How do I thaw a frozen turkey safely?

Allow 24 hours in the fridge per 4 pounds of turkey. Cold water thawing also works but requires changing the water every 30 minutes.

Do I need to brine the turkey?

No. This recipe skips the brine without sacrificing moisture or flavor.

Can I roast a turkey a day ahead?

Yes. Cook fully, carve, and store in broth. Reheat gently in the oven with foil.

What size turkey do I need?

Plan for 1 to 1.5 pounds per guest to allow for bones and leftovers.

Why is my turkey dry?

It was likely overcooked. Always check temperature early and pull it out at 165°F.

Easy Roast Turkey - RecipeShots

Name: Easy Roast Turkey
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Whole turkey (12–14 lbs) – centerpiece of the meal; Unsalted butter – provides moisture and helps herbs adhere; Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, sage) – add earthy aroma and flavor; Garlic – infuses the turkey with savory depth; Lemon – brings brightness and balances richness; Onion – adds sweet, savory aroma from inside the cavity; Salt and black pepper – enhance and balance overall flavor

Easy Roast Turkey

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This Easy Roast Turkey recipe delivers juicy, golden, flavorful results with simple ingredients and a stress-free method—perfect for Thanksgiving or any special occasion.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 10 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Whole turkey (12–14 lbs) – centerpiece of the meal
Unsalted butter – provides moisture and helps herbs adhere
Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, sage) – add earthy aroma and flavor
Garlic – infuses the turkey with savory depth
Lemon – brings brightness and balances richness
Onion – adds sweet, savory aroma from inside the cavity
Salt and black pepper – enhance and balance overall flavor

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Instructions

Thaw turkey completely and remove giblets. Pat dry and let rest at room temperature for 30–60 minutes.
Preheat oven to 325°F.
Mix softened butter with herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Rub herb butter under the skin and over the turkey.
Stuff the cavity with lemon halves, onion wedges, and herbs.
Place turkey breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan.
Roast uncovered, basting every 45 minutes.
Increase oven to 425°F for the last 30 minutes to crisp skin.
Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thigh.
Rest turkey for 30 minutes before carving.

Notes

Use a meat thermometer for best accuracy—avoid overcooking.
Let the turkey rest before carving to retain juices.
You can use dried herbs if fresh are unavailable.
Use olive oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option.
Roast on a rack to ensure even browning and air circulation.

Find it online: https://recipeshots.com/easy-roast-turkey/