Perfect Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe for Your Holiday Feast

Thanksgiving Turkey — a american recipe (main course) with 13 ingredients. Source: edamam.com.

Medium
Updated March 20, 2026

260

Total Time (min)

18

servings

413

Calories/serving

Medium

Difficulty

Perfect Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe for Your Holiday Feast

Ingredients

Servings:
18
  • 1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs) (Thawed if frozen)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (Softened)
  • 2 tablespoons salt (For brining and seasoning)
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper (Freshly ground)
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 2 cups chicken broth (Low sodium recommended)
  • 1 cup celery, chopped (For stuffing)
  • 1 cup onion, chopped (For stuffing)
  • 1 cup carrots, chopped (For stuffing)
  • 2 cups bread crumbs (For stuffing)

Instructions

6 steps

  1. Preheat the Oven

    Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).

    Make sure the oven is fully preheated for even cooking.
  2. Prepare the Turkey

    Remove the turkey giblets and pat the turkey dry with paper towels.

    A dry turkey skin will yield a crispier roast.
  3. Season the Turkey

    Rub the softened butter all over the turkey and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and rosemary.

    Get under the skin for maximum flavor.
  4. Stuff the Turkey (Optional)

    If using, stuff the turkey cavity with the prepared stuffing mixture.

    Do not overstuff; it needs space to cook.
  5. Roast the Turkey

    Place the turkey in a roasting pan and pour chicken broth into the bottom. Roast for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

    Baste the turkey every 30 minutes for added moisture.
  6. Rest the Turkey

    Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving.

    Resting allows the juices to redistribute.

💡 Tips & Tricks

Health: Sugar-Conscious, Keto-Friendly, Gluten-Free, Wheat-Free, Egg-Free, Peanut-Free. Diet: High-Protein, Low-Carb

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 3 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

What to Serve With

Complete your american meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Coleslaw
🍽️French fries or baked potatoes
🍽️Corn on the cob

About This Dish

Perfect Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe for Your Holiday Feast is a beloved dish from American cuisine. With a total preparation time of about 260 minutes, it is a rewarding project for when you have extra time in the kitchen.

American cuisine is a melting pot of flavors and traditions from around the world, shaped by the diverse cultures that make up the nation. From hearty comfort food to innovative modern dishes.

This recipe is rated medium difficulty and uses 13 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cook the turkey approximately 13-15 minutes per pound at 325°F.

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Nutrition Facts

18 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories350kcal
Total Fat28gg
Sodium800mgmg
Total Carbohydrates0gg
Dietary Fiber0gg
Total Sugars0gg
Protein25gg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisineAmerican