Roast Turkey

Name: Roast Turkey
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h 45 min
Total time: 3 h
Yield: 15 servings
Ingredients: 1/4 cup butter, melted; 2 teaspoons salt; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 2 teaspoons seasoned salt; 1-1/2 teaspoons paprika; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 3/4 teaspoon pepper; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 turkey (13 to 15 pounds); 2 medium lemons, halved, optional

Total Time Prep: 15 min. Bake: 2-3/4 hours + standing

Yield 15 servings

Test Kitchen Approved

Make Thanksgiving memorable with this stellar roast turkey recipe. A simple seasoning and butter rub are all you need for an unforgettable bird.

Ingredients

1/4 cup butter, melted
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons seasoned salt
1-1/2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon ground ginger
3/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 turkey (13 to 15 pounds)
2 medium lemons, halved, optional

Directions

Preheat oven to 325°. In a small bowl, combine the first 9 ingredients. Place turkey, breast side up, on a rack in a roasting pan; pat dry. Brush with butter mixture. If desired, place lemons in cavity; tie legs with kitchen twine.
Bake, uncovered, 2-3/4 to 3-1/4 hours or until a thermometer inserted in thickest part of thigh reads 170°-175°. Cover loosely with foil if turkey browns too quickly. Cover and let stand 20 minutes before carving.

Nutrition Facts

9 ounces cooked turkey: 488 calories, 24g fat (8g saturated fat), 221mg cholesterol, 698mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 63g protein.

Rubbing the skin with melted butter keeps this simply seasoned turkey moist and tender. —Nancy Reichert, Thomasville, Georgia

Recipe Creator