Go Back
–+ servings
Garlic Thanksgiving Turkey

Garlic Thanksgiving Turkey

This Garlic Thanksgiving Turkey is a flavorful centerpiece, combining roasted garlic, fresh herbs, and zesty lemon for an unforgettable feast.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 5 hours
Servings: 10 servings
Course: Main Dishes
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Turkey
  • 12 to 18 lb Turkey Fully thawed for even cooking
  • 1 Onion Quartered
  • 1 Lemon Quartered
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Rosemary Chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Thyme Chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Sage Chopped
  • 2 tablespoon Kosher Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Fresh Ground Black Pepper
For the Herb Butter
  • ¾ cup Unsalted Butter Softened
  • 4 cloves Garlic Minced
  • 1 tablespoon Kosher Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Chopped Fresh Rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon Chopped Fresh Thyme
For the Vegetable Base
  • 1 large Onion Quartered
  • 2 stalks Celery Chopped
  • 2 medium Carrots Chopped

Equipment

  • roasting pan
  • Meat Thermometer
  • Mixing Bowl
  • paper towels

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Garlic Thanksgiving Turkey
  1. Remove the thawed turkey from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 1 hour.
  2. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
  3. Pat the turkey dry and season the cavity with kosher salt and black pepper.
  4. Stuff the turkey’s cavity with quartered onion, lemon, and sprigs of rosemary, thyme, and sage.
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter with minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, rosemary, and thyme.
  6. Loosen the skin of the turkey and rub a portion of the herb butter underneath.
  7. Rub the remaining herb butter all over the outside of the turkey.
  8. Place quartered onion, chopped celery, and chopped carrots in the bottom of a roasting pan.
  9. Place the turkey breast side up on top of the vegetables and tuck the wing tips underneath.
  10. Roast the turkey for about 15 minutes per pound, checking internal temperature.
  11. Let the turkey rest covered with aluminum foil for 30 minutes before carving.
  12. Carve the turkey and serve it with pan juices.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 420kcalProtein: 56gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 500mgVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 1mgIron: 5mg

Notes

This Garlic Thanksgiving Turkey is perfect anytime you want a comforting feast beyond the traditional menu. Saving pan juices is recommended for making gravy.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!