Discover the Best Turkey Recipe for a Juicy, Flavorful Feast. This easy-to-follow guide ensures a perfectly seasoned turkey every time. Adjust vegetable quantities to your taste—more is often better for enhanced flavor!

Prep TimeCook TimeAdditional TimeTotal TimeServingsYield
30 mins4 hrs12 hrs 30 mins17 hrs241 (18 pound) turkey

Ingredients

  • 1 (18-pound) whole turkey, neck and giblets removed
  • 2 cups kosher salt
  • ½ cup melted butter, divided
  • 2 large onions, chopped, divided
  • 4 carrots, coarsely chopped, divided
  • 4 stalks celery, chopped, divided
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme, divided
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 cup dry white wine

Directions

Step 1

Rub kosher salt inside and out of the turkey. Place the turkey in a large stockpot and cover with cold water. Seal and refrigerate for 12 hours or overnight to let the turkey soak in the brine.

Step 2

Step 3

Brush the turkey with half of the melted butter.

Step 4

Place the turkey breast-side down on a roasting rack in a shallow pan. Stuff the turkey cavity with half of the onion, carrots, celery, 1 sprig of thyme, and the bay leaf. Scatter the remaining vegetables and thyme in the bottom of the pan, then pour the white wine over them.

Step 5

Roast the turkey in the preheated oven, uncovered, for about 3½ to 4 hours, or until the meat is no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear. About two-thirds through the roasting time, carefully turn the turkey breast-side up and brush with the remaining butter. The internal temperature, measured with an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh near the bone, should reach 165°F (74°C).

Step 6

Let the turkey rest for 30 minutes before carving.

Enjoy your delicious turkey, and thank you for following along with the recipe!


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