Best Roast Turkey Recipe

Remove the turkey from the refrigerator one hour before cooking and let it rest at room temperature.

Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Position the rack in the bottom third.

Mix softened butter with garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper to create herb butter.

Pat the turkey dry with paper towels, season inside and out with salt and pepper.

Stuff the cavity with lemon halves, garlic cloves, and herb sprigs.

Spread half the herb butter under the skin, rub the rest over the exterior.

Tuck wings under, tie legs together with kitchen twine, place on roasting rack.

Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) once turkey is placed inside.

Roast 13 minutes per pound, until internal thigh temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Tent with foil once skin is golden to prevent burning.

Remove from oven, let rest 20 minutes before carving and serving.