The Best Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe Ever + Video

Ingredients

• 12 pound whole turkey (defrosted)
• 2 sticks unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 2 teaspoons ground sage
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups water

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 325°F.

2. 2

   Prepare your turkey by removing innards and washing inside and out in cold water. Set the turkey on the rack in your roasting pan. Slide your hand under the skin to separate the skin from the meat. Tuck the wings wings under turkey.

3. 3

   In a small bowl, combine the butter, garlic, basil, rosemary, sage, salt and pepper. Mix until combined.

4. 4

   Using your hands, coat the turkey all over with your butter mixture. Slide your hands under the skin to rub the herb butter mixture all over meat. Rub the mixture all over top, side and legs as well. Pour water into the pan.

5. 5

   Bake until the turkey is starting to brown nicely, about 1 hour. Loosely cover the turkey with aluminum foil and continue to cook for 2 - 2 3/4 hours, or until temperature in the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F or more. Cook time should be 15 minutes per pound.

6. 6

   Baste the turkey occasionally if you prefer, but this recipe doesn't require it.

7. 7

   Remove the turkey from the oven and place it on a cutting board. Tent the foil over the turkey for 20 minutes.

8. 8

   Slice the turkey, serve and enjoy!