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Simple Roast Turkey

Nothing beats a simple roast turkey for any holiday dinner. Easter dinner, Christmas, Thanksgiving or even just "because" are the perfect reasons to make a simple roast turkey.

Notes

Looking for more methods for preparing your Thanksgiving bird? Check out The Top 41 Best Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes for more great ideas!

Cooking Time4 hr

Ingredients

  • 12 pound turkey
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons dry sherry
  • 1 teaspoon garlic, crushed
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar

Instructions

  1. Remove the package containing the giblets and neck from the cavities of the turkey (you may have to release the legs from a band of skin or a wire in order to remove the giblets and neck).
     
  2. Rinse the turkey, inside and out, and dry it with paper towels.
     
  3. Trim off any excess fat.
     
  4. Preheat oven to 325F degrees.
     
  5. Transfer turkey to a rack in a large roasting pan.
     
  6. Return the legs to the band of skin or wire. Fold the wings back and underneath the bird.
     
  7. Pour the water and 1/2 cup sherry into the bottom of the roasting pan.
     
  8. Combine remaining sherry, garlic, black pepper, poultry seasoning, paprika, and brown sugar in a mixing bowl; brush over the skin of the turkey.
     
  9. Completely enclose the turkey in aluminum foil, crimping the foil around the edges of the pan to seal.
     
  10. Bake for 3 to 4 hours. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, remove foil and baste with pan juices.
     
  11. When turkey is done, a thermometer inserted in the thigh will read 180 to 185F degrees, and the drumsticks will move easily in the sockets.
     
  12. Remove turkey from the oven, and allow it to sit, loosely covered with foil, for 20 minutes before carving.

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