Three Ingredient Turkey
Discover the ultimate easy centerpiece for your holiday table with this juicy and flavorful Three Ingredient Turkey recipe. Perfect for both seasoned cooks and beginners, this recipe uses just a whole turkey, unsalted butter, and kosher salt to create a beautifully golden, crispy skin and tender, succulent meat. With a quick 15-minute prep time and a no-fuss roasting method, this 12-pound turkey transforms into a stunning main course in about three hours. Whether you're hosting Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a family gathering, this classic roasted turkey delivers bold flavor and simplicity with minimal effort. Pair it with your favorite sides, and don't forget to let it rest for optimal juiciness before carving. A true stress-free showstopper perfect for any festive occasion!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 pounds Whole turkey
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons Kosher salt
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place a rack in a large roasting pan.
Remove the giblets and neck from the cavity of the turkey. Rinse the turkey thoroughly under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
Place the turkey on the roasting rack and tuck the wingtips underneath to prevent burning.
Using your hands, gently loosen the skin over the breast area. Spread 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter evenly under the skin of each breast half.
Rub the outside of the turkey with the remaining 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Sprinkle the kosher salt generously over the skin, ensuring even coverage.
Insert an oven-safe meat thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey breast, making sure not to hit the bone.
Place the turkey in the oven and roast uncovered. Allow approximately 15 minutes of cook time per pound of turkey.
Once the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C), remove it from the oven. This should take about 2.5 to 3 hours for a 12-pound turkey.
Tent the turkey loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for 20 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Carve the turkey and serve warm. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1071 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 54.4 g | 70% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.9 g | 90% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 453 mg | 151% | |
| Sodium | 783 mg | 34% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.0 g | ||
| Protein | 136.3 g | 273% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.5 mcg | 13% | |
| Calcium | 147 mg | 11% | |
| Iron | 6.9 mg | 38% | |
| Potassium | 1557 mg | 33% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
