A flavorful, juicy Garlic Herb Roasted Turkey that is perfect for your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. There is no brining needed for this turkey recipe!
Place chopped onions, carrots, and celery in roasting pan.
Remove giblets and neck from defrosted turkey and set aside, or discard. Pat turkey dry with paper towels and place in roasting pan.
Roasting a Stuffed Turkey
Fill both cavities with stuffing.
Roasting an Unstuffed Turkey
Place 1 halved onion, 2 halved lemons, and a handful of fresh thyme, sage, and rosemary into the cavity of the turkey.
Mix butter with garlic, chopped thyme, sage, and rosemary in a small bowl.
Carefully run hand between turkey breast and skin to loosen. Rub butter mixture under skin, reaching as far down as possible.
Rub butter mixture on outside of turkey and massage into skin. Tie legs together with kitchen twine, and place tip of wings under the turkey.
Place turkey in oven, basting every 30 minutes with pan juices until button pops up, or meat thermometer reaches 165 degrees when placed in the thickest part of the thigh or breast, approximately 4 to 4.5 hours.
Remove from oven and allow to rest for 20 to 25 minutes before carving.
Remove pan juices from pan and set aside for the gravy.
Notes
*Substitute 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for fresh herbs.