Baking a Turkey
Perfect Roast Turkey
The centerpiece of Thanksgiving feasts
A golden-brown roast turkey, tender and fragrant with herbs, is the heart of every Thanksgiving table. The aroma alone—thyme, sage, and citrus mingling with butter—is enough to make a cottage feel like home.
Ingredients
- 1 (12–14 lb) whole turkey
- 3 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 onion, quartered
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 3 cloves garlic, lightly crushed
- Fresh thyme and sage sprigs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Rub turkey all over with olive oil or melted butter. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Stuff cavity with onion, lemon, garlic, and herbs.
- Place turkey breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Add chicken broth to the bottom of the pan.
- Roast turkey until juices run clear and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C)—about 3 hours. Let rest 30 minutes before carving.
“A perfectly roasted turkey doesn’t need perfection—just patience, butter, and the hum of family around the table.”
Coastal Cottage Tip
For an aromatic twist, tuck sprigs of rosemary and orange zest under the skin before roasting. It adds a whisper of seaside citrus to the holiday air.
