Rosemary Roasted Turkey

4.8
(1,053)
777 Reviews
66 Photos

This recipe makes your turkey moist and full of flavor. You can also use this recipe for Cornish game hens, chicken breasts or roasting chicken. Select a turkey sized according to the amount of people you will be serving.

Submitted by Star Pooley
Updated on November 17, 2024
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Prep Time:
25 mins
Cook Time:
4 hrs
Additional Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
4 hrs 45 mins
Servings:
16
Yield:
1 (12 pound) turkey
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 16 servings

  • ¾ cup olive oil

  • 3 tablespoons minced garlic

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil

  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

  • salt to taste

  • 1 (12 pound) whole turkey

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).

  2. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, garlic, rosemary, basil, Italian seasoning, black pepper and salt. Set aside.

  3. Wash the turkey inside and out; pat dry. Remove any large fat deposits. Loosen the skin from the breast. This is done by slowly working your fingers between the breast and the skin. Work it loose to the end of the drumstick, being careful not to tear the skin.

  4. Using your hand, spread a generous amount of the rosemary mixture under the breast skin and down the thigh and leg. Rub the remainder of the rosemary mixture over the outside of the breast. Use toothpicks to seal skin over any exposed breast meat.

  5. Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan. Add about 1/4 inch of water to the bottom of the pan. Roast in the preheated oven 3 to 4 hours, or until the internal temperature of the bird reaches 180 degrees F (80 degrees C).

    rosemary roasted turkey
    Photo by Melissa Goff.
1,659 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

597 Calories
34g Fat
1g Carbs
68g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 16
Calories 597
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 34g 43%
Saturated Fat 8g 42%
Cholesterol 198mg 66%
Sodium 165mg 7%
Total Carbohydrate 1g 0%
Dietary Fiber 0g 1%
Protein 68g 136%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 72mg 6%
Iron 5mg 26%
Potassium 692mg 15%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.