Ingredients for Mom's Roast Turkey
- Whole Turkey
- 2 teaspoons lemon pepper
- Season Salt
- Cooking Oil
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How to Make Mom's Roast Turkey
- Ensure the turkey is completely thawed. (Allow ample time for thawing in the refrigerator)
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Rinse the turkey inside and out. Pat completely dry with paper towels.
- Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of lemon pepper inside the turkey cavity.
- Prepare your favorite turkey dressing recipe (see related recipe). Spoon approximately 4 cups of dressing into the turkey cavities.
- Tuck the ends of the drumsticks under the band of skin across the tail, or use a wire or nylon leg clamp.
- Twist the wings behind the back.
- Brush the entire turkey with 2 tablespoons of olive oil or melted butter.
- Season the turkey generously with 1 tablespoon of seasoning salt and 1 teaspoon of lemon pepper.
- Place the turkey breast side down on a rack in a roasting pan.
- Insert a meat thermometer into the center of the inside thigh muscle, ensuring it does not touch the bone.
- Loosely cover the turkey with aluminum foil.
- Roast the turkey for 2 hours and 15 minutes.
- Remove the foil.
- Cut the band or string between the drumsticks to allow for even cooking.
- Continue to cook until the meat thermometer registers 180°F (82°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. Juices should run clear, and the drumsticks should move easily in their sockets.
- Remove the turkey from the oven.
- Cover loosely with foil and let stand for at least 20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful turkey.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
Sodium
8 g
Sugar
0g
Fat
40g
Carbs
0g