Step 1

Heat oven to 500 degrees.

Step 2

Remove the turkey neck and bag of giblets. Cut off any plastic ties that may be holding the legs together. Remove the pop up thermometer, if there is one.

Step 3

Place all your vegetables in the turkey cavity.

Step 4

Carefully, separate the skin from the turkey and rub half the butter under the skin.

Step 5

Rub the outside of the turkey with the remaining butter.

Step 6

Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Step 7

Place turkey breast side DOWN in a roasting pan.

Step 8

Put water in pan around the bird but not over it.

Step 9

Cook turkey at 500 degrees for 30 minutes, turn oven down to 350 and cook for 1 1/2 more hours.

Step 10

After the turkey has cooked for about 2 hours, remove from oven, carefully flip over so the turkey is now breast side UP. Insert a remote safe oven thermometer in the thigh, without touching the bone and continue cooking until the meat thermometer reads 165 degrees.

Step 11

Remove turkey from oven, cover loosely with foil and let rest for 30 minutes before serving.

Step 12

Carve & Enjoy!