10+ Whole Roast Turkey Recipes for a Perfect Feast

Roasting a whole turkey can be a rewarding experience, especially during holidays or special gatherings. This classic dish can impress your guests and create lasting memories around the dinner table. With the right recipe, you can achieve a juicy turkey with crispy skin that everyone will love.

In this article, you’ll find various whole roast turkey recipes that cater to different tastes and cooking methods. Whether you prefer a simple preparation or something with a creative twist, you are sure to find a recipe that suits your needs. Get ready to elevate your turkey game and enjoy a delicious meal!

1) Classic Herb-Roasted Turkey

Classic herb-roasted turkey is a favorite for many occasions. It combines a tasty blend of fresh herbs and buttery goodness, making the turkey juicy and flavorful.

To start, you will want a turkey that weighs between 10 to 12 pounds. Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage will give it a delightful aroma. You will also need garlic and butter to create that tasty herb butter mix.

Preheat your oven to 325°F (about 160°C). Rub the herb butter under the skin of the turkey and all over the outside. This ensures the flavors seep in while cooking.

Cook the turkey for about 3 to 4 hours. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.

Ingredients

• 1 turkey (10 to 12 pounds)
• ¼ cup fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, sage)
• 2 tablespoons garlic (minced)
• Butter (for rubbing)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Prepare the herb butter by mixing herbs, garlic, and butter.
3. Rub the herb butter under the skin and on the outside of the turkey.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Roast the turkey for 3 to 4 hours.
6. Check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (75°C).

2) Garlic Butter Turkey with Sage

For a delicious garlic butter turkey, combine soft butter with minced garlic and fresh sage. This mixture will keep your turkey moist and add wonderful flavor.

Start by brining your turkey overnight. This step helps to make the meat juicy. After brining, carefully rub the garlic butter mixture under the skin and all over the outside.

Roast the turkey in an oven preheated to 325°F (165°C). Cooking times will vary based on the size of your turkey, so check it regularly. Aim for a nice golden-brown color and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Ingredients

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

Cooking Instructions

1. Brine the turkey overnight.
2. Mix softened butter, garlic, and sage in a bowl.
3. Rub the mixture under the skin and over the turkey.
4. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
5. Roast the turkey until it reaches 165°F (74°C).

3) Apple Cider Brined Turkey

Brining your turkey in apple cider adds a delightful sweetness and flavor. This method helps keep the turkey juicy and tender during cooking.

To start, combine apple cider with water, salt, and your favorite herbs. The brine infuses the turkey with rich flavors that make each bite delicious.

Make sure to brine the turkey for at least 12 hours, or overnight for the best results. This method works well for any size turkey, giving you a tasty centerpiece for your meal.

Ingredients

• 1 whole turkey (12 – 24 pounds)
• 1 gallon apple cider
• 1 gallon water
• 1 ½ cups kosher salt
• Fresh herbs (like rosemary and thyme)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• Spices (like peppercorns and garlic)

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix apple cider, water, salt, and brown sugar in a large container.
2. Add herbs and spices to the brine.
3. Submerge the turkey in the brine, ensuring it is covered.
4. Refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours.
5. Remove turkey from brine and rinse it with cold water.
6. Cook the turkey at 325°F (165°C) until fully cooked.

4) Maple Glazed Roasted Turkey

Maple glazed roasted turkey is a sweet and savory dish that’s perfect for any special occasion. The maple glaze caramelizes beautifully, creating a crispy skin and juicy meat.

To prepare the turkey, blend pure maple syrup with herbs and spices for flavor. You’ll enjoy the balance of sweet and savory in each bite.

Start by rubbing the glaze over the turkey. Roast it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until it’s cooked through. The aroma will fill your kitchen and entice everyone to the table.

Ingredients

• 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds)
• 1 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh herbs (thyme and rosemary)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix maple syrup and melted butter.
3. Rub the mixture over the turkey.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Place herbs inside the turkey.
6. Roast for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Let it rest for 20 minutes before carving.

5) Lemon and Thyme Infused Turkey

For a flavorful twist, try making a lemon and thyme infused turkey. This recipe is easy and will fill your kitchen with a wonderful aroma.

Start by rubbing a mixture of lemon, thyme, and soft butter under the skin of your turkey. This helps to keep the meat juicy and adds great taste.

You can also stuff the turkey with sliced onions and fresh thyme. This extra step enhances the flavor while it cooks.

Ingredients

• 1 whole turkey (about 13 lbs)
• ½ cup soft butter
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 small onions, quartered
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Rub the butter under the turkey skin.
3. Stuff the turkey with lemon slices, thyme, and onions.
4. Season the outside with salt and pepper.
5. Roast for about 2.5 hours, basting occasionally.
6. Check the internal temperature; it should be 165°F (74°C) when done.

6) Cajun-Spiced Thanksgiving Turkey

For a flavorful twist on your Thanksgiving turkey, try a Cajun-spiced approach. This recipe includes a mix of spices that packs a bit of heat and adds depth to the turkey’s flavor. You’ll enjoy tender meat with crispy skin that everyone will love.

Start by preparing a blend of paprika, cayenne pepper, onion, garlic, and other spices. Rub this mix all over the turkey for the best flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds)
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix spices and softened butter.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the turkey.
4. Place the turkey in a roasting pan.
5. Roast for 2.5 to 3 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Let it rest for 20 minutes before carving.

7) Bacon-Wrapped Roasted Turkey

Bacon-wrapped roasted turkey is a delicious twist on the classic recipe. The bacon adds flavor and keeps the turkey moist while it cooks.

Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place your whole turkey on a roasting pan. For the first 30 minutes, cook it at this high temperature to brown the bacon.

After 30 minutes, lower the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C). Continue roasting the turkey until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures it’s cooked perfectly.

Let your bacon-wrapped turkey rest before carving. This helps keep it juicy and flavorful.

Ingredients

• 1 (13 lb) whole turkey (uncooked)
• 2 cups butter (softened)
• 1 ½ ounces fresh sage
• 1 lb bacon (uncooked)
• 1 onion
• 1 garlic clove

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
2. Place the turkey in a roasting pan.
3. Cook for 30 minutes.
4. Reduce the temperature to 325°F (163°C).
5. Roast until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Let the turkey rest before serving.

8) Rosemary and Garlic Turkey Roast

This rosemary and garlic turkey roast is a wonderful choice for any holiday gathering. The flavors from the garlic and rosemary create a delicious aroma that fills your kitchen.

Start by mixing olive oil, minced garlic, fresh rosemary, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the turkey.

Ingredients

• 1 whole turkey (about 14 pounds)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 4 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the mixture on the turkey, including the cavity.
4. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and roast.
5. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
6. Let it rest for 20 minutes before carving.

9) Italian Seasoned Roast Turkey

For a delicious twist on a classic, try Italian seasoned roast turkey. This recipe combines fresh herbs and zesty flavors for a memorable meal. You will enjoy the blend of rosemary, sage, and lemon to give your turkey a unique taste.

Start with a thawed turkey and generously rub it with olive oil. Then, add garlic powder and an Italian herb blend to enhance the flavor. Fresh rosemary and lemon zest will brighten the dish and make it stand out at your table.

Roast your turkey at 325°F (165°C) until it reaches a safe internal temperature. Basting occasionally helps keep the meat moist and flavorful.

Ingredients

• 1 thawed turkey
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Italian herb blend
• Fresh rosemary
• Lemon zest

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Rub olive oil all over the turkey.
3. Season with garlic powder and the Italian herb blend.
4. Add fresh rosemary and lemon zest inside and around the turkey.
5. Roast in the oven, basting periodically, until cooked through.

10) Honey and Mustard Glazed Turkey

For a tasty twist on traditional turkey, try honey and mustard glaze. This recipe adds sweetness and tang to your roast, making it a crowd-pleaser. It’s simple and perfect for any gathering.

Start with a whole turkey, ideally around 12 to 15 pounds. The glaze is made up of honey, Dijon mustard, and a blend of herbs. Rosemary and thyme will give it a lovely flavor.

To cook, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Then, brush the turkey with the glaze and roast it until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Don’t forget to baste it a few times during cooking for the best results.

Ingredients

• 1 (12 to 15 pound) whole turkey
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a bowl, mix honey and Dijon mustard with herbs.
3. Then, brush the glaze over the turkey.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Roast the turkey, and baste occasionally.
6. Cook until the internal temperature is 165°F (75°C).