A magnificent, golden-brown roast turkey on a platter, ready to be carved for a Christmas dinner.

🇺🇸Classic Roast Turkey

Published by RecipeNest

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Description

This classic roast turkey recipe ensures a juicy, flavorful bird that is the perfect centerpiece for any Christmas or Thanksgiving feast. The key is to generously season the turkey inside and out and to roast it to the perfect internal temperature. This recipe includes instructions for a simple herb butter that bastes the turkey as it roasts, resulting in moist meat and crispy, golden-brown skin.

A Taste of History

The turkey is native to North America and was a staple for indigenous peoples. The tradition of eating turkey for Thanksgiving is often linked to the first Thanksgiving feast in 1621, though historical accounts suggest venison was more likely the centerpiece. By the mid-19th century, roast turkey had become the traditional main course for both Thanksgiving and Christmas in the United States, a symbol of abundance and celebration.

Prep Time

30 minutes

Cook Time

3 hours

Total Time

3 hours 30 minutes

Difficulty

Medium

Skills

Roasting

Kitchen

Average

Ingredients & Nutrition

500 kcal

Calories

65 g

Protein

25 g

Fat

2 g

Carbs

0 g

Fiber

1 g

Sugar

400 mg

Sodium

New Feature: We're excited to introduce our nutrition calculator! Please treat these values as an estimate, as they are auto-calculated. For specific dietary needs, consulting a professional is always recommended.

Equipment

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  • Roasting Pan
  • Meat Thermometer
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Instruction visual for Classic Roast Turkey

Instructions

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