Imagine a turkey so succulent, so perfectly seasoned, that your dinner guests will be talking about it for years to come. Dorothy's Garlic Roast Turkey isn't just a recipe—it's a culinary masterpiece that transforms an ordinary holiday meal into an extraordinary feast. With a magical blend of herbs, butter, and garlic that infuses every single bite, this turkey promises to be the star of your dining table, making your kitchen smell like a gourmet restaurant and your guests' taste buds dance with delight!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 3 hrs
Total Time: 3 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds)
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 10 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Remove the turkey from the refrigerator 1 hour before cooking to bring it to room temperature. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Pat the turkey dry completely with paper towels, ensuring the skin is moisture-free for crispy roasting.
- In a medium bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper until well combined to create a fragrant herb butter.
- Carefully separate the turkey skin from the meat using your fingers, being gentle to avoid tearing. Spread the garlic herb butter evenly under the skin, massaging it into the meat.
- Rub any remaining butter mixture over the exterior of the turkey skin. Season the turkey cavity and exterior generously with additional salt and pepper.
- Place the turkey breast-side up in a large roasting pan. Pour chicken broth into the bottom of the pan to prevent drippings from burning.
- Cover the turkey loosely with aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven. Roast for approximately 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Remove the foil during the last 30-45 minutes of cooking to allow the skin to brown and become crispy.
- Once done, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs before serving. Carve and enjoy Dorothy's Garlic Roast Turkey!
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Always let your turkey come to room temperature before roasting to ensure even cooking.
- Skin Preparation: Pat the turkey completely dry before applying butter to guarantee that irresistibly crispy, golden-brown skin.
- Butter Technique: Gently separate the skin from the meat to create a pocket for the herb butter, which helps keep the meat incredibly moist and flavorful.
- Liquid is Key: Adding chicken broth to the roasting pan prevents drippings from burning and helps create delicious pan juices.
- Don't Rush the Resting: Letting the turkey rest after cooking is crucial—it allows juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is tender and juicy.
- Temperature Check: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Foil Strategy: Cover the turkey initially to prevent over-browning, then uncover in the last 30-45 minutes for that perfect crispy skin.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
