To make the ultimate Thanksgiving turkey, start by choosing a fresh, high-quality bird that is free-range and preferably organic. Prepare the turkey by removing the neck and giblets, and rinse it inside and out with cold water. Season the turkey with a mixture of butter, salt, pepper, and herbs, and stuff the cavity with onions, garlic, and more herbs. Roast the turkey in a preheated oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes per pound, and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. Serve with your favorite sides, and impress your guests with a delicious and juicy turkey.

How to Make the Ultimate Thanksgiving Turkey

Step 1: Choose the Right Bird

The key to making a great turkey is starting with a high-quality bird. Choose a turkey that is fresh, free-range, and preferably organic. Avoid frozen turkeys, as they will not be as flavorful or tender as a fresh turkey. Plan on buying at least 1 pound of turkey per person to ensure there is enough to go around.

Step 2: Prepare the Turkey

Before seasoning the turkey, remove the neck and giblets from the cavity of the bird. Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water and pat dry with paper towels. If desired, brine the turkey overnight in a mixture of water, salt, and herbs for added flavor and moisture.

Step 3: Season the Turkey

The key to a flavorful and juicy turkey is seasoning it properly. Rub the turkey with a mixture of softened butter, salt, pepper, and herbs, such as sage, thyme, and rosemary. For added flavor, stuff the cavity of the turkey with sliced onions, garlic, and herbs.

Step 4: Roast the Turkey

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and cover with foil. Cook for approximately 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the foil during the last half hour of cooking to brown the skin.

Step 5: Let Rest and Carve

Allow the turkey to rest for at least 15 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute. Carve the turkey and serve with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, and cranberry sauce.

Recipe for Ultimate Thanksgiving Turkey

Ingredients:

• 1 fresh, free-range turkey (15-20 pounds)
• 1 stick of unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. black pepper
• 2 tbsp. fresh sage, chopped
• 2 tbsp. fresh thyme, chopped
• 2 tbsp. fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 onion, sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, peeled

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Remove the neck and giblets from the cavity of the turkey and rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, salt, pepper, sage, thyme, and rosemary. Rub the mixture all over the outside of the turkey.
4. Stuff the cavity of the turkey with sliced onions, garlic, and any remaining herbs.
5. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and cover with foil.
6. Cook the turkey for approximately 20 minutes per pound or until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
7. Remove the foil during the last half hour of cooking to brown the skin.
8. Allow the turkey to rest for at least 15 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.
9. Carve the turkey and serve with your favorite sides.

By following these simple steps and using high-quality ingredients, you can create the ultimate Thanksgiving turkey that will delight your guests and leave them asking for seconds. Happy cooking!