Basic Turkey
- Level: Easy
- Total: 2 hr
- Cook: 2 hr
Directions
- Remove the neck and giblets from your turkey; pat dry, then let stand at room temperature, 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Season the turkey inside and out with salt and pepper. Fill the cavity with chopped onions, carrots, apples and herbs, then tie the legs together with twine. Place breast-side up in a roasting pan and brush with melted butter. Tent with foil and roast 2 hours for a 10-to-12-pound turkey; add an extra 15 minutes per pound for larger birds. Uncover, brush with more butter and increase the heat to 425 degrees F; roast until the thigh meat registers 165 degrees F, about 1 more hour. Let rest 30 minutes before carving.