How to Make A Simply Perfect Roast Turkey - A Step-by-Step Guide

There is something truly special about a perfectly roasted turkey. It's the centerpiece of the Thanksgiving table, a symbol of gratitude and abundance, and a delicious treat for the senses. If you're looking for a recipe that will result in a simply perfect roast turkey, look no further. This recipe is tried and true, and will result in a turkey that is moist, flavorful, and beautifully golden brown.

Roasting a turkey doesn't have to be intimidating. With the right techniques and a li...

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Ingredients

  • 1 (18 pound) whole turkey
  • 8 cups prepared stuffing
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 ½ quarts turkey stock, divided

Information

  • Prep Time: 25 mins
  • Cook Time: 4 hrs
  • Additional Time: 20 mins
  • Total Time: 4 hrs 45 mins
  • Servings: 24

  • Gather all ingredients. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Place a rack in the lowest position of the oven.
  • Remove turkey neck and giblets. Rinse turkey and pat dry with paper towels, and place breast-side up, on a rack in a roasting pan.
  • Loosely fill turkey cavity with stuffing. Rub skin with butter, then season with salt and pepper.
  • Pour 2 cups of turkey stock into the roasting pan.
  • Loosely tent turkey with aluminum foil, and roast turkey for 2 1/2 hours, basting with pan juices every 30 minutes. When drippings evaporate, add remaining stock to the pan, 1 to 2 cups at a time.
  • Remove foil and continue roasting until a meat thermometer inserted in thickest part of thigh reads 165 degrees F (75 degrees C), about 1 1/2 hours more.
  • Transfer turkey to a large serving platter. Let stand for 20 to 30 minutes before carving.
  • Serve and enjoy!
  • Nutrition

    828 cal.

    • Total Fat: 38g
    • Saturated Fat: 11g
    • Cholesterol: 383mg
    • Sodium: 756mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 15g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Total Sugars: 2g
    • Protein: 100g
    • Vitamin C: 0mg
    • Calcium: 71mg
    • Iron: 4mg
    • Potassium: 922mg