How to Cook a Turkey

Cooking a turkey isn't as hard as you might think. With these simple steps and just a few ingredients, this is How to Cook a Turkey that is simple and delicious.

Prep Time20

Cook Time3 30

Total Time3 50

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Keyword: How to Cook a Turkey, How to Roast a Turkey, Roasted Turkey

Servings: servings

Author: Jennie Duncan

Ingredients

15 pound turkey
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter (divided)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried thyme

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Preparing your roasting pan with rack and set aside.
Remove turkey from bag. Remove giblet package, neck, and any clamps that are in your turkey (everything should be on the preparation directions on your turkey packaging).
Rinse turkey then pat dry and place in a roasting pan. Rub salt and pepper on turkey.
In a medium saucepan melt 1 stick of butter (keep 1/2 stick cold). Once melted remove from eat and whisk in lemon juice and thyme. Slowly pour this over your turkey in the roasting pan.
Slice remaining 1/2 stick of butter and place it on top to the turkey. Bake for 3 - 3 1/2 hours. Cooking time will vary depending on the size of your turkey. See chart above for suggested cooking time. Turkey is safe to eat when it reaches at least 165 degrees F. I always use a meat thermometer to check and don't rely on the pop up timer that some turkeys come with.
Once cooked remove from oven and allow to rest on the roasting pan for 20-30 minutes. Add to platter then slice and serve.

Nutrition