Ingredients:

  • 12-14 lb whole turkey, thawed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon dried sage
  • 4 cups cubed bread (your choice, stale bread works great)
  • 1 cup onion, chopped
  • 1 cup celery, chopped
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon sage (additional)

Instructions:

  1. Remove the turkey giblets and neck; pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
  2. Rub softened butter all over the turkey, including under the skin.
  3. In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, and sage. Generously season the turkey inside and out.
  4. If using stuffing, mix cubed bread, chopped onion, chopped celery, and chicken broth in a separate bowl. Stuff the turkey cavity loosely.
  5. Set the roaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to preheat.
  6. Place the turkey breast-side up in the roaster. Close the lid and roast. Baste every 30 to 45 minutes with pan juices.
  7. Roast until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the breast; about 3 to 4 hours.
  8. Once cooked, remove the turkey from the roaster, cover loosely with foil, and let it rest for 30 minutes before carving.