Thanksgiving Simply Perfect Roast Turkey

• portions: 24 servings
• temps actif: 30 mins
• temps total: 4 hours 30 mins

Ingrédients

1 (18 lb) whole turkey

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 1/2 quarts turkey stock

2 cups preferred stuffing

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.

2. Remove neck and giblets, rinse the turkey, pat dry, and season cavity with salt and pepper. Place in a roasting pan with stock.

3. Rub skin with softened butter, season with salt and pepper, and cover with foil.

4. Roast turkey for 2.5 hours, then remove foil and baste every 30 minutes.

5. Roast until thigh meat reaches 180°F (about 4 hours total). Transfer to serving platter and let stand for 20-30 minutes before carving.

Notes

We don't add the stuffing.

We also have only cooked a turkey breast for many years rather than cooking an entire turkey. They are easier to cook and no one in our family really misses the turkey legs - or atleast they haven't mentioned this if they do. :)

I use the Chicken Rub Recipe that is on UMAMI to season. I take this mix and add it to a stick of softened butter - than rub that all over the turkey. Under and over the skin and in the cavity..... I will prep the turkey about 2 days in advance - and than wrap it really well and place in the fridge. This sort of "merinaids" the turkey.