The Thanksgiving turkey: It’s the centerpiece of your holiday table and perhaps the most-craved component of the feast. But for many, turkeys are also the trickiest part of the menu to make, thanks in part to the fact that it’s likely been a year since you’ve cooked a bird of this size.

This holiday season, however, tackle your turkey fears once and for all with the help of Food Network’s go-to turkey-roasting guide; all it takes is a few good-to-know tips and simple steps to turn out your juiciest, crispiest-skinned bird yet. Read on below to learn the basics of cooking a turkey, then check out How to Roast Turkey to get all of the details.

Set the Stage

Build flavor in your turkey from the inside out. After washing and drying the bird, sprinkle the cavity with seasonings, and fill it with aromatics.

Oven Prep

Melted butter helps the turkey turn golden brown in the oven. Tie the legs together and tuck the wingtips to ensure even cooking.

Timing Matters

A 10-to-12-pound turkey will take about 2 1/2 hours to roast, but once you’ve removed the bird from the oven, it’s best to let it rest for an additional 20 minutes before carving.

Get the details on How to Roast Turkey, and check out Food Network’s favorite Thanksgiving turkey recipes.

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