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Juicy Whole Roast Turkey

11/11/15

 This is seriously the best roasted turkey recipe ever! No Brine, No injections needed! This juicy whole roast turkey is amazing

Serve this Juicy Whole Roast Turkey for your next Thanksgiving dinner!

Everyone wants the best Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe ever, but no one wants to brine, inject, and all of that other crazy stuff. Trust me, I feel you! I’m one of those people! I refuse to waste my time on one dish, when I could be making several things! That’s why when it comes to making my thanksgiving turkey, my recipe is simple.

Stuff your turkey with butter and a bunch of goodies!

I don’t use a brine, nor do any funny injections. I simply whip up some turkey butter, stuff the turkey’s cavity with a bunch of goodies. Since my Thanksgiving turkey recipe is so easy, I don’t have to fuss over it. I can tend to other dishes such as creamy candied yams, baked mac & cheese, and down home cornbread dressing  (Oh yes darlin’, you know how I do!)

This juicy whole roasted turkey is perfect for Thanksgiving dinner.

***Remember for every 1 pound, cook the turkey for 15 minutes. For an example you have a 8 lb turkey, that will be 2 hours. Also remember to cook the turkey with the breast up!***

Also try these recipes

  • Baked Candied Yams
  • Soul Food Collard Greens
  • Southern Pecan Pie
  • Sweet Potato Pie

Watch the tutorial


Whole Turkey
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Thanksgiving Turkey

This Thanksgiving Turkey recipe is a crowd-pleaser! It's juicy, moist and buttery with no injections or brine necessary. It will take center stage at any holiday meal! 
Course Dinner
Cuisine holiday
Keyword Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 35 minutes
Servings 16 -20
Author I Heart Recipes

Ingredients

  • 13 lb Whole Turkey everything removed from cavity
  • 8 tbsp salted butter softened (not margarine)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp ground sage
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 4 large stalks of celery roughly chopped
  • 2 large carrots peeled & chopped
  • 1 bunch of Italian parsley
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 2 large oranges sliced
  • 2 large granny smith apple sliced
  • 1 large lemon sliced
  • 5-6 sprigs of thyme

Instructions

  • First things first. Make sure that you thoroughly wash all of the fruit, veggies, and herbs prior to anything else. Then set to the side.
  • Preheat the oven on 350 F.
  • Clean the turkey. Make sure that the cavity is emptied, and all of the excess skin if trimmed.
  • In a medium sized mixing bowl, toss in the softened butter.
  • Sprinkle in the onion powder, garlic powder, sage, salt, and pepper.
  • Mix everything until it is nice and cream.
  • Loosing up the turkey skin by using a spatula.
  • Make sure that the skin is loose enough to place your hands underneath.
  • Divid the butter mixture in half.
  • Rub half of the butter mixture under the turkey skin, and in the cavity.
  • Stuff as much of the mixed veggies, herbs, and fruit into the turkey cavity.
  • Toss the remaining apples, celery, and etc in the bottom of your roaster pan.
  • Once the turkey is stuffed, tie the legs with butcher string.
  • Paint the turkey with the remain butter.
  • Make sure that you get all surfaces, sides, and the bottom.
  • Next place the turkey on a rack, and place it into the roaster. If you don't have a rack you can put the turkey in the center of the fruits, veggies, and herbs.
  • Put turkey in the oven, on the lower rack, uncovered for 1 hour.
  • Remove the turkey from the oven and baste.
  • Cover the turkey with foil, and cook for another 2 hours and 15 minutes. Remove and baste every hour.
  • Once the turkey is done, remove it from the oven, baste, cover, and let rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour before serving.
  • Enjoy!

Video

 Try these recipes as well!

This oven baked corn-on-the-cob makes a great side dish.

Oven Baked Corn on the Cob


This green bean casserole is a classic Thanksgiving side dish.

Green Bean Casserole


This Southern Broccoli Casserole is a rich and comforting treat!

Southern Broccoli Casserole


This corn pudding casserole is creamy and perfect for any party.

Corn Pudding Casserole


These creamy mashed potatoes are decadent served with butter.

 Creamy Mashed Potatoes


These baked candied yams are a tasty side dish for the holidays.

Baked Candied Yams


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Filed Under: All Posts, Holiday Recipes, Thanksgiving Recipes, Turkey Recipes Tagged With: holiday, Thanksgiving, thanksgiving recipe, turkey

Comments

  1. Jennifer Islam says

    November 13, 2015 at 12:45 am

    5 stars
    Hi Rosie, I watched your video yesterday and followed the directions but I used a roasting chicken to practice on before Thanksgiving. I have used a seasoned butter before but never tried stuffing the bird with fruits and veggies. Thanks for the great recipe. The flavors from the herbs and fruit gave my chicken great flavor. Love your recipes. Have a great Thanksgiving.

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      November 15, 2015 at 5:32 pm

      Thanks so much for giving the recipe a run!

      Reply
      • vanessa says

        November 16, 2016 at 5:24 pm

        I am going to use your recipe because it looks absolutely delicious … however I am using a 22lb turkey can you advise me on the amount of the Ingredients for this sized turkey.

        Reply
        • Rosie says

          November 16, 2016 at 9:08 pm

          I think you can get away with doubling the ingredients. XOXO

          Reply
      • Anthony says

        November 23, 2019 at 6:26 am

        Rosie, thank you so much for all that you do!! You just made my holiday recipes so much easier.

        Thanks again

        Reply
  2. Shirley says

    November 23, 2015 at 4:40 am

    I also did a dry run of this with a chicken. My 19 yo told me it was “amazing”. That’s 10 stars! Thanks for the recipe. Will definitely be using this for Thanksgiving turkey.

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      November 23, 2015 at 4:45 pm

      THanks for giving it a try!

      Reply
  3. Nene says

    September 4, 2016 at 5:51 pm

    Hi Rosie! I have a quick question. Are you using a toaster oven like the one you plug into the wall or a roaster pan inside of the actual oven? Thank you in advance. PS I love your recipes! All of them

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      September 4, 2016 at 9:00 pm

      Hi Nene! I used a actual oven.

      Reply
  4. Veronica Gullet says

    November 9, 2016 at 7:13 pm

    Gurllllll your recipes are EVERYTHANG!!!!!! I’m so glad I found your blog. I cannot wait to start cooking for Thanksgiving. The green beans in the oven………..Yep definitely trying that!!!!!! I will let you know how everything turns out!!!!! Girl you are the truth!!!!! And yes I will be making the deep fried Cornish hens. I’m just hungry. Lol

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      November 9, 2016 at 9:10 pm

      Hi Veronica! Glad that you found my blog. Enjoy the green beans! XOXO

      Reply
  5. Dana says

    November 22, 2016 at 2:19 pm

    Hello Rosie, thanks for allowing my family to enjoy dinner time. You have truly made cooking FUN and delicious. I have a quick question… what are the ingredients and measurements for your turkey butter? I cant find it on your blog.

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      November 22, 2016 at 8:35 pm

      Hi Dana. Unfortunately that recipe isn’t available at this time.

      Reply
  6. Kelly Moore says

    November 22, 2016 at 7:08 pm

    Hi Rosie,
    I’m using an electric roasting oven and won’t be able to take the top off while it’s cooking. Any suggestions ?

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      November 23, 2016 at 7:12 pm

      Unfortunately, I do not have a suggestion.

      Reply
  7. Freda Atkins says

    December 7, 2016 at 5:18 pm

    Hello Rosie,

    I’m going to use this recipe on a hen for Christmas. But can I cook my hen in a slow cooker with this recipe versus the oven?

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      December 8, 2016 at 10:20 pm

      Hi Freda, you can try that.

      Reply
  8. Karen says

    October 9, 2017 at 4:32 am

    Can you use the drippings to make gravy?

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      October 9, 2017 at 10:16 am

      Absolutely 🙂

      Reply
  9. Nadi says

    November 22, 2017 at 3:01 pm

    This is going to be the third Thanksgiving with the recipe of your Turkey, collard greens and candied yams. I just want to Thank you so much for sharing it! Happy Thanksgiving <3

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      November 22, 2017 at 3:03 pm

      Hi Nadi!! Thank YOU for using my recipes! Happy Holidays!

      Reply
  10. Wizgal says

    November 28, 2017 at 7:37 pm

    5 stars
    Love Turkey breast. It’s just myself and daughter now. I would like to cook just a turkey breast. How can I adapt this recipe since I don’t want to cook a whole bird?

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      November 29, 2017 at 6:44 pm

      You make a bed with the herbs, veggies, and etc, then place the breast on top. Cooking time depends on the size on breast 🙂

      Reply
  11. Will says

    December 24, 2017 at 11:14 pm

    5 stars
    Rosie your turkey recipe worked great!! I know you know the way to man’s heart. Say you single. Please, please!!

    Reply
  12. Parissa Riggs says

    November 19, 2018 at 4:11 pm

    Hi there. I’m using your recipe this Thanksgiving but have a 15-18 lb. Turkey. How should I adjust the cook time?

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      November 19, 2018 at 4:14 pm

      Absolutely! You will need to cook it longer.

      Reply
  13. Parissa Riggs says

    November 20, 2018 at 2:57 am

    5 stars
    Hi there. I’m using your recipe this Thanksgiving but have a 15-18 lb. Turkey. Obviously, I’ll use more ingredients but how should I adjust the cooking time?

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      November 21, 2018 at 8:28 pm

      Add an additional 15 minutes for every pound.

      Reply
  14. Sherona Chuks says

    November 24, 2019 at 7:16 am

    5 stars
    Hi Rosie, I’m a foreigner I however have never made Thanksgiving food before but I’m going to do it this year all because of your recipes. I have 1 question though, will the fruits leave the Turkey with a citrusy flavor?
    Thank you

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      November 27, 2019 at 8:03 am

      Hi there. Yes, there is a citrus taste.

      Reply
  15. Christian says

    November 9, 2020 at 9:11 am

    Hi Rosie, I purchased your book and I love it! So proud of you!!

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      November 9, 2020 at 11:09 am

      Thank you!

      Reply
  16. Natalia says

    November 18, 2020 at 1:34 pm

    Rosie,
    This will be my first time making a turkey 🙁 Is it safe to prep with all the seasonings
    and refrigerate overnight before baking?

    Natalia

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      November 18, 2020 at 4:19 pm

      Absolutely ❤️

      Reply

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