under the body.

8. Generously coat the turkey with the softened, seasoned butter.

9. Place the turkey in the pre-heated oven.

10. Cook on 325'F for 15 minutes per pound.  

Recipe Notes

• It’s best to plan for one pound of uncooked turkey per person. This allows enough for your guests plus a few leftover. 

• Cook turkey on 350'F for 15 minutes per pound.

• Your turkey is done when the temperature with a meat thermometer is 180° F in thigh and 165° F in breast or stuffing.

Photo Credit:  The Pink Peach