Description
This juicy oven-roasted turkey is seasoned with a simple dry brine, infused with fresh herbs, and roasted until golden and crispy—no basting required. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any holiday celebration, this foolproof recipe guarantees tender meat and gorgeous presentation every time.
Ingredients
1 whole turkey (12–14 pounds), fresh or fully thawed
3 tablespoons kosher salt
1 tablespoon baking powder
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
2 shallots, halved
6 garlic cloves, smashed
1 lemon, halved
6–8 sprigs fresh thyme
4 sprigs fresh sage
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
3 tablespoons neutral oil (canola or vegetable)
Instructions
Dry Brine: Pat the turkey dry. Mix salt, baking powder, and pepper, then rub the mixture all over the skin and under the breast skin if possible. Place the turkey uncovered in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours (up to 48).
Prep the Aromatics: Stuff the cavity with shallots, garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs.
Brush & Position: Brush the turkey all over with neutral oil. Tuck the wings under and place on a roasting rack inside a large roasting pan.
Roast Hot, Then Lower: Preheat the oven to 450°F. Roast the turkey for 30 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and continue roasting until the breast registers 155°F and the thighs reach 165°F (about 3–3 ½ hours total).
Rest the Turkey: Remove from the oven and tent loosely with foil. Rest at least 45 minutes before carving.
Carve & Serve: Carve into breast, thigh, and drumstick portions. Garnish with herbs and citrus slices before serving.
Notes
Dry Brine Tip: This method produces the crispiest skin and juiciest meat—no need for basting.
Make-Ahead: Dry brine the turkey up to 2 days in advance.
Leftovers: Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Serving Size Estimate: A 12–14 pound turkey serves about 10–12 people.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 320kcl
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg
Keywords: oven roasted turkey, Thanksgiving turkey recipe, holiday turkey, juicy roast turkey