Roasted turkey garnished with herbs on a white serving platter, accompanied by side dishes including a citrus and onion salad and a bowl of mashed vegetables.

Easy Roasted Turkey

Discover the secret to a perfectly baked turkey! This easy recipe features a savory blend of onion, bay leaves, and garlic, infusing each slice with mouthwatering flavor. Brushed with olive oil, salt, and cracked pepper, it emerges from the oven crispy and golden—your ideal centerpiece for any celebration!

Total Time

3 to 4 hours

Serving Size

Makes 10 Servings

(12 to 14-pound) JENNIE-O® Fresh All Natural*Young Turkey *Minimally processed. No artificial ingredients, thawed, giblets and neck removed

tablespoons kosher salt

tablespoon black pepper

large yellow onion, quartered

bay leaves

head garlic, halved crosswise

tablespoons olive oil

Heat oven to 450°F with oven rack in lower third of oven. Place a roasting rack in a large roasting pan. Pat turkey dry with paper towels.

Season on all sides of turkey with salt and pepper; place onion, bay leaves, and garlic in cavity.

Tie ends of legs together with kitchen twine. Place on rack breast side up. Brush with oil.

Roast 45 minutes. Loosely cover turkey with aluminum foil. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F.

Continue roasting 1½ to 2½ hours or until golden brown and thermometer inserted in thickest portion of thigh registers 180°F. Transfer to cutting board. Rest 30 minutes before carving. Pour pan drippings through fine mesh strainer into bowl; discard solids. Reserve strained drippings for homemade gravy.

Nutrition information not available.