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What temperature do you roast a turkey at?

Roasting a turkey is a centerpiece of many holiday feasts, but achieving the perfect balance between juicy meat and crispy skin can be a challenge. One of the most critical factors in getting it right is choosing the ideal temperature to roast your turkey. Should you go for a slow roast at 325°F for more tender meat or opt for the faster, crispy approach at 350°F? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the pros and cons of different turkey roasting temperatures and provide expert tips to help you nail your next roast.

  • Total Time: 23 minute
  • Yield: 8-10 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 whole turkey (12–15 pounds)
  • 1/2 cup softened butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage)
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced (optional)
  • 1 lemon, quartered (optional)
  • 1 onion, quartered (optional)
  • 1 cup chicken broth or water (for basting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    Preheat your oven to 325°F or 350°F depending on your preferred roasting method.
  2. Prepare the Turkey:
    Remove the giblets and pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Rub the softened butter and olive oil all over the turkey, then season generously with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. Optionally, stuff the cavity with garlic, lemon, and onion for added flavor.
  3. Truss the Turkey:
    Tie the turkey’s legs together using kitchen twine, which will help it cook evenly.
  4. Place in Roasting Pan:
    Place the turkey on a rack in a large roasting pan. Pour the chicken broth or water into the bottom of the pan to keep the turkey moist during roasting.
  5. Roast the Turkey:
    • For 325°F: Roast the turkey for 15-17 minutes per pound.
    • For 350°F: Roast the turkey for 13-15 minutes per pound. Tip: If the skin starts browning too quickly, tent the breast with foil after the first hour.
  6. Check the Temperature:
    Use a meat thermometer to ensure the thickest part of the breast and thigh reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  7. Rest the Turkey:
    Let the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in moist, flavorful meat.
  • Author: Lyli Mildiva
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2.5 to 4.5 hours (depending on size and temperature)
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Keywords: roast turkey, turkey roasting, holiday turkey, Thanksgiving turkey, crispy skin turkey, juicy turkey, perfect turkey recipe