Roast Turkey Recipe

Impress your guests with a classic Christmas dinner featuring a succulent roast turkey, served with all the traditional holiday sides. Follow this step-by-step guide to make your holiday feast truly memorable.

Ingredients:

1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds)
1 cup butter, softened
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon ground black pepper
1 onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups of your favorite stuffing
For the stuffing: (ingredients can vary based on preference)
- 2 cups diced bread cubes
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
Remove the neck and giblets from the turkey cavity, then rinse and pat dry.
In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the turkey, inside and out.
Place the chopped onion and minced garlic into the turkey cavity.
Fill the turkey with your favorite stuffing. You can use a pre-made stuffing mix or create your own by combining the listed ingredients.
Use kitchen twine to tie the legs together and secure the wings close to the body of the turkey.
Place the turkey in a roasting pan, cover with aluminum foil, and roast in the preheated oven for about 3 to 3.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes to allow the skin to brown and crisp up.
Once done, let the turkey rest for about 20 minutes before carving and serving.

Tips for a Perfect Turkey:

Q: How do I choose the right-sized turkey for my Christmas dinner?
A: Consider about 1 to 1.5 pounds of turkey per person, depending on desired leftovers. So, for 8 people, a 12-14 pound turkey is a good choice.
Q: Can I use a different stuffing recipe?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to customize the stuffing with your favorite ingredients, like dried fruits, nuts, or herbs.
Q: How do I prevent the turkey from drying out?
A: Basting the turkey with pan juices during roasting can add extra flavor and keep the meat moist.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve the roast turkey with classic holiday sides such as mashed potatoes, homemade gravy, cranberry sauce, roasted vegetables, and dinner rolls. Don’t forget a glass of your favorite wine or sparkling cider to toast to a wonderful Christmas feast!