The Best Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe Ever + Video
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My Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe is the best you’ll ever try and would actually be perfect for any special occasion. You can enjoy tender, slow roasted turkey that’s moist and flavorful without the need for basting. I’m also giving my top tips for planning and preparing, plus deciding how big of a bird you need to cook.
Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe
The buttery, herb-infused flavor of this slow roasted turkey pairs perfectly with all of your favorite side dishes.
A simple cranberry sauce adds brightness and tang to the meal and helps cut through the richness of everything on your plate.
Of course, you have to include creamy, buttery mashed potatoes and my cranberry apple sausage stuffing too.
There are plenty of other dishes to choose from, which is why I compiled my Best Thanksgiving Recipes to go with the best Thanksgiving turkey recipe — all in one place.
And don’t forget dessert! My layered pecan pumpkin pie is to die for and combines the two most popular holiday treats.
Recipe Video
To see us make the best Thanksgiving turkey recipe from start to finish, watch the video in this post!
Tips and Tricks to Perfectly Slow Roast Turkey
- Make sure to thaw it — and plan ahead!
It’s best to defrost frozen turkey in the refrigerator so thaws at a consistent, safe temperature.
The general rule to follow is 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds, so a 12-pound turkey will take about 3 days to thaw.
If you bought yours last minute — or forgot to transfer it from the freezer in time… been there! — you can defrost the bird faster but ONLY if you’ll be cooking it within a day.
Submerge the packaged turkey in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes and allowing 30 minutes per pound.
So for this Thanksgiving turkey recipe, it would take about 6 hours.
- Preparing the bird
First, remove the gizzards and neck from the open cavity. Then, rinse the entire thing in cold water.
Be sure to pat it dry with paper towels. You’ll likely want to leave the skin on to slow roast turkey, but feel free to trim off any excess sections if needed.
- Run through a checklist before cooking.
Before you slow roast the turkey, make sure you’ve added the water, smothered it in the butter mixture, and tucked in the wings.
If you happen to forget to tuck in the wings, you can use tongs to do this after it’s been in the oven.
Just be warned that partially cooked wings are a lot less cooperative to work with!
- Don’t overcook the meat.
When making this Thanksgiving turkey recipe, be sure to remove the bird from the oven when the temperature reads 165°F.
Since it continues to cook as it rests, leaving it in longer will result in dry meat.
Check the temperature by inserting a thermometer into the innermost part of the thigh and the thickest part of the breast.
This will give you a more accurate idea of when it’s cooked all the way through.
Kitchen Tools You Will Need
- Roasting Pan – When cooking a turkey, it’s important to choose a large enough pan. Make sure there’s some space around the bird so it’s not stuffed too tightly into the pan. You’ll also need the rack that comes with the pan.
- Mixing Bowls – I like to have a variety of sizes on hand, and this set has them all.
- Instant Read Kitchen Thermometer – The safest way to ensure your poultry is cooked through.
Storing and Freezing Leftover Turkey
Slice all of the meat from the bone and transfer to a sealed bag or container. You can keep it in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Or, you can freeze leftover slow roasted turkey for up to 3 months. Be sure to squeeze as much air out of the storage bag as possible.
This will prevent ice crystals from forming on the meat.
Discard the carcass or save it for making homemade stock or broth.
Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe FAQ
Water not only keeps the slow baked turkey from drying out, but it also keeps the drippings from burning in the beginning.
As it cooks, the water will evaporate in the oven, leaving a perfect base for making your gravy after.
A good rule of thumb for serving size is between 1 and 1.5 pounds per person. This guarantees that everyone will have enough to eat while allowing for at least a few leftover servings.
If you’re cooking for a large group, I recommend adapting this Thanksgiving turkey recipe to two smaller birds. This way, you won’t have them in the oven all day.
I’m sure we’re all familiar with Thanksgiving leftover sandwiches — where you pile everything between two pieces of bread for days after the holiday.
This slider recipe is a bit more refined, letting you use up the slow baked turkey and cranberry sauce while enjoying the sides… well, on the side.
If I have company, I’ll usually throw together a tetrazzini casserole or make a big pot of turkey rice soup. My slow cooker chili is also fantastic and lets you enjoy some different flavors!
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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The Best Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe Ever + Video
Ingredients
- 12 pound whole turkey, defrosted
- 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 2 teaspoons ground sage
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Prepare your turkey by removing innards and washing inside and out in cold water. Set the turkey on the rack in your roasting pan. Slide your hand under the skin to separate the skin from the meat. Tuck the wings wings under turkey.
- In a small bowl, combine the butter, garlic, basil, rosemary, sage, salt and pepper. Mix until combined.
- Using your hands, coat the turkey all over with your butter mixture. Slide your hands under the skin to rub the herb butter mixture all over meat. Rub the mixture all over top, side and legs as well. Pour water into the pan.
- Bake until the turkey is starting to brown nicely, about 1 hour. Loosely cover the turkey with aluminum foil and continue to cook for 2 – 2 3/4 hours, or until temperature in the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F or more. Cook time should be 15 minutes per pound.
- Baste the turkey occasionally if you prefer, but this recipe doesn't require it.
- Remove the turkey from the oven and place it on a cutting board. Tent the foil over the turkey for 20 minutes.
- Slice the turkey, serve and enjoy!
Video
Donna’s Notes
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally published November 2013, updated and republished October 2024
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Delish – Every year around this time, I ask myself, self…why don't we eat more turkey during the year? Unfortunately, Self never replies!
This is simple and tasty. I'd love it if you shared this at What'd You Do This Weekend. All of these recipes are great for a wonderful Thanksgiving feast.
Wishes for tasty dishes,
Linda
http://www.tumbleweedcontessa.com
Why the addition of 2 cups of water?
It makes a moister barrier around bird as the heat from the bottom of oven hits it in the bottom of the pan which results in a hard that doesn't dry out.
I wish we did more turkeys here! Granted, Thanksgiving is not a holiday in countries outside the US, it's still fun. 🙂 I love doing herbed roasted chicken too.
Oh yes it is–Canada has always celebrated Thanksgiving. The only difference is that we celebrate it in the month of October instead of in November Happy Thanksgiving to our Southern Neighbors!
Oh yes it is! Thanksgiving has always been celebrated here in Canada–the only difference being that we celebrate our Thanksgiving in the month of October instead of November.
My question also, regarding the water!
The water in the bottom of the covered pan helps keep environment moist by providing steam. Hope that helps.
how does the skin brown?
Read the cooking instructions "Remove the foil for the last 30 minutes to allow the turkey to brown completely."
Have you read the recipe? I see nowhere that says to remove the foil for the last 30 minutes.
And if you want it tasting even better substitute the water for white wine, doesn't matter what kind and cook it breast side down omg the flavor and how moist the white meat is and now with this herb butter, heaven!!
I've never cooked a bird breast side down. Do you flip it over so the breast side is up when you uncover it for the last 30 minutes so the breast browns?
My sister always cooks her turkeys breast down and turns it toward the end so the breast will brown. I recommend using clean rubber gloves to keep a firm grip on bird while turning it.
We never cooked a full turkey until we moved to Tennessee because…well, until then we lived in the same city as my parents and siblings and never had to. Funny how that works, huh?
Just checking; the aluminum foil should be sealed tightly, not tented?
Yes, wrap it tightly. If you wish it to be completely browned on top uncover for the last 30 minutes of cook time. Enjoy!
Thanks, can't wait to try this tomorrow !!
Happy Thanksgiving
Sounds Yummy, I mistakenly one year cooked the bird upside down. Didn't realize it until the bird came out of oven. We all had a good laugh but that was the best, moist bird ever. Now every year I cook it upside down in broth. This year I will add your seasonings!!
What you consider upside down is actually right side up.
Most people put the bird on it's back, when in reality, the back should be showing in the roasting pan, with the breast touching the bottom of the pan.
Look forward to trying this tomorrow…thank you!
So excited. Let us know how it goes. Be sure to take the foil off for the last 30 minutes so the turkey browns perfectly.
If you put water on the bottom of the pan, won't the drippings from the turkey ruin the gravy process afterwards?
Nope, the water will turn into steam in the hot oven and evaporate. Enjoy!
I've read conflicting things about steaming poultry. Some camps believe moisture in the oven actually dry the bird out more. Thoughts?
Can you use a oven bag instead of foil and do you still put water on the bottom?
I either BBQ my whole turkey.. less time.. tastes so good.. Or I put it inside a roasting bag so it steams.. and browns.. and stays moist.. they have the large roasting bags.. you can also put the foil on then remove at the last 30 min.. however you prefer.. I have seen some use cheese cloth.. keeps the bird moist or you rub the herb butter under the skin .. like she did .. keeps it moist also.. happy turkey day everyone.. 🙂 be blessed happy and full..
cook the bird in a roasting bag or BBQ .. you can even put the cheese cloth on it.. or as she has done use the herb butter under the skin.. all will keep the bird moist..yes use the foil until the last 30 min or so.. cheers and happy turkey day everyone.. be blessed full and happy
This is my first time using this recipe,cuz sometimes my Turkey comes out dry. Could I stuffed my Turkey would that be ok, and what do u mean about the wings tuck them under.
My daughter and i made this daughter and I made this recipe, turkey is in the oven now!
One tip: we needed to dry the turkey off with paper towels because the herb butter mixture wouldn't stick.
Great tip! I am so happy to hear you are making it. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Looks soooooo amazing! Thank you for the helpful tips Donna!
Can I use your recipe but cook it in a crock pot.
thanks, Walt
Why do you tuck the wings ?? On top or under, that is breast side down (wings on top) or breast side up (wings under)??
You mention rinsing off the salt from the brine, but I didn't see a step for brining. Did I miss something?
Thank you for catching that. There is no brine. I updated the post.
Enjoy and let us know how it goes.
Easiest recipe for a first time Thanksgiving host! It is so good!