This Christmas Turkey is the perfect the holiday meat. You will love the flavor and how easy it is to make.

Christmas Turkey on a white platter with fresh rosemary and slice lemons on the side
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This turkey for Christmas Recipe cooks tender, juicy and the perfect golden brown crispy skin. We always host Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner at my house, so I love finding new ways to cook my Christmas Turkey.

Whether you make Grilled Turkey or Turkey in the Bag, you will find that this Christmas Turkey is just as delicious. If you prefer, you can always make this Christmas Ham instead.

Why This Recipe Works

This roasted turkey recipe is seasoned with fresh herbs and stuffed with fresh onions and a orange for delicious flavor. Which makes the best turkey gravy from the turkey drippings.

Your guests will be impressed and makes a beautiful centerpiece for your holiday table. If you are looking for an easy way to make your holiday turkey, this is the one to make.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Christmas Turkey - Turkey, onion, orange, rosemary sprigs, thyme sprigs, butter, sea salt, pepper

For the full recipe, scroll to the bottom to see the recipe card.

Variations Ideas

  • Vegetables – We love the flavor that the onion and orange gives the turkey. But feel free to change it and use what you prefer. You can add in carrots, celery and lemons.
  • Butter – Make garlic butter to spread on your turkey for delicious flavor or you can use tbsp of olive oil.

Step by Step Instructions

  • Step 1 – Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Then place the oven rack 1 level lower than the center of the oven.
  • Step 2 – Remove the neck and giblets from the turkey. Place the turkey in a tin foil roasting pan with a roasting rack, turkey breast side up.  Cut the onions and orange into large pieces. 
Placing uncooked turkey in the roasting pan and stuffing cavity with fresh herbs and onion and orange

Step 3 – Put some of the onions and all the oranges in the turkey cavity. Then season the cavity of the turkey with half of the fresh rosemary and thyme. Tuck the wings under the turkey. You can tie back the wings of the turkey if you prefer.

Rubbing butter over the uncooked turkey in the roasting pan

Step 4 – Pat the turkey dry with paper towels and rub the herb butter all over the skin of the turkey. Season the other side of the turkey with sea salt and freshly ground pepper. Place the rest of the onions, rosemary and thyme around the outside of the turkey in the pan.  

Placing foil over the turkey before cooking

Step 5 – Then tent the top of the turkey with aluminum foil to prevent the turkey from browning too much.

Cooked turkey in the roasting pan

Step 6 – Cook the turkey based on the size of the turkey in hot oven. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the turkey is cooked thoroughly. It should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees when the thermometer is inserted into the thickest part of the turkey. 

  • Step 7 – The bake time will be approximately 14-15 minutes per pound but make sure to check the turkey with a meat thermometer before removing it from the oven.
  • Step 8 – Let the turkey rest for 30 minutes to 60 minutes.
  • Step 9 – Remove the turkey to a serving platter, carve and enjoy.

Recipe Tips

  • Roasting Tray – Make sure to use a large roasting tray to place the turkey in.
  • Meat Thermometer – Make sure to use a meat thermometer to ensure your turkey is cooked to a safe temperature.
  • Leave the Turkey – Before cutting the turkey halved horizontally, make sure to allow turkey to rest.
Christmas turkey sliced on a white platter

How Long do you Cook Turkey

Cooking time will vary but this is a simple guide to help with cooking your turkey.

  • A 12-15 lb turkey will take approximately 2 to 2 ½ hours.
  • A 15-20 lb turkey will take approximately 2 ½ – 3 hours.
  • A 20-24 lb turkey will take approximately 3 – 3 ½ hours.
Christmas Turkey sliced on a white platter topped with fresh herbs

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Store Leftovers

Refrigerate the leftovers for up to 5 days in an airtight container. 

Do you Roast Covered or Uncovered?

We covered the turkey with foil to prevent it from burning.

What type of Pan to Cook Turkey in?

We like to roast in a large, disposable roasting pan. It makes cleanup a breeze.

More Easy Christmas Dinner Recipes

We love hearing from you. Make sure to leave us a comment or a star review, if you make this Christmas Turkey Recipe.

Christmas Turkey

5 from 1 vote
This Christmas Turkey is the perfect the holiday meat. You will love the flavor and how easy it is to make.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Let Rest 1 hour
Total Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Servings 12
Cuisine American
Course Main Course
Calories 522

Ingredients

  • 12-24 lb Whole Turkey fully thawed
  • 2 Large Onion
  • 1 Large Orange
  • 4 Fresh Rosemary Sprigs
  • 3 Fresh Thyme Springs
  • 1/2 cup Butter softened
  • 1 Tablespoon Sea Salt
  • 1 Tablespoon Black Pepper
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Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and place the oven rack 1 level lower than the center of the oven.
  • Remove the neck and giblets from the turkey. Place the turkey in a roasting pan with a roasting rack, breast side up.  Cut the onions and orange into large pieces.  Put some of the onions and all the oranges in the cavity of the turkey and place half of the fresh rosemary and thyme into the cavity of the turkey as well. Turk the wings under the turkey. You can tie back the wings of the turkey if you prefer.
  • Pat the turkey dry with paper towels and rub the butter all over the skin of the turkey.
  • Season the other side of the turkey with salt and pepper.  Place the rest of the onions, rosemary and thyme around the outside of the turkey in the pan.
  • Then tent the top of the turkey with aluminum foil to prevent the turkey from browning too much.
  • Cook the turkey based on the size of the turkey and use a meat thermometer to ensure that the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F when the thermometer is inserted into the thickest part of the turkey.
  • The bake time will be approximately 14-15 minutes per pound but make sure to check the turkey with a meat thermometer before removing it from the oven.
  • Let the turkey rest for 30-60 minutes.
  • Remove the turkey to a serving platter, carve and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Refrigerate the leftovers for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 522kcal, Carbohydrates 0.01g, Protein 70g, Fat 26g, Saturated Fat 10g, Polyunsaturated Fat 5g, Monounsaturated Fat 8g, Trans Fat 1g, Cholesterol 252mg, Sodium 1584mg, Potassium 724mg, Sugar 0.2g, Vitamin A 417IU, Calcium 38mg, Iron 3mg

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About the Author

Hi! We are Carrie and Christina! Welcome to Christmas on a Dime!

We  are sisters and love everything about Christmas. We are here to help you celebrate the magic of Christmas all year long!

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