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This Thanksgiving Turkey recipe is practically foolproof! It turns out tender, juicy, and golden every time using simple steps that even first-time cooks can follow with confidence. There’s no brining or basting needed, just clear instructions, step-by-step photos, and practical tips that show you exactly how to prep, season, roast, and carve a beautiful, flavorful turkey for a stress-free holiday meal.
If you’re planning your whole menu, check out our Thanksgiving Dinner Menu Ideas & Planning Guide and our Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes collection.
About This Recipe
This perfect Thanksgiving Turkey will be the star of your family’s holiday dinner. Of course, the best turkey recipe needs the best Thanksgiving side dishes, like my Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes, Homemade Stuffing, and classic Green Bean Casserole.
This juicy turkey recipe isn’t complicated at all. There’s no brining, no basting, no weird cooking techniques. Just simple instructions to give you great results every time while your bird roasts stress-free.
In this post, you’ll learn tons of tips and tricks, plus step-by-step instructions for the most perfectly tender, incredibly juicy, totally stress-free, best Thanksgiving turkey recipe, ever! Your holiday meal is about to get a whole lot easier.
Why This Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe Works
- It’s easy! Even a first-time cook can make a delicious turkey for Thanksgiving, or any day, by following this easy turkey recipe.
- Butter keeps it moist. Placing butter underneath the turkey skin adds extra flavor and keeps the meat moist and juicy.
- Foil keeps it from drying out. Covering the top with foil during the first few hours of cooking helps to keep the breast meat from drying out since the turkey legs take a little longer to cook.
- High heat crisps the skin. Turning up the heat during the last hour ensures golden, crispy skin without drying out the meat.
5 Make or Break Tips For Roasting A Turkey
These quick tips help ensure your turkey turns out juicy, evenly cooked, and full of flavor.
- Give yourself enough thawing time. A frozen turkey needs about 24 hours of fridge thaw time for every 4 pounds. Starting early prevents uneven cooking and keeps the center from staying too cold.
- Dry the skin really well. Moisture keeps the skin from crisping. Pat the turkey dry with plenty of paper towels — this is key for that golden, crispy finish.
- Loosen the skin gently. Sliding your hand under the skin helps the butter spread evenly. It also ensures the breast stays moist as it roasts
- Use foil during the first part of roasting. Covering just the breast with foil protects the white meat while the legs and thighs cook through.
- Use a thermometer! The most reliable way to avoid overcooking is to use an instant-read thermometer. Check the breast or thigh for 165°F.
Recipe walk-through
How to Make Thanksgiving Turkey (Simple + Foolproof)
No brining, no basting, just simple ingredients for an exceptionally flavorful Thanksgiving turkey! Be sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the complete list of ingredients and instructions.
- The Bird – For this recipe and the cooking times that go with it, I used a 12-pound turkey. This is a fairly average size that will feed 8-10 people.
- Butter – Pats of butter are placed under the skin of each turkey breast.
- Onion and Garlic – peel and stuff inside the cavity of the turkey. You can also add fresh herbs and citrus fruits, like lemon or orange, if you like.
- Dry Rub – Mix together kosher salt, dried thyme, dried sage, rosemary, paprika, black pepper, and ground mustard and rub into the skin. This is also a delicious seasoning for Roast Chicken.
- Equipment – A big roasting pan, preferably with a wire rack to hold the roast turkey up above the drippings.
Defrost the Turkey
If your turkey is frozen, thaw it completely in the refrigerator before unwrapping it. Place it in a deep roasting pan to catch any juices. Be sure to start defrosting the turkey a few days before you need to cook it.
Plan on:
- 24 hours of thaw time per 4 pounds
- A little extra time if your fridge runs cold
- So for our 12-pound bird, at least 3-4 days. To be safe, I usually give it an extra 12-24 hours.
Avoid thawing in the sink; it can encourage bacteria. Once thawed, prep the turkey within 1–2 days.
Prep the Turkey
Remove the packaging and take out the neck and giblets – save them for turkey gravy if you like. (I usually do this in a large container in the kitchen sink.) Transfer the turkey to your roasting pan with a rack.
Pat the turkey dry all over, especially the breast and inside the cavity. Dry skin is one of the biggest keys to crispy skin.
Add Butter and Seasonings
- Carefully slide your hand under the skin of the turkey breast to separate it from the meat.
- Add three pats of butter under the skin on each side (1 pat = 1 tablespoon) and spread it around gently. You could also use my Garlic Butter here!
- Mix together the dry rub (salt, thyme, sage, rosemary, paprika, pepper, and ground mustard). Sprinkle it all over the outside of the turkey and press it gently into the skin. Add a little inside the cavity.
- Stuff the cavity with the onion halves and garlic cloves and transfer to a roasting pan with a rack.
You can also add fresh herbs or citrus if you like, which will flavor the drippings for gravy.
Cover the Breast with Foil
Cut a piece of foil large enough to mold over the turkey breast.
Press it down so it fits snugly. This keeps the breast from overcooking during the first hours of roasting.
Roasting Low and Slow
Preheat your oven to 325°F.
Place the turkey in the oven and roast for 2 hours (for a 12-pound turkey), adding extra time based on the size of your turkey (see chart below).
- Note: This slower start allows the dark meat to cook through without drying out the breast.
Turn Up the Heat and Crisp the Skin
Carefully remove the foil, increase the oven temperature to 400°F, and continue roasting until the turkey reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the breast or thigh.
The higher heat at the end gives you beautifully golden, crispy skin without drying out the meat.
Let It Rest
Transfer the turkey to a cutting board and let it rest for 15–40 minutes before carving.
Resting helps the juices redistribute so the meat stays moist.
- Tip: Use this time to make gravy or warm up sides.
Frequently Asked Questions
A pound of turkey per person will feed your guests and leave them satisfied. But if you want leftovers, I recommend 1.5-2 pounds per adult and about half a pound per child. I personally think leftovers are awesome, because you can make Turkey Tetrazzini or Turkey and Stuffing Casserole.
One of the best tricks we have for keeping your cooked turkey juicy and moist is butter! Stuffing pats of butter under the skin creates a beautifully crisp skin, but it also melts and keeps the meat super moist and juicy.
Another trick I use is placing aluminum foil over the turkey breasts to help dissipate some of the heat and lock in moisture. Since dark meat takes longer to cook than light meat, this method lets the thighs and legs get their roast on while the breast gently cooks.
A turkey should be cooked until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Insert an instant-read meat thermometer in the base of the breast meat or the thickest part of the thigh, careful not to touch any bone.
The actual length of time it takes to reach the correct temperature will depend on the temperature of the bird before cooking, its size, and your oven temperature.
Expert Tips, Do’s and Don’ts
Every year, we get lots of questions about how to cook a turkey, so we’ve put them all in one place. Hopefully, these helpful hints will take the guesswork out of cooking your turkey!
- Don’t wash your turkey. Washing poultry is a no-no and will just contaminate your sink. Remove from the packaging and pat dry with paper towels.
- Don’t cook stuffing inside your turkey. If you cook stuffing inside your turkey, the meat will be dry and overcooked before the stuffing reaches a temperature that’s safe to eat. Instead, stuff the turkey with aromatics like onions, garlic, celery, herbs, or lemons that will add a ton of flavor to the bird as well as to the drippings for pan gravy, and cook your stuffing in a casserole dish. You can try my yummy recipes for Classic Homemade Stuffing, Cornbread Stuffing, Sausage Stuffing, or Bacon and Onion Stuffing.
- Don’t baste or brine your turkey. These extra steps are really unnecessary for achieving the perfect roast turkey. Basting requires constantly opening your oven, which costs you valuable heat and extends the cooking time. Brining isn’t necessary with a high-quality turkey.
- Do save the turkey drippings. The drippings are used to make the gravy, and the flavor will complement beautifully.
- Do thaw your turkey. Use the handy guide that I shared above for how to thaw your turkey. If your turkey is frozen, it may not cook all the way through, leaving you with a raw turkey in the center while the outside looks done.
- Do have a meat thermometer handy. Test the temperature of your turkey by inserting the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. It should register at least 160℉. Remove it from the oven and tent with foil. It will continue cooking while tented and should quickly reach 165℉.
Storage Tips
Make Ahead, Storage, and Freezing
Make Ahead: Once your turkey is fully thawed, you prep it for roasting up to 24 hours in advance. Add the butter, seasoning, and aromatics, then cover loosely with foil and place in the fridge overnight. Take it out about 30 minutes before you put it in the oven so it can shake off the chill.
Storage: If you’re going to eat your leftovers within 3-4 days, store in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag in the fridge. Use for sandwiches, BLT Turkey Wraps, tacos, and Turkey Soup.
Freezing: One of the reasons I love turkey leftovers is because I can keep some in my freezer and easily toss it in Turkey Shepherd’s Pie or in soups.
Reheating: If you’re just looking to reheat a late-night Thanksgiving dinner leftovers plate, you can do that in the microwave. If it’s frozen, thaw it overnight in the fridge before adding to other recipes.
Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Your Thanksgiving turkey may be the best ever, but you’re still going to need to fill some supporting roles. Here are some of our favorite Thanksgiving sides that will complement your cooked turkey in the best way!
Side Dish Recipes:
- Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
- Oven Roasted Vegetables
- Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
- One Hour Dinner Rolls
- Scalloped Corn Casserole
- Twice Baked Potatoes
- Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
- Orange Cranberry Sauce
- Cranberry Fluff Salad
Dessert Recipes:
101+ Thanksgiving
Side Dishes
Find all the sides you could possibly want for the perfect Thanksgiving menu!
Need a smaller turkey this year? Try my other easy turkey recipes for cooking a turkey breast in the air fryer, roasting in the oven, or even an Instant Pot Turkey Breast. Any of these recipes would be a great way to feed a smaller crowd or to add extra turkey to your meal.
Best Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe
Equipment
- Roasting Pan (click the link to see the one I use)
Ingredients
- 12 pound Turkey thawed
- 6 tablespoons Unsalted butter cut into 1 Tablespoon pats. Chilled, but soft enough to spread under the skin.
- 1 1/2 Yellow onions peeled and halved
- 4 Garlic cloves peeled
Dry Rub:
- 2 teaspoons Kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons Dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon Dried sage
- 1 teaspoon Dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground mustard
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325℉.
- In a small bowl, combine the salt, thyme, sage, paprika, pepper, and ground mustard until evenly incorporated.
- Remove the turkey from its packaging. From the bird's cavity, remove the neck and the bag containing the gizzards and heart. (You can keep these items to make stock or discard them.) Note – I do this in a large, clean container in the sink, like a wash basin or a small cooler.
- Use a few paper towels to dry off the skin of the bird and inside the cavity.
- Lift the skin over the turkey breast (on the side closest to the legs) and slide your hand under the skin separating it from the breast meat. Do this on both sides of the breast.
- Insert three pats of butter under the skin on one side of the turkey breast spreading them around evenly. Repeat on the other side.
- Sprinkle the dry rub all over the turkey – breast, legs, wings, anything you can see. Using your hands press the rub into the skin a little. If you have any extra rub sprinkle it inside the cavity.
- Place the onion halves and garlic cloves inside the turkey’s cavity.
- Transfer the bird to your roasting pan. (I like to use a pan with a rack to keep the bottom of the turkey from getting soggy.)
- Take a good sized piece of foil and place it over just the turkey breast. (You want to make sure to the foil piece is big enough to fit over the whole breast.) Press down and mold the foil to the breast. Let the ends stick out if the foil's a bit big.
- Place the turkey in the oven and roast for 2 hours. Carefully remove the foil from the turkey. Increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees and cook the turkey for another hour, or until the internal temperature of the breast reaches 165℉ and the skin is golden and crispy.
- Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 30-45 minutes before carving.
Notes
- 10 pounds: 1 hour 30 minutes at 325℉; 1 hour at 400℉.
- 12 pounds: 2 hours at 325℉; 1 hour at 400℉.
- 14 pounds: 2 hours, 30 minutes at 325℉; 1 hour at 400℉.
- 16 pounds: 3 hours at 325℉; 1 hour at 400℉.
- 18 pounds: 3 hours, 30 minutes at 325℉; 1 hour at 400℉.
- 20 pounds: 3 hours, 45 minutes at 325℉; 1 hour at 400℉.
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer Kristin Maxwell of “Yellow Bliss Road” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. For accurate calorie counts and other nutritional values, we recommend running the ingredients through your preferred online nutritional calculator. Calories and other nutritional values can vary depending on which brands were used.
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This was hands down the best turkey I have ever made. I made it for Christmas and wow! It was so juicy and flavourful. It was so easy and straight forward. It will now be my go to recipe for making a turkey.
Awesome feedback Gabby! Thanks for stopping by.
Hi Kristen,
I’m planning on making this for Christmas and am wondering, when you put it in the oven, do you cover your roasting pan with a lid? Or just the foil? Or both? ?♀️
Hi Angela, just cover the top (breasts) with foil. No lid.
I made my first turkey for our family three years ago. So this was the third year in a row that I’ve used this article. It is tried and true! I’ve made some modifications to the dry brine and aromatics. I also use a compound butter that goes on top of the turkey in addition to placing it under the skin. This year was the best turkey yet. There is one thing that I can’t figure out. I’ve followed the oven instruction to the letter. Over the 3 turkeys I’ve made, when I take the turkey out and check the thigh, it’s always ~190 degrees! What I don’t know, is when to check the temp and hot to adjust the time. I would think that you’d want the turkey at 400 for the last full hour to make sure the skin gets crispy. Now despite that higher than desired temp, the turkey has never been dry. In fact, it’s always juicy and flavorful inside with a crispy skin. So I guess I’d just like to know when to check the temp of the bird and how to adjust. Thanks for this delicious tutorials and recipe!
Hi Brett, I say, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! As long as the breast reaches 165, you’re good. The dark meat is often a higher temp, and that’s ok because it stays juicy.
I’m so thankful that I found this recipe! This was the first time that I had to make a turkey and I’m beyond proud to say that it was perfect! Thank you so much!
That is so awesome Kimberly! Thank you for stopping by.
You mentioned something about basting the turkey, when should that be done? Thanks
Hi Pamela, I don’t mention basting in this post, other than that’s a method I used to use. There is no need to baste this turkey.
Hi Kristen…just wanted to thank you for sharing this recipe. My husband and I usually get to enjoy our turkey day in Florida with family (we live in New York) Due to covid we spent turkey day at home with family and I hosted dinner. Followed your recipe and our turkey was AMAZING!! So very moist! Your tips, techniques and all the info was extremely helpful. If we cant go to Florida next year, this will definitely be my go to turkey recipe!?
You are so welcome Lisa! Thank you for stopping by.
This was the by far the best recipe I have ever used in cooking a turkey. It was moist on the inside and delicious all around. Well never cook a turkey any other way!
Awesome feedback RC! Thanks for stopping by.
This was the best Turkey, and I make a great Turkey to begin with! Making it this way forevermore.
Now I would love to try your roast chicken recipe! Do you have one? Thanks for this recipe and possible for a chicken one as well!
So glad you enjoyed it! And yes, I do have a Roast Chicken recipe that is similar to the turkey and totally delicious!
We made this Turkey for this Thanksgiving. It was so juicy , tender and tasty. And it was easy too. I would definitely make it again.
Nice! Thank you so much for stopping by Marcia.
Thank you, Kristin! Best turkey I have ever made! Juicy white meat, crisp skin, and delicious gravy! 40 years later and I finally and I finally found the perfect recipe!
You are so welcome Annamary! Thank you so much for stopping by.
Hello! What temperature should the Turkey be before turning the heat up the last hour?
Hi Christina, No need to measure the temp before turning up the heat.
Made my first turkey today from this recipe. It turned out wonderful. Thank you so much. This recipe is a keeper.
You are so welcome Hope! Thank you for stopping by.
I’ve been using this recipe for the last three years it is amazingly delicious and the turkey comes out ?
Thank you Tara! Thanks for stopping by.
Number 11 says roast for 2 hours. I’m assuming ignore that and stick to the chart below? Thanks for this recipe!
The recipe is for a 12 pound turkey. The chart offered in the notes gives you the formula for a larger or smaller bird.
Can I use this recipe and still use a turkey bag?
Hi Kris, I suppose you could, but the skin won’t get crispy.
Last minute shopper here and I wasn’t able to get sage or thyme. I do have the rest of the seasonings I hand as well as poultry seasoning. Any suggestions on how to switch up the portions?
The herbs mentioned are similar to what’s in poultry seasoning. So you’d be fine to just use that in place of the sage, and thyme. Poultry seasoning probably has pepper in it too.
Should I double the seasoning for a 20 pounder?
Yes you could do that. Maybe not double but 50%?
Hi – any considerations for high altitude? Cook for a longer duration?
Nope you won’t need to alter the recipe for altitude. That’s usually for baked goods.
Best recipe all around. Several people have said, “you’re doing the hard part of the meal”. Its really pretty simple with this recipe. This will be my 3rd year. I’ve had my nephews say its the best turkey they’ve had. Love it. Great for ADD moms 🙂 Thank you for sharing!
You are so welcome Annette! Thanks for the awesome feedback.
So ,you should do the butter and seasoning step then let your turkey get close to room temperature before putting it in the oven?
I’m not sure I understand your question. The turkey won’t come to room temperature just during the 20 minutes it takes to prep it. And you won’t be letting it sit out at all, it goes straight in the oven.
This is what I was referring to.
Once your turkey is fully defrosted, you can prep it for roasting using the recipe below. Allow the bird to come close to room temperature once prepped to help it to cook evenly.
Oh yes I see; this pretty much happens while you’re prepping it. But yes you can let it sit for a little bit longer.
If I don’t have a pan and rack can I still make it work ?
A pan and rack is best; however, some of the alternatives I’ve seen are using a deep baking dish and placing balls of foil, or using the ceramic insert of a slow cooker (just the insert AND only if the instructions for your device permit oven cooking). As a last resort, you can roast without a rack, the bottom would be sitting in some of the liquid but it will still cook fine.
Thank you so much ! 🙂
Hi there! I’m going to try your recipe tomorrow. So no need to baste it at all while cooking? Thanks!
Nope, no need to baste it.
I’m thinking of stuffing my bird with dressing. Should I plan on adding additional time for cooking. About how long would I add. Can’t wait to try your recipe
If you want to stuff your turkey, make sure the stuffing is completely cooled to room temperature or chilled so that the bird won’t sit at an unsafe temperature for too long. Remember that the stuffing needs to be cooked to 165 degrees F because it absorbs the drippings from the turkey.
Check out my homemade stuffing!