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A beautifully roasted whole turkey is placed on a white ceramic serving tray atop a white marble countertop. The golden crispy skin, lightly brushed with olive oil and flavored butter, showcases a tender and juicy finish. The turkey is cooked to perfection and garnished with herbs, ready to be carved and served.

Baked Turkey Recipe

This juicy baked turkey recipe is loaded with zesty lemon, garlic, and herb butter. It’s tender, full of flavor, and perfect for holidays or clean eating any time of the year.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Calories: 556kcal
Author: Jacob Allen
Servings: 12

Equipment

  • Roasting pan with rack
  • Meat thermometer
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Silicone brush or spoon
  • Aluminum foil
  • Kitchen twine (optional)
  • Sharp carving knife

Ingredients

For the Turkey:

  • 12 lb turkey (Anything from 11-15 lbs will work, but bake time will vary), thawed*
  • Salt & Pepper for the inside and outside of the bird

For the Flavored Butter:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened, (2 sticks)
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil not extra virgin, plus more to drizzle top
  • 4 Tbsp fresh lemon juice from 1 large lemon, plus 1/2 Tbsp lemon zest
  • 3 large garlic cloves pressed
  • 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley
  • 1/2 Tbsp salt I used sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground

For the Stuffing:

  • 1 large onion quartered (no peeling)
  • 4 garlic cloves halved (no peeling)
  • 1/2 bunch parsley
  • 1 lemon quartered

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and pat turkey dry with paper towels.
    The turkey sits in a roasting pan while a hand seasons it thoroughly inside the cavity and over the skin with salt and freshly ground black pepper. A glass bowl with additional seasoning sits beside it. Proper seasoning is essential to enhance the turkey’s natural flavor and prepare it for the butter rub.
  • Season turkey inside and out with salt and pepper.
    Hands are gently loosening the turkey skin and using a silicone brush to spread the prepared flavored butter under and over the skin. The butter mixture contains herbs, garlic, lemon zest, and olive oil. This step is key for creating flavorful, juicy meat and a crispy, aromatic exterior after roasting.
  • Mix butter, olive oil, lemon juice, zest, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.
    A glass mixing bowl on a white marble countertop holds softened butter, olive oil, lemon juice and zest, chopped garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. These ingredients are combined to create a rich, aromatic flavored butter mixture that will be spread under and over the turkey skin to enhance flavor and moisture.
  • Gently loosen the turkey skin and spread the flavored butter under and over the skin.
  • Stuff the cavity with onion, garlic, parsley, and lemon.
  • Place turkey breast-side up in a roasting pan and drizzle with olive oil.
    The seasoned and stuffed turkey is placed breast-side up in a roasting pan. Olive oil is being drizzled on top to promote browning and flavor. A meat thermometer and foil sheet are nearby, ready to monitor the internal temperature and prevent over-browning during the slow and steady roasting process in the oven.
  • Roast for about 15 minutes per pound, basting occasionally. Cover loosely with foil if browning too fast.
  • Turkey is done when internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C). Let it rest 20–30 minutes before carving.
    A beautifully roasted whole turkey is placed on a white ceramic serving tray atop a white marble countertop. The golden crispy skin, lightly brushed with olive oil and flavored butter, showcases a tender and juicy finish. The turkey is cooked to perfection and garnished with herbs, ready to be carved and served.

Nutrition

Calories: 556kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 103g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 312mg | Sodium: 828mg | Potassium: 1113mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 343IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 61mg | Iron: 4mg