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Garlic Thanksgiving Turkey

Garlic Thanksgiving Turkey: Juicy, Flavor-Packed Delight

Enjoy the Garlic Thanksgiving Turkey, a juicy and flavor-packed delight that's the perfect centerpiece for your holiday feast.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 3 hours
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Turkey
  • 12-18 lbs Turkey Make sure it’s fully thawed for even cooking and tender meat.
  • 1 Onion quartered, adds flavor to stuffing and moisture inside the cavity.
  • 1 Lemon quartered, brightens and enhances flavor during roasting.
For the Herb Butter
  • 3/4 cup Unsalted Butter softened, provides richness and moisture.
  • 6 cloves Garlic minced, infuses the herb butter with savory flavor.
  • 1-2 sprigs Fresh Rosemary adds aroma and flavor; thyme can be substituted.
  • 1-2 sprigs Fresh Thyme contributes earthy notes; dried thyme can be used instead.
  • 1-2 sprigs Fresh Sage complements turkey flavor beautifully; substitute with poultry seasoning if desired.
  • Kosher Salt essential for flavor enhancement; use generously.
  • Black Pepper freshly ground is ideal for adding a touch of spice.
For the Roasting Bed
  • 2 Carrots roughly chopped, adds sweetness to the drippings.
  • 3 ribs Celery roughly chopped, provides an aromatic base in the roasting pan.
  • 1 Additional Onion quartered, enhances flavor further.

Equipment

  • Roasting pan
  • meat thermometer

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Prepare the Turkey: Remove the turkey from the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about 1 hour.
  2. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and pat the turkey dry using paper towels.
  3. Stuff the cavity with the quartered onion, lemon, rosemary, thyme, and sage.
  4. Make the Herb Butter: In a bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, rosemary, and thyme.
  5. Apply the Herb Butter: Rub about one-third of the herb butter under the turkey skin and slather remaining herb butter over the exterior.
  6. Set Up the Roasting Bed: Place carrots, celery, and quartered onion in the roasting pan.
  7. Roast the Turkey: Roast for approximately 15 minutes per pound.
  8. Shield If Browning Too Fast: Tent the turkey with aluminum foil if the skin is browning excessively.
  9. Rest Before Carving: Let the turkey rest for 30 minutes covered loosely with foil.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 40gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 10mg

Notes

This Garlic Thanksgiving Turkey recipe is bound to become a family favorite and usher in those cherished holiday moments!

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