Oven Roasted Turkey with Delicious Gravy Recipe

If you’re craving a classic, crowd-pleasing holiday dish that never goes out of style, you’re going to adore this Oven Roasted Turkey with Delicious Gravy Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out every single time — the skin crisps up golden and the meat stays juicy and tender. Plus, the gravy? It’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for drenching every last bite of turkey. Stick around, because I’m sharing tips that’ll help you nail this recipe whether it’s your first time roasting a turkey or you’re looking for that perfect gravy technique.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to produce a juicy turkey with a rich homemade gravy. When shopping, look for a fresh or fully thawed turkey and make sure your butter is nicely softened to easily work into the skin.

• Turkey: I use a 10-pound turkey, which is perfect for a family dinner; fresh or fully thawed frozen works fine.
• Butter: Softened so it can be gently pushed under the skin for extra moistness and flavor.
• Seasoned salt: Jane’s Crazy Mixed-Up Salt is my go-to — it adds a perfect balance of seasoning and herbs.
• Pan drippings: This is the secret to the best gravy—don’t skip scraping the roasted bits off the bottom of the pan.
• All-purpose flour: To thicken the gravy just right without lumps.
• Turkey or chicken broth: Adds depth and richness to the gravy — homemade stock is even better if you have some on hand.

Variations

I love to tweak this recipe depending on the occasion or dietary needs. The beauty of this Oven Roasted Turkey with Delicious Gravy Recipe is that it’s a perfect base — you can personalize it easily.

• Herb Infusion: I sometimes add fresh rosemary, thyme, or sage under the skin with the butter, adding a fragrant herbal layer that makes the turkey smell amazing while roasting.
• Garlic Butter Twist: Mixing roasted garlic into the softened butter is a game changer if you’re a garlic fan like me.
• Spicy Kick: For a little heat, sprinkle a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika into the seasoned salt mixture.
• Gravy Thickener Swap: If you want a gluten-free option, you can substitute cornstarch for the flour when making the gravy.

How to Make Oven Roasted Turkey with Delicious Gravy Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Turkey for Maximum Juiciness

First things first, pat your turkey dry with paper towels — this helps the skin crisp up later. Then, gently loosen the skin over the breasts and legs by sliding your fingers underneath, being careful not to tear it. Spread the softened butter mixed with seasoned salt under the skin and over the exterior as well. This step locks in moisture and seasons the meat deeply. I discovered this trick after struggling with dry turkey many times before — it really makes all the difference!

Step 2: Roast the Turkey Low and Slow

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Place the turkey breast side up on a rack in your roasting pan. Roast uncovered for about 3 hours, roughly 13-15 minutes per pound. Here’s what I learned: resist opening the oven too often to check—it slows down the cooking and dries the bird. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh; once it hits 165°F, you’re golden. Letting the turkey rest for at least 20 minutes before carving ensures those juices redistribute beautifully.

Step 3: Make the Best Gravy from Scratch

After roasting, pour the pan drippings into a fat separator or skim off excess fat with a spoon. Place your roasting pan over medium heat, add the flour to the pan drippings, and whisk constantly to form a roux — cook until it’s golden and smells nutty, about 2-3 minutes. Then, slowly pour in the broth while whisking to prevent lumps. Simmer on low until thickened, stirring frequently. The gravy thickens perfectly, enriched by the turkey’s own flavors. I used to make gravy from packets, but this homemade one stole the show every time.

How to Serve Oven Roasted Turkey with Delicious Gravy Recipe

Garnishes

I usually finish the turkey with some fresh chopped parsley or thyme for a pop of color and fresh herbal notes. Sometimes, I arrange a few roasted garlic cloves and lemon slices around the platter to make the presentation look inviting and fragrant.

Side Dishes

My family goes crazy for classic mashed potatoes with a splash of gravy, roasted root vegetables like carrots and parsnips, and fluffy dinner rolls to soak up every bit of sauce. Don’t forget a crisp green salad or sautéed green beans to balance the meal!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged the turkey slices on a platter lined with fresh herbs and scattered cranberries for a festive touch. Setting small bowls of gravy and cranberry sauce around encourages everyone to personalize their plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to carve leftover turkey into bite-sized pieces, then store it in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. This keeps the meat moist and makes reheating for sandwiches or salads super easy.

Freezing

If you ever have leftover gravy or turkey, freezing works wonderfully. I freeze turkey portions wrapped tightly in foil and then placed in freezer bags to avoid freezer burn. Gravy freezes well in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags — just label them so you remember!

Reheating

To reheat, I warm leftover turkey gently in the oven wrapped in foil at 325°F, adding a splash of broth to keep it from drying out. The gravy heats up nicely in a small saucepan over medium heat with a little extra broth if it thickened too much.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Oven Roasted Turkey with Delicious Gravy Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen for good reason. It’s comforting, reliably delicious, and just the kind of recipe you want to have up your sleeve for holidays or special family dinners. When I first tried it, I kept coming back for seconds — and a few more drizzles of that gravy! I hope you give it a try and enjoy gathering around the table just like my family does. Trust me, once you master this, you’ll want to make it year after year.

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