Combination from several sources. Note that I don't Stuff the Bird, but you could, the cooking time would be extended.
Ingredients:
- Citrus Herb Butter (This is for a 12-14 lb bird, may need to increase if Larger)
- 1/2 cup (1 Stick) Unsalted Softened Butter [Room Temperature]
- 1 Navel Orange Zest
- 1 Lemon Zest
- 3 Cloves Garlic, Minced
- 4 Tbsp Fresh Sage
- 3 Tbsp Fresh Thyme
- 3 Tbsp Fresh Rosemary
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Fresh Cracked Black Pepper
- Thawed! Turkey (Size will determine cook Time)
- 1 Tbsp Flour (For Turkey Roasting Bag)
Helpful
- Turkey Roasting Pan with Grate
- Turkey Roasting Bag (I use Reynolds Kitchens Oven Bags, Turkey Size)
- Paper Towels
- Kitchen Twine
- Large Cooler to Rest Turkey In
Instructions
- In Bowl Combine: Butter, Orange Zest, Lemon Zest, Garlic, Sage, Thyme, Rosemary, Salt, and Pepper. Set Aside.
- Turkey
- Defrost Turkey In Refrigerator
- 10-12 lbs >> 3 Days
- 12-16 lbs >> 4-5 Days
- 16-20 lbs >> 5-6 Days
- Preheat Oven to 325 deg F.
- Prepare Turkey Roasting Bag according to Instructions (Flour in Bag)
- Prepare/Trim Turkey (Remove from packaging, Remove Internal Organs, Trip Skin/Neck/Fat as Desired)
- Pat Turkey Dry with Paper Towels
- Loosen Skin by running Hand Between Skin and Breast Meat.
- Rub Citrus Herb Butter UNDER and OVER Skin
- Light Sprinkle of Salt and Pepper over Turkey
- Place Turkey in Roasting Bag, Place Turkey in Roasting Bag on/in the Roasting Pan/Rack Breast Side Up, Tuck Wings under Bird, Tie the Legs together with Twine, Close Bag According to Directions, Cut Slits in bag According to Directions
- Roast According to Turkey Size (180 deg F in Thigh, 170 deg F in Breast)
- Increase Oven Temp to 450 when you have approximately 20 minutes on the roast
- Tear and Remove Turkey Roasting Bag (You don't need to do this completely, just expose the skin)
- Roast uncovered at 450 for 15 minutes.
- Remove From Oven, Rest at least 30 Minutes before Carving (In Cooler if Possible)