Herb-Roasted Turkey
(128)
  • Minutes to Prepare:
  • Minutes to Cook:
  • Number of Servings: 12
Ingredients
One 12-pound turkey1 orange2 tbsp olive oil1 tbsp dried rosemary1 tsp dried thyme1 tsp dried sage1⁄2 tsp black pepper
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 400° F. Remove the giblets and neck if they are encased within the turkey, then rinse out the cavity and pat the turkey dry. Slice the orange in half and stuff it inside
the bird.

2. In a small bowl, combine the oil with the rosemary, thyme, sage, and pepper. Rub the seasoning mixture under the skin and on top of the breast of the turkey. Rub any remaining
seasonings over the entire turkey. If the legs are not secured with a wire, tie them together with kitchen string. Place the turkey on a Vrack in a roasting pan, tucking the wings under the bird.

3. Roast the turkey at 400° F for 30 minutes; reduce the oven temperature to 325° F and continue cooking the turkey until an internal temperature of 165° F is reached for the breast or 180°
F for the leg. Also look for other indications of doneness: loose joints and juices running clear

If turkey begins to turn dark brown before the internal temperature is met, cover the breast with foil and continue to roast until done.
Servings Per Recipe: 12
Nutritional Info Amount Per Serving
  • Calories: 154.6
  • Total Fat: 3.1 g
  • Cholesterol: 0.0 mg
  • Sodium: 57.4 mg
  • Total Carbs: 8.4 g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0.4 g
  • Protein: 28.8 g

Member Reviews
  • MARGO55
     I use an apple instead, and a sliced up onion in side of the turkey. It is really good this way too. - 11/25/09
  • CANNINGNANNY
     I like the idea of using carrots, celery and onions under the turkey to help stabilize it. It will help with the flavor of your gravy, also. Thx - 11/19/09
  • CD2415256
     Delicious turkey! It saved our Thanksgiving since I didn't know my parents wanted the pre-cooked smoked turkey. The cooking instructions made the turkey a beautiful golden brown and the flavor was amazing! Thanks Chef Meg - 11/30/09
  • STEVIECAT4
     Roasting rack is a great idea! I wouldn't put fruit inside my turkey tho. Salt, pepper, garlic, shallot & 1/2 an onion is the way to go. These will flavor the juices that exude and make for a wonderful gravy. I don't think I'd like the taste of an orange throughout the meat or in the gravy - 11/19/09
  • KOI239
     I use a roasting rack to drain off most of the fat - 11/19/09
  • JRSWHIMSY
     This was the first turkey I'd ever tried to make and it turned out great! Thanks Chef Meg! - 11/29/09
  • SAL1512
     Very moist! My company said it was the best turkey I had ever made! - 11/26/09
  • I_AM_EEVIE
     We add herbs, garlic and onion, no fruit, to the inside of our turkey (chickens too!) and cook it in a baking bag. Always makes it very tender and the juices make an awesome gravy! Easy Cleanup too! Can't wait til Thanksgiving! - 11/16/12
  • DARUMA
     excellent. moist and easy. i could only find navel oranges so i peeled it and then cut in half. took it to an early thanksgiving dinner for new immigrants who were mostly from Burma. - 11/22/09
  • DALLASMAINE
     I have a recipe like this except it uses lemon & rind. I can't wait to try it. The recipe I've used before makes the bird very moist and flavorful! - 11/10/09
  • YATMAMA
     We do the same thing with chickens. Comes out great! We sometimes peel a handful of garlic and stuff them in with the orange, too, for a nice variation. NO DEEP FRIED TURKEY this year. It would be too much of a temptation for me! - 11/20/09
  • THE_MOMMA_BEAR
     superb! never thought of using vegetables as a v-rack! - 11/19/09
  • MNTGRL
     I like to make turkey breast for lunches ansd quick meals during the week. I'm going to try this for a different flavorful approach. - 11/19/09
  • GRETEL1128
     Why wait for Thanksgiving? This sounds great for any time!
    I do believe Chef Meg meant to say "tucking the WINGS under the bird"? - 11/16/10
  • CONNIEDICKENS
     I've used lemon before. I will probably try this after Thanksgiving. That way if the family doesn't like it, I'm not ruining the whole dinner. - 11/19/09
  • 1976LINSOFKY
     THANKSGIVING AT MY HOUE THIS YEAR YOUR ALL INVITED! - 9/28/10
  • READINGGAL
     Wonderfully delicious! - 11/27/09
  • LORI_S
     Yummy seasonings! I processed them through a mini-blender and also added orange peel and garlic, plus the orange juice because I made it for a turkey breast roast. We smoker grilled the breast roast! - 11/23/09
  • AHUSE@TDS.NET
     I will try this on my next turkey - 11/19/09
  • LRIVERA51670
     I LIKE THIS RECIPE - 11/19/09
  • SPARK8PLUG
     This is one i cannot wait for thanksgiving to use! Delicious! - 11/12/09
  • TERMITEMOM
     Wonderful recipe! So easy and healthy. I have been preparing my turkey this way for several years now. - 11/16/19
  • GREASE31
     I luv this recipe, it sounds just perfect. - 11/22/12
  • GRACEISENUF
     I am going to try the orange inside the cavity, sounds great! - 10/15/10
  • MARSHA48
     Thank you for a lovely recipe. - 11/19/09



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