Take The Thanksgiving Turkey Tradition Forward With This Recipe

Name: Take The Thanksgiving Turkey Tradition Forward With This Recipe
Prep time: 40
Cook time: 50
Total time: 90
Ingredients: 1 piece Whole turkey (4.5–5.5 kg), thawed if frozen; 2 tbsp Salt; 1 tbsp Black pepper; 3 tbsp Softened butter (plus extra for basting); 2 piece Quartered onions; 1 piece Halved lemon; 1 piece Garlic bulb (cut in half); 4 piece Rosemary; 8 piece Thyme; 3 piece Bay leaves; 100 g Softened butter; 1 tbsp Fresh, chopped rosemary; 1 tbsp Chopped thyme; 1 tbsp Chopped parsley; 1 tsp Paprika; 1 tsp Garlic powder; 0 g Salt and pepper (to taste); 1.5 cup Chicken broth or water

Here's a recipe you can use to prepare a perfectly-roasted turkey that have become a symbol of Thanksgiving feasts.

Contributed By

OT Staff

November 26, 2025

Thanksgiving recipes

Annually celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, Thanksgiving is a holiday rooted in gratitude. It is a day that brings families and friends together to honour the harvest season, and this year it will be celebrated on November 27.

The festival dates back to a three-day harvest feast in the autumn of 1621, when the English pilgrims of Plymouth Colony and the Wampanoag people shared a feast. Over time, the holiday has become synonymous with togetherness, comfort, and a feast like none other.

At the heart of this feast sits the iconic roast turkey. Millions of turkeys, that have come to symbolise the celebrations, are sold each year for Thanksgiving. Turkey became a Thanksgiving favourite not just because it was native to North America, but for their generous size that make them perfect for feeding large gatherings.

A perfectly-roasted turkey brings people together, fosters conversation and imbues the gathering with a sense of warmth and comfort. Its mild and adaptable flavours pair perfectly with herbs, citrus, aromatics, and all the traditional accompaniments that define a Thanksgiving meal.

Quick Info

Prep Time 40 min

Cook Time 50 min

Total Time 90 min

Servings 10

Difficulty medium

Ingredients

Whole turkey (4.5–5.5 kg), thawed if frozen - 1 piece
Salt - 2 tbsp
Black pepper - 1 tbsp
Softened butter (plus extra for basting) - 3 tbsp
Quartered onions - 2 piece
Halved lemon - 1 piece
Garlic bulb (cut in half) - 1 piece
Rosemary - 4 piece
Thyme - 8 piece
Bay leaves - 3 piece
Softened butter - 100 g
Fresh, chopped rosemary - 1 tbsp
Chopped thyme - 1 tbsp
Chopped parsley - 1 tbsp
Paprika - 1 tsp
Garlic powder - 1 tsp
Salt and pepper (to taste) - 0 g
Chicken broth or water - 1.5 cup

Instructions

Step-1

Preheat the oven to 165°C (325°F).

Step-2

Remove giblets and pat the turkey dry with paper towels.

Step-3

Season cavity generously with salt and pepper.

Step-4

Stuff inside with onion, lemon, garlic, herbs, and bay leaves.

Step-5

Make the Herb Butter: Mix softened butter with rosemary, thyme, parsley, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Gently loosen the skin over the breasts with your fingers and spread half the herb butter underneath. Spread the remaining butter all over the outside of the turkey.

Step-6

Trussing (Optional but recommended) Tie the legs together using kitchen twine and tuck the wing tips underneath the body to prevent burning.

Step-7

Roasting: Place turkey breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Add a layer of chopped onions, carrots, and celery below the rack and pour chicken broth into the pan. Roast at 165°C (325°F) for 3.5–4.5 hours, depending on turkey size. (General rule: 13–15 minutes per 500 g).

Step-8

Let the turkey rest for 20–30 minutes before carving — this keeps it juicy.

Recipe