Garlic Thanksgiving Turkey

why make this recipe

Garlic Thanksgiving Turkey is a delightful twist on the traditional turkey recipe, bringing rich flavors and aromas to your holiday table. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings and festive occasions, offering a juicy turkey infused with garlic and fresh herbs. The combination of garlic, rosemary, thyme, and sage creates a warm and inviting dish that everyone will love.

how to make Garlic Thanksgiving Turkey

Ingredients:

• 1 turkey (12 to 18 lb, fully thawed)
• 1 onion, peeled and cut into quarters
• 1 lemon, cut into quarters
• 1 to 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 1 to 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 to 2 sprigs fresh sage
• Kosher salt, as needed
• Fresh ground black pepper, as needed
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
• 1 onion, peeled and quartered
• 3 ribs celery, roughly chopped
• 2 carrots, roughly chopped

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Remove the turkey from its packaging and take out the giblets and neck.
3. Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water and pat it dry.
4. In a bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, chopped rosemary, and chopped thyme.
5. Loosen the skin of the turkey and spread the garlic butter mixture under the skin.
6. Stuff the cavity with onion, lemon, fresh herbs, and extra garlic.
7. Place the turkey in a roasting pan surrounded by remaining onion, celery, and carrots.
8. Season the outside with kosher salt and black pepper.
9. Cover with aluminum foil and roast for 13-15 minutes per pound, removing the foil for the last 30-45 minutes.
10. Check the internal temperature at the thickest part of the thigh (should reach 165°F/74°C).
11. Let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving. Serve with sides and drizzle drippings over the meat.

how to serve Garlic Thanksgiving Turkey

Serve this Garlic Thanksgiving Turkey with classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, and cranberry sauce. The turkey is the star of the meal, and a drizzle of its savory drippings enhances the flavor of each bite.

how to store Garlic Thanksgiving Turkey

Leftover turkey can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container to maintain its moisture and flavor. You can also freeze the leftovers for up to 2 to 6 months.

tips to make Garlic Thanksgiving Turkey

• Always let the turkey come to room temperature before cooking for even cooking.
• Basting the turkey with its pan juices every 30 minutes can help keep it moist.
• If the skin begins to darken too much, cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning.

variation

You can add additional herbs like parsley or thyme for extra flavor. For a spicier twist, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture.

FAQs

Q: How do I know when the turkey is fully cooked?
A: The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.

Q: Can I prepare the turkey the night before?
A: Yes, you can prepare the turkey and apply the garlic butter mixture the night before. Cover it and refrigerate overnight. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before roasting.

Q: What should I do if my turkey is frozen?
A: If your turkey is frozen, it is best to thaw it in the refrigerator for a few days before cooking. A general rule is to allow 24 hours of thawing time for every 4 to 5 pounds of turkey.

Garlic Thanksgiving Turkey

A delightful twist on the traditional turkey recipe, infused with garlic and fresh herbs for a juicy and flavorful dish perfect for holiday gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Total Time 3 hours hrs

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, Holiday

Servings 8 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

Turkey and Aromatics

• 1 whole turkey (12 to 18 lb, fully thawed)
• 1 large onion, peeled and cut into quarters
• 1 whole lemon, cut into quarters
• 1 to 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 1 to 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 to 2 sprigs fresh sage
• as needed Kosher salt
• as needed Fresh ground black pepper

Garlic Butter Mixture

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme

Vegetables for Roasting

• 1 large onion, peeled and quartered
• 3 ribs celery, roughly chopped
• 2 medium carrots, roughly chopped

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
• Remove the turkey from its packaging and take out the giblets and neck.
• Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water and pat it dry.
• In a bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, chopped rosemary, and chopped thyme.
• Loosen the skin of the turkey and spread the garlic butter mixture under the skin.
• Stuff the cavity with onion, lemon, fresh herbs, and extra garlic.
• Place the turkey in a roasting pan surrounded by remaining onion, celery, and carrots.
• Season the outside with kosher salt and black pepper.

Cooking

• Cover with aluminum foil and roast for 13-15 minutes per pound, removing the foil for the last 30-45 minutes.
• Check the internal temperature at the thickest part of the thigh (should reach 165°F/74°C).
• Let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving.

Notes

Always let the turkey come to room temperature before cooking for even cooking. Basting the turkey with its pan juices every 30 minutes can help keep it moist. If the skin begins to darken too much, cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning.

Keyword garlic, Herbs, Holiday Recipe, Roasting, Thanksgiving Turkey

More Delicious Ideas

Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili – Easy, Cozy & Family-Friendly Festive Christmas Cranberry Roll Ups Million Dollar Bacon Crostini Baked Cranberry Brie Bites Prime Rib Roast