Name: Easy Thanksgiving Turkey
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: PT-492287H26S
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12–14 lb whole turkey; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 sprigs fresh rosemary; 3 sprigs fresh thyme; 3 sprigs fresh sage; 4 cloves garlic, smashed; 1 yellow onion, quartered; 1 lemon, cut into wedges; 2 tsp salt; 1 tsp ground black pepper; 1 tbsp olive oil (optional); 1 tsp poultry seasoning (optional)

When it comes to Thanksgiving, there’s one centerpiece that never fails to impress — the turkey. I used to get nervous at the thought of roasting a whole bird, but once I simplified my method and stopped overcomplicating the process, everything changed. This easy Thanksgiving turkey is juicy, full of flavor, and turns out beautifully golden every single time.

I love how this recipe takes the guesswork out of preparing the main dish for the holiday feast. With a handful of aromatics, butter, and herbs, you can achieve a result that looks like it came straight from a magazine. Whether it’s your first time hosting or you’re a seasoned Thanksgiving pro, this recipe will help you serve up a bird that everyone will rave about.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Thanksgiving Turkey

This recipe is designed for simplicity and success. You don’t need to brine overnight or prep for days — just a few fresh ingredients and a good roasting plan. The skin crisps up beautifully while the meat stays moist, thanks to a simple herb butter and strategic basting.

It’s also incredibly adaptable. Whether you’re working with a 10-pound turkey or feeding a large crowd, the method scales easily. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen while this turkey roasts? Absolutely unforgettable.

What Kind of Turkey Should I Use?

I recommend using a fresh or fully thawed frozen turkey between 12 to 14 pounds for this recipe. That size is ideal for even roasting and fits most standard ovens and roasting pans. Avoid pre-seasoned or self-basting turkeys as they often contain added salt or flavorings that can interfere with the recipe’s balance.

If you’re using a frozen turkey, make sure it’s fully thawed before roasting. This can take several days in the refrigerator, so plan ahead.

Options for Substitutions

Butter substitute: If you prefer a dairy-free version, swap the butter for olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative. It still gives a crisp, golden skin.
Herbs: Don’t have rosemary or thyme? Sage or oregano works well too.
Stuffing aromatics: You can switch out onion and lemon for apple and garlic cloves to add a sweeter depth of flavor.
Seasonings: If you’re out of poultry seasoning, a blend of dried thyme, rosemary, and a pinch of paprika makes a great stand-in.

Ingredients for This Easy Thanksgiving Turkey

Whole turkey (12–14 lbs): The star of the show. This size is perfect for even cooking and serving a family-sized gathering.
Unsalted butter: Softened butter is spread under and over the skin to create a golden, crispy crust and to lock in moisture.
Fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage: These herbs infuse the turkey with classic Thanksgiving aromas and flavor.
Garlic cloves: Smashed and added inside the cavity for a subtle garlic essence.
Yellow onion: Cut into chunks and used to stuff the cavity for additional savory depth.
Lemon wedges: Adds a bright citrusy note to the meat and balances the richness.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning the skin and cavity to enhance the natural turkey flavor.
Olive oil (optional): Can be brushed over the skin for extra crispiness or used as a dairy-free alternative to butter.
Poultry seasoning or dried herbs (optional): For an extra layer of seasoning.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Turkey

Remove the turkey from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 30–60 minutes to ensure even cooking. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Pat the turkey dry thoroughly with paper towels, including inside the cavity. This helps the skin crisp up during roasting.

Step 2: Season the Cavity

Season the inside of the turkey with salt and pepper. Stuff it with the lemon wedges, onion chunks, garlic cloves, and a few sprigs of each fresh herb. These aromatics will steam as the turkey cooks, infusing the meat from the inside.

Step 3: Prepare the Herb Butter

In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with finely chopped herbs, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Gently loosen the skin over the turkey breasts using your fingers, and rub some of the herb butter directly under the skin. Rub the remaining butter all over the skin of the turkey.

Step 4: Tie and Position the Turkey

Tuck the wings under the turkey and tie the legs together with kitchen twine. Place the bird breast-side up on a rack in a large roasting pan. Add a few extra herbs and aromatics around the pan if desired.

Step 5: Roast the Turkey

Transfer the turkey to the oven and roast for about 15 minutes per pound (roughly 3 to 3.5 hours for a 12–14 lb turkey). Baste the turkey every 45 minutes with pan drippings to keep the meat moist. Tent with foil if the skin starts to brown too quickly.

Step 6: Check for Doneness

Begin checking the internal temperature around the 2.5-hour mark. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh without touching bone. The turkey is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 7: Rest Before Carving

Once fully cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the meat tender and moist.

How Long to Prepare the Easy Thanksgiving Turkey

Prep Time: Preparing the turkey takes about 30–45 minutes. This includes drying the bird, seasoning, mixing the herb butter, stuffing the cavity, and tying the legs. If you’re starting from a thawed bird, this prep window is plenty of time to work efficiently and calmly.

Cook Time: A 12–14 lb turkey typically needs about 3 to 3.5 hours in the oven at 325°F. You’ll want to roast it for approximately 15 minutes per pound, and always verify doneness with a meat thermometer. Allow for at least 30 minutes of resting time before carving.

Tips for Perfect Easy Thanksgiving Turkey

Let your turkey come to room temperature before roasting — this promotes even cooking.
Always pat the skin completely dry to help it get beautifully crisp.
Use a roasting rack to keep the turkey elevated, ensuring the heat circulates evenly.
Don’t skip the rest time post-roasting; it’s essential for juicy meat.
Baste with pan drippings every 45 minutes, but don’t open the oven too frequently or you’ll lose heat.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Skipping the thermometer: Guessing doneness can lead to undercooked or dry turkey. Always use a meat thermometer.
Overstuffing the cavity: Too much inside can prevent even cooking.
Not drying the skin: Moisture on the skin can cause steaming rather than crisping.
Roasting too hot: Higher temps can brown the outside too quickly and leave the inside underdone.
Carving too soon: Cutting into the turkey without resting makes all the juices run out.

What to Serve With Easy Thanksgiving Turkey?

1. Classic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes pair perfectly with turkey and pan drippings.

2. Homemade Cranberry Sauce

The sweet-tart flavor of cranberry sauce cuts through the richness of the turkey.

3. Garlic Green Beans

A light and vibrant side that adds color and crunch to your plate.

4. Traditional Stuffing

Savory bread stuffing with herbs and onion complements the flavors inside the turkey.

5. Dinner Rolls

Warm, fluffy rolls are perfect for sopping up gravy and rounding out the feast.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers: Allow the turkey to cool completely before storing. Remove the meat from the bones and place it in airtight containers.

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep the turkey moist by drizzling with a little broth before reheating.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze leftover turkey in sealed freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F covered with foil, or in the microwave with a splash of broth to prevent drying out.

Estimated Nutrition

Per 6 oz serving of roasted turkey (white and dark meat with skin):

Calories: 350
Protein: 45g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 220mg
Cholesterol: 140mg
Fiber: 0g

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when my turkey is done?

Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the thigh — it should read 165°F.

Can I make this turkey ahead of time?

You can roast the turkey the day before and carve it. Reheat gently in the oven with broth to keep it moist.

Do I need to brine the turkey?

No brine is needed for this recipe. The herb butter keeps it flavorful and juicy.

Can I stuff the turkey with dressing?

It’s safer to cook stuffing separately, but you can fill the cavity with aromatics for flavor.

What if my turkey skin is getting too dark?

Loosely tent the turkey with aluminum foil during the last hour of roasting.

Conclusion

This Easy Thanksgiving Turkey recipe takes the stress out of the holiday centerpiece. With simple ingredients and a few practical steps, you can serve up a turkey that’s juicy on the inside and golden and crisp on the outside. Whether you’re hosting your first Thanksgiving or just looking to simplify the process, this method delivers both flavor and confidence. Make it once, and you’ll come back to it year after year.