How to Cook a Thanksgiving Turkey

Step 1

Make sure the turkey is completely thawed.

Step 2

Remove the thawed turkey from the refrigerator approximately 1 hr. before being placed in the oven to allow it to warm to room temperature.

Step 3

Preheat the oven to 475 degrees.

Step 4

Remove the giblets from the turkey.

Step 5

Rinse the exterior and interior of the turkey with cold water and pat the exterior dry.

Step 6

Gently separate the skin from the breast being careful not to tear the skin.

Step 7

Melt some butter and pour the melted butter between the skin and the breast.

Step 8

Place fresh rosemary and thyme between the skin and the breast.

Step 9

Salt and pepper the exterior.

Step 10

Place the turkey in the oven in a roasting pan and put it in the preheated oven for 20 minutes at 475 degrees.

Step 11

Without removing the turkey from the oven or opening the oven door, reduce the oven temperature to 250 degrees for 4 hours.

Step 12

Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 20 minutes.

Step 13

Carve and serve.