Mom's Roast Turkey Recipe

Unlock the secret to a juicy, flavorful roast turkey with this family-favorite recipe! Passed down through generations, this method guarantees a tender bird with crispy skin. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this show-stopping centerpiece.

Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 170 mins
Calories 571.4 kcal
Protein 135g
Rating Be the first
Mom's Roast Turkey 33

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Forktionary editorial kitchen team

The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Mom's Roast Turkey

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How to Make Mom's Roast Turkey

  1. Ensure the turkey is completely thawed. (Allow ample time for thawing in the refrigerator)
  2. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
  3. Rinse the turkey inside and out. Pat completely dry with paper towels.
  4. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of lemon pepper inside the turkey cavity.
  5. Prepare your favorite turkey dressing recipe (see related recipe). Spoon approximately 4 cups of dressing into the turkey cavities.
  6. Tuck the ends of the drumsticks under the band of skin across the tail, or use a wire or nylon leg clamp.
  7. Twist the wings behind the back.
  8. Brush the entire turkey with 2 tablespoons of olive oil or melted butter.
  9. Season the turkey generously with 1 tablespoon of seasoning salt and 1 teaspoon of lemon pepper.
  10. Place the turkey breast side down on a rack in a roasting pan.
  11. Insert a meat thermometer into the center of the inside thigh muscle, ensuring it does not touch the bone.
  12. Loosely cover the turkey with aluminum foil.
  13. Roast the turkey for 2 hours and 15 minutes.
  14. Remove the foil.
  15. Cut the band or string between the drumsticks to allow for even cooking.
  16. 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.
  17. Remove the turkey from the oven.
  18. 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Mom's Roast Turkey?

Mom's Roast Turkey takes about 200 minutes from start to finish — roughly 30 minutes to prepare and 170 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Mom's Roast Turkey?

Mom's Roast Turkey has approximately 571.4 calories per serving, with about 135 g protein, 0 g carbohydrates and 47 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Mom's Roast Turkey?

The key ingredients for Mom's Roast Turkey are Whole Turkey, Lemon Pepper, Season Salt, Cooking Oil. See the full list with measurements above.

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