10+ Whole Roast Turkey Recipes for a Perfect Holiday Feast

Roasting a whole turkey is a classic way to create a delicious centerpiece for your holiday meals. Many people look forward to enjoying tender, juicy turkey during family gatherings. With the right recipes and techniques, you can prepare a mouthwatering roast turkey that will impress your guests and make your meal memorable.

Whether you are a seasoned cook or trying it for the first time, there are plenty of whole roast turkey recipes to choose from. These recipes can vary in seasoning, cooking methods, and preparation styles. Choosing one that suits your taste can elevate your dining experience and ensure that everyone gets to enjoy a delightful feast.

Classic Butter-Basted Turkey

A classic butter-basted turkey brings rich flavor and a beautiful golden skin to your dinner table. Start by spreading seasoned butter underneath the skin and over the outside. This adds moisture and flavor during cooking.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place your turkey in the oven and rotate the pan every 30 minutes for even cooking. To keep the turkey moist, brush it with melted butter every 45 minutes.

Cooking time will vary based on the size of your turkey. A general guideline is about 13 minutes per pound. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

This technique results in a flavorful turkey that is sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole turkey
• Salt and pepper
• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
• Fresh herbs (like thyme or rosemary)
• 2 cups (480 ml) chicken stock

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Rub turkey with butter and season with salt and pepper.
3. Place turkey in the oven.
4. Baste with melted butter every 45 minutes.
5. Rotate the pan every 30 minutes.
6. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

2) Herb-Roasted Turkey with Citrus

Herb-roasted turkey with citrus is a delicious way to elevate your holiday meal. The fresh herbs and citrus flavors keep the turkey juicy and flavorful.

Start by preparing your turkey with a mixture of butter, herbs, salt, and pepper. You can slide some of this mixture under the skin for extra flavor. Squeeze citrus juice, like lemon or orange, into the cavity for a bright taste.

Roast your turkey in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C). The cooking time is around 2 to 3 hours, depending on the size of your turkey. It’s important to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; the thickest part of the breast should reach 165°F (74°C).

Baste the turkey occasionally to keep it moist. This recipe creates a beautiful, golden skin that will impress your guests.

Ingredients

• 1 whole turkey
• ¼ cup butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or sage)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lemon or orange, halved

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Prepare the butter mixture with herbs, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the mixture under the skin of the turkey.
4. Squeeze citrus juice inside the cavity.
5. Roast the turkey for 2 to 3 hours, basting occasionally.
6. Check the temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C).

3) Maple-Glazed Whole Roast Turkey

A maple-glazed roast turkey brings a sweet and savory twist to your holiday meal. The rich flavor of maple syrup enhances the turkey’s natural taste, making it a favorite for family gatherings.

To begin, you’ll want to prepare a maple glaze. Mix maple syrup with butter, garlic, and your favorite herbs. This mixture will not only add flavor but also create a beautiful golden color on the skin.

When it’s time to cook, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a pan. Brush the turkey with the maple glaze and roast it for about 2 to 2.5 hours. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches at least 180°F (85°C) in the thigh.

Let your turkey rest for about 20 minutes after cooking. This helps the juices settle, making each slice moist and tasty. Your guests will love the unique flavor of this maple-glazed creation.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds)
• 1 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 cup butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix maple syrup, butter, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a pan.
4. Brush the glaze all over the turkey.
5. Roast for 2 to 2.5 hours, basting every 30 minutes.
6. Check that the internal temperature is 180°F (85°C).
7. Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving.

4) Smoky Paprika Roasted Turkey

Cooking a smoky paprika roasted turkey gives your holiday meal a delicious twist. The smoky flavor adds depth and warmth to the tender meat.

Start by preparing your turkey. Brush the skin with oil and rub a mixture of smoked paprika, salt, and pepper all over the turkey. Don’t forget to get some under the skin for extra flavor.

Place the turkey in a roasting pan. You can add some broth or water to keep it moist during cooking. Cover your turkey loosely with foil and roast it at 325°F (165°C) for about an hour.

After an hour, remove the foil. Then, continue roasting for an additional 2 to 2.5 hours. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety. You can baste it every so often with the pan juices for extra moisture.

Ingredients

• 1 whole turkey (12 to 14 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup chicken broth

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Brush turkey with olive oil.
3. Mix smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, then rub the mixture all over the turkey.
4. Place turkey in a roasting pan and add broth.
5. Cover with foil and roast for 1 hour.
6. Remove foil and roast for 2 to 2.5 hours until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
7. Baste occasionally and enjoy!

5) Garlic and Sage Infused Turkey

For a delicious twist on your roast turkey, try infusing it with garlic and sage. This combination gives the turkey a rich flavor that pairs well with the holiday season.

Start by preparing a mixture of butter, minced garlic, and chopped fresh sage. Rub this mixture generously under the skin and over the turkey. Make sure to cover all areas to ensure even flavor.

Next, place your turkey breast side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Roast the turkey for about 3 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Basting occasionally can help keep it moist.

After roasting, let the turkey rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making each slice juicy and tender.

Ingredients

• 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds)
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh sage, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Mix butter, garlic, and sage in a bowl.
3. Rub the mixture under and over the turkey skin.
4. Place turkey on a rack in a roasting pan.
5. Roast turkey for about 3 hours.
6. Check internal temperature; it should be 165°F (74°C).
7. Let rest for 15 minutes before carving.

6) Apple Cider Brined Turkey

Brining your turkey in apple cider adds great flavor and moisture. You start by mixing water, apple cider, kosher salt, and sugar together. This mixture helps the turkey absorb those tasty flavors.

Submerge your turkey in the apple cider brine and keep it in the refrigerator for 8 hours or overnight. Make sure your fridge stays at 40°F (4°C) or below. It’s important not to brine for more than 48 hours.

Your turkey will cook faster after brining. Aim for an internal temperature of 180°F (82°C) when it’s done. This ensures it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.

Ingredients

• 1 whole turkey (12-15 lbs)
• 1 gallon apple cider
• 1 cup kosher salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 gallon water

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, mix apple cider, water, kosher salt, and sugar until dissolved.
2. Submerge the turkey in the brine and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
4. Rinse the turkey under cold water and pat dry.
5. Roast the turkey according to your favorite recipe until it reaches an internal temperature of 180°F (82°C).

7) Honey and Rosemary Turkey

Try making a Honey and Rosemary Turkey for a delicious meal that’s packed with flavor. This recipe brings together the sweetness of honey and the aromatic taste of rosemary, creating a mouthwatering dish.

Start by brining the turkey in a mixture of honey and rosemary. This helps keep the meat juicy and tender. You can use a large bucket or container to soak the turkey overnight.

When you’re ready to cook, rinse the turkey well and pat it dry. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place the turkey breast side up in a roasting pan.

Roast for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste the turkey with its juices a few times for extra flavor.

Enjoy this tasty turkey with your favorite sides!

Ingredients:

• 1 whole turkey
• 1 cup honey
• Fresh rosemary
• Salt
• Pepper

Cooking Instructions:

1. Brine turkey with honey and rosemary overnight.
2. Rinse and pat turkey dry.
3. Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
4. Place the turkey in a roasting pan.
5. Roast for 1 hour and 30 minutes or until cooked.

8) Spiced Bourbon Roasted Turkey

For a flavorful twist on your traditional roast turkey, try making a Spiced Bourbon Roasted Turkey. This recipe will bring warmth and richness to your holiday table.

Start with a 12 to 14-pound thawed turkey. You will need to remove the giblets and neck. Rinse the turkey inside and out, then pat it dry with paper towels.

Create a glaze with unsalted butter, bourbon, brown sugar, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Brush this mixture all over the turkey skin. The bourbon adds a nice depth and enhances the flavor.

Roast your turkey in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) for about 3 to 4 hours. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—it should reach 180°F (82°C).

Let the turkey rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicy turkey.

Ingredients

• 1 (12 to 14-pound) turkey
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup bourbon
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Prepare the turkey by removing giblets and rinsing it.
3. Mix the glaze ingredients in a bowl.
4. Brush the glaze over the turkey.
5. Roast for 3 to 4 hours until it reaches 180°F (82°C).
6. Allow the turkey to rest for 20 minutes before serving.

9) Orange and Thyme Turkey

Cooking a whole turkey with an orange and thyme rub adds bright flavors to your meal. This recipe makes your turkey juicy and aromatic.

Start by preparing a mixture of orange zest, fresh thyme, and butter. You’ll want to gently slide some of this mixture under the skin of the turkey for extra taste.

Stuff the turkey cavity with oranges, garlic, and more thyme. This not only flavors the meat but keeps it moist during roasting.

Roast your turkey in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). Cooking should take about 13-15 minutes per pound, depending on the size. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.

You’re sure to impress your guests with this flavorful dish!

Ingredients

• Whole turkey
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• Zest of 2 oranges
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 whole garlic bulb, halved
• 2 oranges, quartered

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix butter, orange zest, and thyme.
3. Slide butter mixture under turkey skin.
4. Stuff cavity with garlic and oranges.
5. Roast for 13-15 minutes per pound.
6. Check the internal temperature for doneness.

10) Crispy Skin Roast Turkey

For a delicious and crispy skin on your roast turkey, start by drying the turkey thoroughly. Use paper towels to pat it dry, both inside and out.

Gently lift the skin near the breast and legs to create space for air. This helps the skin to get extra crispy during roasting. You can also refrigerate it uncovered overnight to dry it further.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan. Brush the skin with melted butter for added flavor and browning.

Roast the turkey, basting occasionally. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thigh for safe eating.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients

• 1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs)
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Pat your turkey dry with paper towels.
2. Lift the skin gently to create airspace.
3. Refrigerate uncovered overnight if possible.
4. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
5. Brush the turkey with melted butter.
6. Roast the turkey, basting occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).