Elevate your holiday centerpiece with the "Whole30 Classic Baked Turkey," a mouthwatering recipe designed to impress while staying fully compliant with your Whole30 lifestyle. This juicy, golden-brown roast turkey combines a flavorful olive oil rub infused with aromatic spices like paprika, garlic powder, and dried herbs, ensuring every bite is packed with bold, savory goodness. A whole lemon and fresh garlic cloves tucked inside the cavity add a zesty, fragrant twist to this classic preparation. Perfectly roasted in a mere three hours, this 12-pound turkey serves up to eight guests, making it ideal for family gatherings or special occasions. Whether it's Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a weekday meal to reset your diet, this gluten-free, paleo-friendly masterpiece is a showstopper that's as healthy as it is delicious.
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
Remove the giblets from the turkey and pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, and dried rosemary to make a rub.
Rub the olive oil mixture all over the exterior of the turkey, ensuring an even coating.
Cut the lemon in half and place it inside the turkey cavity along with the fresh garlic cloves.
Place the turkey on a rack in a large roasting pan.
Tuck the wing tips under the turkey body to prevent burning.
Roast the turkey in the preheated oven. Plan on cooking your turkey about 15 minutes per pound. For a 12-pound turkey, this will take approximately 3 hours.
If the turkey begins to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the breast and the innermost part of the thigh.
Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven, cover with aluminum foil, and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving.
Carve the turkey and serve with your favorite Whole30-compliant side dishes.
Calories |
7881 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 234.2 g | 300% | |
| Saturated Fat | 61.2 g | 306% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 3810 mg | 1270% | |
| Sodium | 17248 mg | 750% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 37.7 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.4 g | 34% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.4 g | ||
| Protein | 1313.1 g | 2626% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 766 mg | 59% | |
| Iron | 66.0 mg | 367% | |
| Potassium | 13620 mg | 290% | |
*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.