## Ingredients:
- 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds)
- Salt
- Pepper
- Olive oil or melted butter
- Optional: herbs and aromatics like thyme, rosemary, sage, garlic, and onion
### Instructions:
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. **Prepare the Turkey**: Remove the turkey from its packaging and rinse it under cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels. Make sure to remove the giblets and neck from the cavity, if they're included.
3. **Season the Turkey**: Season the turkey generously with salt and pepper, both inside and out. You can also rub olive oil or melted butter all over the skin for added flavor and to help it brown nicely.
4. **Optional: Add Aromatics**: If desired, stuff the cavity of the turkey with herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage, as well as garlic cloves and onion quarters, for extra flavor.
5. **Truss the Turkey (Optional)**: Trussing the turkey with kitchen twine can help it cook more evenly and maintain its shape. Cross the legs and tie them together with twine, and tuck the wing tips under the body.
6. **Place the Turkey in the Roasting Pan**: Place the seasoned turkey breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan. This allows air to circulate around the turkey and helps it cook evenly.
7. **Roast the Turkey**: Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven and roast the turkey until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh, and 160°F (70°C) in the thickest part of the breast. Cooking times will vary depending on the size of the turkey, but as a general guideline, plan for about 15 minutes per pound.
8. **Baste the Turkey (Optional)**: Every 30-45 minutes, open the oven and use a baster or spoon to drizzle the juices from the bottom of the pan over the turkey. This helps keep the meat moist and adds flavor.
9. **Rest the Turkey**: Once the turkey is done cooking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and makes for juicier, more tender turkey.
10. **Carve and Serve**: Carve the turkey and serve it with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and roasted vegetables.
By following these steps, you can oven-roast a delicious turkey that's perfect for any holiday or special occasion meal. Enjoy!