Thanksgiving

My Favorite Roast Turkey Dinner Recipe

Table of Contents

  • Why This Roast Turkey is a Dinner Favorite
  • Holiday Memories Centered Around Dinner Recipes
  • Simple Prep Tips for Juicy Turkey
  • Mastering Timing for Dinner Success
  • Presentation Makes the Dinner Recipe Shine
  • Finishing Touches and Flavor Boosts
  • Key Takeaways

Key Takeaways

This roast turkey dinner recipe is a classic holiday centerpiece that’s both comforting and impressive. With minimal ingredients and some expert tips, you’ll create a juicy, golden bird perfect for any celebration. Plan ahead, rest your turkey before carving, and serve it proudly.

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Why This Roast Turkey is a Dinner Favorite

Every year, this roast turkey recipe takes center stage in our home. It’s one of those dinner recipes that feels traditional yet incredibly flavorful. From the crispy, golden skin to the juicy interior, this dish checks all the boxes for comfort, elegance, and nostalgia. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or a special family Sunday, this turkey never fails to impress.

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Holiday Memories Centered Around Dinner Recipes

Some of my fondest holiday moments revolve around dinner recipes like this one. The scent of rosemary and thyme wafting through the kitchen, the warmth of the oven, and the laughter of loved ones—this roast turkey is more than just a meal, it’s part of the memory-making magic. It’s one of those quick and easy dinner recipes that aren’t pasta but still feel satisfying and celebratory.

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Simple Prep Tips for Juicy Turkey

You don’t need fancy equipment or complicated steps. Dry the turkey thoroughly, season generously, and roast with aromatic herbs. Let it rest before carving. These tips not only make the process smoother, they help lock in flavor. It’s one of our go-to family meal planning staples when we want an impressive result with low stress.

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Mastering Timing for Dinner Success

Timing is everything when it comes to dinner. This roast turkey dinner recipe takes roughly 3 hours to roast, but it’s worth every minute. Prepping ahead of time and rotating your pan ensures even cooking. Use a thermometer to avoid guesswork and guarantee the perfect, juicy finish every time.

Presentation Makes the Dinner Recipe Shine

Once your turkey is done, let it rest and then carve it neatly for your platter. Surround it with roasted veggies or stuffing for a beautiful holiday display. Serve it with love—and maybe even some Dinner Ideas with Hawaiian Rolls for that soft, buttery bite on the side.

Finishing Touches and Flavor Boosts

Make a quick gravy from the drippings, or serve it with a touch of toasted sesame oil in your side veggies for something unexpected. This recipe is flexible and flavorful. And for those seeking Cake Mix Bread Recipes or 6 ingredients or less dinner easy recipes to complete the meal, check out more from Betty Cooks.

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My Favorite Roast Turkey Dinner Recipe

This roast turkey dinner recipe delivers juicy meat and crispy skin—perfect for holiday feasts or cozy family gatherings.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time3 hours
Total Time3 hours 30 minutes
Course: Thanksgiving
Cuisine: American
Keywords: 6 ingredients or less dinner easy recipes, Cake Mix Bread Recipes, Dinner Ideas With Hawaiian Rolls, dinner recipes, Family Meal Planning, quick and easy dinner recipes that arent pasta, Toasted Sesame Oil
Servings: 10-12 servings
Author: Betty

Ingredients

  • 1 (12–14 lb) turkey, neck and giblets removed, patted dry
  • Kosher salt
  • Black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 1 head of garlic, halved crosswise
  • 2 sprigs rosemary
  • 2 sprigs thyme
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth, plus more if needed

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 450°F. Pat turkey dry and season inside and out generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Stuff the turkey cavity with onion, garlic, rosemary, and thyme.
  3. Tuck wings under the body and tie the legs together using kitchen twine.
  4. Rub the skin all over with vegetable oil.
  5. Place the turkey breast side up on a rack in a large roasting pan. Pour 2 cups of broth into the bottom of the pan.
  6. Roast turkey for 30 minutes, then reduce oven to 350°F. Continue to roast, basting every 30–45 minutes with pan juices and rotating the pan occasionally.
  7. Add more broth to the pan as needed to keep the drippings from burning.
  8. Roast until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F, about 2½ to 3 hours total.
  9. Transfer turkey to a carving board and let rest at least 30 minutes before carving.

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