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If you are looking for a new recipe for your Christmas Turkey this is the one to make. It is loaded with flavor and seasoned perfectly.
This no fuss roasted turkey recipe will sure to impress your guests this holiday. The turkey is cooked golden brown with a crispy texture. The turkey cavity is stuffed with fresh fruit, vegetables and seasoned with fresh herbs.
Christmas Dinner Recipes is a great time to bring the family together to enjoy a nice dinned together. This free-range turkey always looks beautiful on your Christmas dinner table. You can also make this Slow Cooker Whole Turkey, Grilled Turkey, Upside Down Turkey, Spatchcock Turkey or Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe.
You may love to use this Turkey Brine Recipe before cooking your turkey.
Table of Contents
Why We Love This Recipe:
This roasted turkey takes less than 30 minutes of prep time and then the oven does the work. The turkey cooks juicy and also makes the best turkey gravy.
Make sure to add your favorite Easy Cranberry Sauce Recipe, Crockpot Mashed Potatoes Recipe, Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Cheesy Potatoes, Easy Green Bean Casserole, Stuffing Muffins, Easy Stuffing Recipe, Gluten Free Turkey Gravy, Turkey Neck Gravy or Green Bean Casserole with Cream of Chicken for a complete dinner idea. We even like to start with this Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball Recipe or Christmas Veggie Tray for a delicious appetizer and Christmas Trifle for dessert.
You may even want to make Leftover Turkey Soup or Turkey Noodle Soup with your leftover turkey.
Ingredients:
- Whole Turkey, fully thawed
- Large Onion
- Large Orange
- Fresh Rosemary Sprigs
- Fresh Thyme Springs
- Butter, softened
- Sea Salt
- Freshly Ground Pepper
Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe listed in the recipe card.
Variations:
- Stuffing – Feel free to change the fruit and vegetables to what you prefer. You can add in apricots, red onions, sticks celery, or lemons zest.
- Garlic Butter – Add a teaspoon of minced garlic or garlic cloves to the butter mixture for added flavor.
Step by Step Instructions:
- Step 1 – Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Then place the oven rack 1 level lower than the center of the oven.
- Step 2 – Remove the neck and giblets from the turkey. Place the turkey in a roasting pan with a roasting rack, breast side up.
Step 3 – Cut the onions and orange into large pieces. Put some of the onions and all the oranges in the cavity of the turkey and place half of the fresh rosemary and thyme into the cavity of the turkey as well. Turk the wings under the turkey. You can tie back the wings of the turkey if you prefer.
Step 4 – Pat the turkey dry with paper towels and rub with butter or olive oil all over the skin of the turkey then season with salt and pepper. Place the rest of the onions, rosemary and thyme around the outside of the turkey in the pan.
Step 5 – Then tent the top of the turkey with aluminum foil to prevent the turkey from browning too much.
Step 6 – Cook the turkey based on the size of the turkey in a hot oven. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees. When the thermometer is inserted into the thickest part of the turkey.
Recipe Tips
- Roasting Tray – Feel free to use a disposable large roasting tray to make this turkey. Make sure you get one that is large enough to fit your turkey.
- Meat Thermometer – Make sure to use a meat thermometer to ensure your turkey is cooked to a safe temperature. Insert in the fattest part of the turkey.
- Cover Turkey – While the turkey is cooking, we recommend loosely covering with heavy duty foil.
- Carving Tips – If you need help carving your turkey, check out these carving tips.
How Long to Cook Turkey:
When baking this turkey, you will bake approximately 14 to 15 minutes per pounds of turkey. But make sure to check the turkey with a meat thermometer before removing it from the oven. Cooking time will vary.
Let the turkey rest for 30-60 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Refrigerate the leftovers for up to 5 days in an airtight container. We also love making Turkey Sliders or Turkey Salad Recipe with the turkey leftovers.
Once the turkey has cooled to room temperature, store the leftovers in a freezer container or zip lock bag. It will stay good for up to 3 months if stored properly.
More Easy Christmas Dinner Recipes:
- 37 Christmas Ham Recipes
- 34 Crock Pot Christmas Recipes
- Easy Crockpot Spiral Ham Recipe
- Christmas Roast
- Oven Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe
- Crockpot Side Dishes for Christmas
We love hearing from you. If you make this Christmas Turkey Recipe, make sure to leave us a comment or a star review.
Christmas Turkey
Ingredients
- 12-24 lb Whole Turkey fully thawed
- 2 Large Onion
- 1 Large Orange
- 4 Fresh Rosemary Sprigs
- 3 Fresh Thyme Springs
- 1/2 cup Butter softened
- 1 Tablespoon Sea Salt
- 1 Tablespoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and place the oven rack 1 level lower than the center of the oven.
- Remove the neck and giblets from the turkey. Place the turkey in a roasting pan with a roasting rack, breast side up. Cut the onions and orange into large pieces. Put some of the onions and all the oranges in the cavity of the turkey and place half of the fresh rosemary and thyme into the cavity of the turkey as well. Turk the wings under the turkey. You can tie back the wings of the turkey if you prefer.
- Pat the turkey dry with paper towels and rub the butter all over the skin of the turkey.
- Season the other side of the turkey with salt and pepper. Place the rest of the onions, rosemary and thyme around the outside of the turkey in the pan.
- Then tent the top of the turkey with aluminum foil to prevent the turkey from browning too much.
- Cook the turkey based on the size of the turkey and use a meat thermometer to ensure that the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F when the thermometer is inserted into the thickest part of the turkey.
- The bake time will be approximately 14-15 minutes per pound but make sure to check the turkey with a meat thermometer before removing it from the oven.
- Let the turkey rest for 30-60 minutes.
- Remove the turkey to a serving platter, carve and enjoy!
