Ina Garten Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe

Ina Garten’s Thanksgiving Turkey is a masterpiece of simplicity and flavor. Juicy on the inside, golden and crisp on the outside — this turkey is everything a holiday centerpiece should be. Ina’s version focuses on classic ingredients and foolproof techniques that guarantee tender meat, rich flavor, and a picture-perfect presentation. Whether it’s your first time hosting Thanksgiving or you’re a seasoned cook, this recipe makes roasting turkey stress-free and delicious.

What is Ina Garten’s Thanksgiving Turkey?

Ina Garten’s Thanksgiving Turkey is a classic roasted turkey recipe seasoned with butter, herbs, and aromatics like garlic, lemon, and thyme. It’s roasted to perfection to achieve moist, flavorful meat with a golden-brown, crispy skin. The drippings from the turkey are used to make a flavorful gravy, completing the traditional Thanksgiving experience.

Other Ina Garten Thanksgiving Recipes

• Ina Garten Thanksgiving Dressing
• Ina Garten Make-Ahead Stuffing
• Ina Garten Bread Pudding Stuffing
• Ina Garten Cornbread Stuffing

Reasons to Try Ina Garten’s Thanksgiving Turkey

• Perfectly juicy – The butter and aromatics keep the meat moist and flavorful.
• Golden, crispy skin – Even roasting ensures a beautiful, golden crust.
• Beginner-friendly – Ina’s simple steps make this recipe easy for all skill levels.
• Classic holiday flavor – Filled with thyme, lemon, garlic, and butter for timeless taste.
• Feeds a crowd – Ideal for family gatherings and festive dinners.
• Delicious leftovers – Perfect for sandwiches, soups, and casseroles the next day.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten’s Thanksgiving Turkey

• 1 whole turkey (12–14 pounds), thawed if frozen
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 large bunch of fresh thyme
• 1 whole lemon, halved
• 1 head of garlic, halved crosswise
• 1 large onion, quartered
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Olive oil (for brushing)
• 2 cups chicken or turkey stock (for basting)

For the Gravy:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups turkey drippings or stock
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Thanksgiving Turkey

Step 1 – Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the oven rack in the lowest position to fit the turkey comfortably.

Step 2 – Prepare the turkey

Remove the giblets from the cavity and pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Generously season the cavity with salt and pepper.

Step 3 – Stuff the cavity

Stuff the inside of the turkey with thyme, lemon halves, garlic halves, and onion quarters. This infuses the turkey with flavor and keeps it aromatic.

Step 4 – Butter the turkey

Brush the turkey’s exterior with melted butter, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Sprinkle generously with salt and black pepper for a flavorful, crispy skin.

Step 5 – Tie and position the turkey

Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wings under the body. Place the turkey breast-side up on a roasting rack set inside a large roasting pan.

Step 6 – Roast the turkey

Roast uncovered for 2½ to 3 hours, depending on the weight. Baste the turkey with pan juices or warm stock every 30 minutes for added moisture and flavor.

Step 7 – Check for doneness

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The thickest part of the thigh should reach 165°F (74°C). If the turkey is browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil.

Step 8 – Rest the turkey

Remove from the oven and tent with foil. Let the turkey rest for at least 20–30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute for moist, tender slices.

Step 9 – Make the gravy

In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux. Slowly add turkey drippings or stock while whisking continuously. Simmer until thickened, then season with salt and pepper.

Step 10 – Carve and serve

Carve the turkey and arrange slices on a serving platter. Drizzle with gravy or serve on the side for the perfect Thanksgiving centerpiece.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Thanksgiving Turkey

• Traditional stuffing – A savory bread or cornbread stuffing pairs beautifully.
• Mashed potatoes – Creamy potatoes soak up the turkey gravy perfectly.
• Cranberry sauce – Adds tangy sweetness to balance the rich flavors.
• Roasted vegetables – Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans complete the plate.
• Pumpkin or pecan pie – Classic desserts to end your meal on a sweet note.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten’s Thanksgiving Turkey

• Use a meat thermometer – Ensures perfect cooking without drying out the meat.
• Let it rest – Resting is crucial for juicy, flavorful turkey.
• Don’t overstuff – Stuffing the cavity too tightly can slow cooking.
• Butter under the skin – Lifting the skin slightly and adding butter keeps meat extra moist.
• Rotate the pan – Promotes even browning during roasting.
• Baste regularly – Keeps the turkey flavorful and prevents drying.
• Save the drippings – Essential for rich, homemade gravy.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Thanksgiving Turkey

• Herb butter turkey – Mix softened butter with rosemary, thyme, and garlic for a rich coating.
• Citrus-roasted turkey – Add orange and lemon zest to the cavity for brightness.
• Maple-glazed turkey – Brush with a maple syrup glaze during the final 30 minutes of roasting.
• Garlic and herb crust – Combine minced garlic, butter, and herbs for a savory crust.
• Wine-roasted version – Add white wine to the roasting pan for enhanced depth of flavor.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Thanksgiving Turkey

• Room temperature – Let the carved turkey sit for up to 2 hours before refrigerating.
• Refrigerator – Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Freezer – Freeze leftover turkey for up to 3 months.
• Gravy storage – Keep gravy in a sealed jar for 3–4 days or freeze separately.

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten’s Thanksgiving Turkey

• Oven method – Reheat at 325°F (160°C) covered with foil for 20–25 minutes.
• Microwave method – Warm slices in short intervals to avoid drying.
• With gravy – Add a few tablespoons of gravy or stock while reheating to keep the meat moist.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

• Calories: 340
• Protein: 45g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Sodium: 520mg
• Cholesterol: 130mg

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FAQs

How do I keep Ina Garten’s Thanksgiving Turkey moist while roasting?

To keep the turkey moist, baste it every 30 minutes with the pan juices or warm stock. Brushing the bird with butter before roasting also helps lock in moisture. Letting the turkey rest for at least 20–30 minutes after roasting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender, juicy meat.

What temperature should I roast Ina Garten’s Thanksgiving Turkey at?

Roast the turkey at 325°F (165°C). This moderate temperature allows even cooking and helps prevent the meat from drying out. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh for safe and perfect doneness.

Should I cover Ina Garten’s Thanksgiving Turkey while it cooks?

Start roasting the turkey uncovered to allow the skin to brown and crisp. If it starts browning too quickly, loosely cover the top with aluminum foil. This helps maintain the golden color while ensuring the turkey cooks evenly.

Can I prepare Ina Garten’s Thanksgiving Turkey ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare parts of the recipe in advance. Season the turkey, stuff it with herbs and aromatics, and refrigerate it overnight. Let it sit at room temperature for 30–45 minutes before roasting the next day. You can also make the gravy ahead of time using turkey stock for quicker holiday prep.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Thanksgiving Turkey is a simple yet elegant recipe that delivers reliable results every time. With its golden-brown skin, juicy interior, and flavorful aroma, this turkey is a true showstopper on any holiday table. Perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks, it captures the essence of comfort, tradition, and togetherness — everything Thanksgiving is meant to be.