Classic Roast Turkey

Method

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. 2
   Season inside turkey cavity with salt and pepper, then stuff with onion, carrot, and garlic.
3. 3
   Tie legs together with kitchen string.
4. 4
   In a roasting pan with a rack, place turkey breast side up. Rub bird with butter, salt, and pepper.
5. 5
   Loosely tent with aluminum foil over turkey, which will help prevent over-browning of the surface.
6. 6
   Roast turkey for 1 hour, then remove from oven and baste with pan juices, replacing aluminum tent before returning to the oven. Roast an additional hour, then remove foil tent and baste. Don't put the tent back on. Continue roasting, basting every half hour, until a meat thermometer reaches 165°F when inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (3h15 - 4h).
7. 7
   Let turkey rest 30 minutes, then remove vegetables from cavity and discard.
8. 8
   Transfer turkey to a serving platter. Serve with your favorite gravy.