Bring warmth and joy to your table with this perfectly roasted turkey—crispy golden skin, tender, juicy meat, and a deliciously rich stuffing. A true centerpiece for any celebration, this recipe will make your gathering one to remember.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (seasoning the turkey and adding stuffing)
- Cooking Time: 3-4 hours (30 minutes per kilogram of turkey)
Ingredients
- 1 whole turkey (size depends on your gathering)
- 2–3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2–3 tablespoons poultry seasoning or rub
- 4–5 strips of streaky bacon
- 1 pork stuffing (or your favourite stuffing)
- Rainbow carrots
- Potatoes, quartered
- Brussels sprouts
- Turkey gravy
- Cranberry sauce
Tools Needed
- Oven
- Roasting pan or oven-safe dish
- Meat thermometer
- Sharp knife (for carving)
- Cutting board
- Small saucepan
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F). The initial high heat gives your turkey a head start, crisping the skin to a beautiful golden brown.
Step 2: Season the Turkey
Rub olive oil evenly over the turkey, ensuring it’s well coated.
Generously sprinkle the poultry seasoning or festive rub over the entire surface of the bird, ensuring even coverage. Don’t forget to season the inside of the cavity as well.
Step 3: Add the Stuffing
Gently fill the turkey’s cavity with stuffing. Keep it light and loose—overpacking prevents the hot air from circulating and cooking everything evenly.
Step 4: Start Roasting
Place the turkey breast-side up in a roasting pan and slide it into the preheated oven. Roast for 10–15 minutes at 220°C to let the skin begin to brown and crisp.
Step 5: Bacon for Protection
Briefly remove the turkey from the oven and lay strips of streaky bacon across the top. This helps protect the skin from over-browning while infusing a smoky flavour. If you prefer not to use bacon, you can achieve the same effect by covering the turkey with aluminum foil.
Step 6: Add Vegetables and Lower the Heat
Scatter the carrots, potatoes, and Brussels sprouts evenly around the turkey in the roasting pan. Lower the oven temperature to 180°C (356°F) and return the turkey to the oven. Roast for approximately 30 minutes per kilogram of turkey.
Step 7: Check for Doneness
As the turkey nears the end of its cooking time, check the temperature using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey breast—it should read 68–71°C (155–160°F).
Step 8: Let it Rest
Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours. Resting locks in the juices, ensuring every slice is moist and tender.
Step 9: Heat the Gravy and Prepare the Cranberry Sauce
While the turkey rests, heat the turkey gravy in a small saucepan over low heat until it’s piping hot. Transfer the cranberry sauce to a serving dish—it’s the perfect tangy balance to the savoury turkey.
Step 10: Remove Bacon and Stuffing, and Carve
Carefully remove the bacon strips and set them aside—they’re a delicious bonus to serve alongside the turkey. Scoop the stuffing from the cavity, slice it into portions, and arrange it on a platter.
Carving the turkey can be an art in itself! For the best results follow our step-by-step guide to ensure every slice is tender, juicy, and beautifully served.
Serve and Celebrate
Arrange the carved turkey on a serving platter surrounded by the roasted vegetables. Serve with warm turkey gravy, crispy bacon, and a generous spoonful of cranberry sauce. The combination of juicy turkey, savoury stuffing, crispy bacon, and the sweet-tart cranberry sauce creates a perfect harmony of flavours for a memorable meal.