Ingredients
- 1 whole turkey (10–14 lb), thawed
- Giblets and neck
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp each salt and black pepper (plus more to taste)
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or turkey stock
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for gravy)
Instructions
1. Remove giblets and neck; preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Pat turkey dry and season cavity with salt and pepper; place onion, carrot, celery, and herb sprigs inside cavity.
2. Rub softened butter over and under the skin where possible and season exterior with salt and pepper; truss legs.
3. Place turkey breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan; tent loosely with foil and roast about 13–15 minutes per pound, removing foil for the last 45 minutes to brown. Baste occasionally with pan juices.
4. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh (not touching bone); turkey is done at 165°F (74°C). Remove from oven and transfer to a cutting board to rest 20–30 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, make giblet gravy: simmer giblets and neck with 2 cups stock and some aromatics 30 minutes; strain and chop giblets. Skim fat from roasting pan, reserving drippings.
6. Whisk 2 tbsp flour into 2 tbsp fat in a saucepan over medium heat to make a roux; slowly add remaining stock and pan drippings, whisking until smooth. Add chopped giblets, simmer to thicken, season to taste, and serve with carved turkey.