Best Turkey

Name: Best Turkey
Total time: 3 h 45 min
Yield: 8 serving(s)
Ingredients: 1 12- to 14-lb. turkey, thawed if frozen; 1 head garlic, halved horizontally through equator; 4 fresh bay leaves, plus more for serving; 12 sprigs fresh thyme, divided; 4 small onions, quartered and divided; 2 tbsp. olive oil; Kosher salt; 2 large carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces; 2 stalks celery, cut into 2-inch pieces; 3/4 c. low-sodium chicken broth; Grapes and fresh herbs, for serving

Here's how to win Thanksgiving.

By Kate MerkerPublished: Nov 11, 2022

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roasted thanksgiving turkey on a serving platter

Mike Garten

Yields:

8 serving(s)

Total Time:

3 hrs 45 mins

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Stuff your bird with aromatics like garlic, bay leaves, thyme, and onions for the most flavorful bird. Scatter some in the roasting pan too — where all of the turkey's juices will collect — for an even better gravy.

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Ingredients

1
12- to 14-lb. turkey, thawed if frozen
1
head garlic, halved horizontally through equator
4
fresh bay leaves, plus more for serving
12
sprigs fresh thyme, divided
4
small onions, quartered and divided
2 Tbsp.
olive oil
Kosher salt
2
large carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces
2
stalks celery, cut into 2-inch pieces
3/4 cup
low-sodium chicken broth
Grapes and fresh herbs, for serving

Directions

1. Step 1Heat oven to 375°F. Working on baking sheet, remove giblets and neck of turkey from cavity. Reserve neck and discard giblets. Using paper towels, pat turkey dry. Stuff garlic, bay leaves, 8 sprigs thyme, and half of onions into main cavity.
2. Step 2Tie legs together with kitchen twine. Tuck wing tips underneath body (this will prevent them from burning). Rub turkey with oil and season with 1 teaspoon salt.
3. Step 3Place turkey neck, carrots, celery, and remaining onions and thyme in large roasting pan. Place roasting rack in pan and put turkey on top.
4. Step 4Roast turkey until thermometer inserted into thickest part of thigh registers 165°F, 21/2 to 3 hours (Cover bird loosely with foil if it browns too quickly, and add broth to pan if vegetables begin to scorch.)
5. Step 5Carefully tilt turkey to empty juices from cavity into pan. Transfer turkey to carving board, cover loosely with foil, and let rest 25 minutes. Reserve pan and its contents for your favorite gravy. Carve turkey and garnish with grapes and herbs as desired.