Unbelievably Juicy Rosemary Roasted Turkey

This recipe makes your turkey moist and full of flavor. You can also use this recipe for Cornish game hens, chicken breasts or roasting chicken. Select a turkey sized according to the amount of people you will be serving.

Recipe Details

Prep Time:
25 mins
Cook Time:
4 hrs
Additional Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
4 hrs 45 mins
Servings:
16
Yield:
1 (12 pound) turkey

Ingredients

  • ¾cupolive oil

  • 3tablespoonsminced garlic

  • 2tablespoonschopped fresh rosemary

  • 1tablespoonchopped fresh basil

  • 1tablespoonItalian seasoning

  • 1teaspoonground black pepper

  • salt to taste

  • 1(12 pound)whole turkey

Cooking Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).

  2. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, garlic, rosemary, basil, Italian seasoning, black pepper and salt. Set aside.

  3. Wash the turkey inside and out; pat dry. Remove any large fat deposits. Loosen the skin from the breast. This is done by slowly working your fingers between the breast and the skin. Work it loose to the end of the drumstick, being careful not to tear the skin.

  4. Using your hand, spread a generous amount of the rosemary mixture under the breast skin and down the thigh and leg. Rub the remainder of the rosemary mixture over the outside of the breast. Use toothpicks to seal skin over any exposed breast meat.

  5. Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan. Add about 1/4 inch of water to the bottom of the pan. Roast in the preheated oven 3 to 4 hours, or until the internal temperature of the bird reaches 180 degrees F (80 degrees C).

    Photo by Melissa Goff.

Nutrition Facts

Full Nutrition Label
Servings Per Recipe16
Calories597
% Daily Value *
Total Fat
34g
43%
Saturated Fat
8g
42%
Cholesterol
198mg
66%
Sodium
165mg
7%
Total Carbohydrate
1g
0%
Dietary Fiber
0g
1%
Protein
68g
Vitamin C
1mg
4%
Calcium
72mg
6%
Iron
5mg
26%
Potassium
692mg
15%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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