This Whole Roast Turkey is slathered in a flavorful seasoned herb butter and roasted to golden brown perfection. Tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, this easy roasted turkey recipe is the perfect centerpiece for your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner!

Easy Whole Roast Turkey

Is there anything better than the smell of a turkey roasting in the oven on Thanksgiving Day? There is just something about that smell that brings back so many wonderful memories of gathering around the table with family.

If you've ever been intimidated by cooking a whole turkey, I'm here to tell you that it really doesn't have to be complicated. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can have a beautiful, golden brown turkey that is tender, juicy, and absolutely delicious.

The secret to this recipe is the seasoned butter. We are getting all that buttery goodness underneath the skin and all over the outside of the turkey. It adds so much flavor to the meat and helps create that beautiful golden skin that everyone loves.

Whether you're hosting Thanksgiving for the first time or you've been cooking holiday dinners for years, this is one of those recipes you'll want to keep handy. Add all your favorite holiday sides, and you've got yourself a meal everyone will be talking about!

Why You'll Love This Whole Roast Turkey

• Simple ingredients: No fancy ingredients or complicated techniques here. Just butter, seasonings, and a few fresh ingredients.

• Tender and juicy: The seasoned butter underneath the skin adds incredible flavor and helps keep the turkey moist.

• Beautiful golden skin: Roasting the turkey uncovered gives it that gorgeous golden brown finish.

• Perfect for the holidays: A delicious centerpiece for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special family gathering.

• Delicious leftovers: Think turkey sandwiches, turkey soup, casseroles, and so much more!

Ingredients Needed to Make Whole Roast Turkey

(Full ingredient amounts and directions can be found in the recipe card below.)

• Whole turkey – A 12–14 pound turkey works perfectly for this recipe. Make sure your turkey is completely thawed before getting started.

• Unsalted butter – Make sure it is very soft so it's easy to mix with the seasonings and spread underneath the turkey skin.

• Salt and black pepper – The basics for bringing out all that delicious turkey flavor.

• Poultry seasoning – A wonderful blend of herbs that gives the turkey that classic holiday flavor.

• Garlic powder – Adds a delicious savory flavor to the butter mixture.

• Paprika – Adds flavor and helps give the turkey its beautiful golden color.

• Onion – Quartered and placed inside the turkey for extra flavor.

• Lemon – Adds a little brightness and freshness.

• Garlic – A whole head of garlic, cut in half, adds even more savory goodness.

• Fresh herbs – Rosemary, thyme, and sage are optional but add a wonderful aroma and flavor as the turkey roasts.

How to Make Whole Roast Turkey

Step 1: Remove the turkey from the refrigerator about an hour before roasting. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Remove the giblets and neck if included, and pat the turkey dry with paper towels.

Step 2: In a bowl, mix together the softened butter, salt, black pepper, poultry seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika until well combined.

Step 3: Using your hands, gently loosen the skin over the turkey breast, being careful not to tear it. Spread half of the seasoned butter underneath the skin, distributing it as evenly as possible.

Step 4: Rub the remaining butter mixture all over the outside of the turkey. Don't forget to get all those little nooks and crannies!

Step 5: Loosely fill the turkey cavity with the quartered onion, lemon halves, garlic, and fresh herbs, if using. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wings underneath the turkey.

Step 6: Place the turkey breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Roast uncovered at 325°F for approximately 3 to 3½ hours, or about 15 minutes per pound.

Step 7: Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The thickest part of the breast should reach 165°F, and the thighs should reach 170°F. Also check that the innermost part of the wing reaches at least 165°F.

Step 8: Remove the turkey from the oven and allow it to rest for 30 minutes before carving. This gives all those delicious juices time to redistribute throughout the meat.

Tips for Making the Best Roast Turkey

• Make sure your turkey is completely thawed before roasting. A frozen or partially frozen turkey will take longer to cook.

• Pat the turkey dry with paper towels before adding the butter. This helps the butter stick to the skin and encourages browning.

• Use very soft butter so it's easy to spread without tearing the turkey skin.

• Check the turkey packaging to see if it has already been brined or injected with a salt solution. If so, you may want to reduce the added salt.

• If the turkey starts getting too brown before it's finished cooking, loosely tent it with aluminum foil.

• Use a meat thermometer rather than relying on cooking time alone. Every oven and every turkey is a little different.

• Don't skip the resting time! Letting the turkey rest before carving makes a big difference in keeping the meat juicy.

  
  
  

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to thaw a turkey?

Allow approximately 24 hours of thawing time in the refrigerator for every 4 to 5 pounds of turkey. A 12–14 pound turkey will generally need about 3 to 4 days to thaw completely. I like to give myself a little extra time just to be on the safe side!

How long does it take to roast a whole turkey?

A 12–14 pound turkey typically takes around 3 to 3½ hours to roast at 325°F. Cooking times can vary, so always use a meat thermometer to make sure the turkey is fully cooked.

Should I cover the turkey while roasting?

No, this turkey is roasted uncovered to help the skin turn golden brown. If you notice the skin is browning too quickly, simply tent it loosely with aluminum foil.

Do I need to baste the turkey?

Nope! The seasoned butter underneath the skin adds plenty of flavor, and there is no need to baste the turkey throughout the cooking process. Keeping the oven door closed also helps maintain a consistent temperature.

Can I prepare the turkey ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can season and butter the turkey up to 24 hours in advance. Place it in the refrigerator uncovered on a rimmed pan on the bottom shelf. Add the onion, lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs just before roasting.

How do I know when my turkey is done?

Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the breast, the innermost part of the thigh, and the innermost part of the wing without touching the bone. All three areas should reach at least 165°F. For this recipe, we aim for 170°F in the thighs.

How long should I let the turkey rest before carving?

Let the turkey rest for about 30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute and helps keep the meat tender and juicy.

What to Serve with Whole Roast Turkey

You can't have a holiday turkey without all those delicious side dishes! Here are a few of our favorites to round out your holiday meal.

• Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes

• Melissa's Macaroni and Cheese

• Broccoli Casserole

• Crock Pot Green Bean Casserole

• Garlic and Herb Stuffing

• Basic 3-Ingredient Cranberry Sauce

• Quick & Easy Turkey Gravy

And don't forget dessert! A slice of pumpkin pie or sweet potato pie is the perfect way to finish off your holiday dinner.

How to Store Leftover Turkey

Refrigerator: Carve the leftover turkey and store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking. Leftover turkey will keep for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Place sliced turkey in freezer-safe containers or freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months for the best quality.

To reheat: Add a little chicken broth or turkey gravy to help keep the meat moist, cover, and warm until the turkey reaches 165°F.

What to Make with Leftover Turkey

One of my favorite things about cooking a big turkey is all the delicious meals we can make with the leftovers! There is nothing quite like a leftover turkey sandwich the day after Thanksgiving.

Try using your leftover turkey in turkey pot pie, turkey noodle soup, turkey and rice casserole, turkey sliders, or even a big bowl of turkey salad. It's a great way to stretch those holiday leftovers into a few more easy meals for the family.

If there is one dessert that belongs on the Thanksgiving table, it's a classic homemade Pumpkin Pie! This easy Pumpkin Pie recipe is rich, creamy, and filled with all those warm fall spices we love. With just a handful of ingredients and a store-bought pie crust, you can have a delicious homemade dessert without spending all day in the kitchen.

There's something about the smell of pumpkin pie baking in the oven that makes the whole house feel cozy. Whether you're making it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just because you're craving a little taste of fall, this simple Pumpkin Pie recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

An Easy, Old-Fashioned Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

There is just something about a homemade Sweet Potato Pie that brings back memories of family gatherings and holiday dinners. This old-fashioned Southern favorite is rich, creamy, perfectly spiced, and filled with all those comforting flavors we love. With a buttery pie crust and a smooth sweet potato filling, it's one of those desserts that never goes out of style.

If you have never made a Sweet Potato Pie from scratch, you are in for a treat! It is easier than you might think, and you don't need a bunch of fancy ingredients to make it. Just a few pantry staples, some sweet potatoes, and a little love are all you need.

Whether you are making it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Sunday dinner, or just because you are craving something sweet, this homemade Sweet Potato Pie is sure to become a family favorite.

Why You'll Love This Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

There are so many reasons to love this classic dessert!

• Easy to make: Simple ingredients and easy-to-follow directions make this a great recipe for any home cook.

• Rich and creamy: The sweet potatoes, butter, and milk create a smooth, delicious filling.

• Perfectly spiced: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla give this pie that wonderful homemade flavor.

• Great for the holidays: A delicious addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas dessert table.

• Make-ahead friendly: This pie tastes wonderful chilled, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time.

What Is Sweet Potato Pie?

Sweet Potato Pie is a classic Southern dessert made with mashed sweet potatoes, butter, sugar, eggs, milk, and warm spices. The filling is baked in a flaky pie crust until set, creating a creamy, custard-like dessert.

It is similar to pumpkin pie, but sweet potatoes have their own naturally sweet flavor that makes this dessert extra special. If you love traditional Southern desserts, this is definitely one you'll want to add to your recipe collection.

Ingredients You'll Need

You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make this delicious homemade Sweet Potato Pie.

• Sweet Potatoes: Freshly baked sweet potatoes give this pie its naturally sweet flavor and creamy texture.

• Pie Crust: A store-bought unbaked pie crust keeps things simple, but you can use homemade if you prefer.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create that smooth filling.

• Granulated Sugar and Brown Sugar: Using both gives the pie just the right amount of sweetness with a little extra depth of flavor.

• Milk: Helps make the filling smooth and creamy.

• Eggs: Hold everything together as the pie bakes.

• Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These warm spices bring out the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds a little extra homemade goodness.

• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.

How to Make Homemade Sweet Potato Pie

Making Sweet Potato Pie from scratch is easier than you might think. The most time-consuming part is baking the sweet potatoes, but it is worth it for that wonderful homemade flavor.

Step 1: Bake the Sweet Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Wash the sweet potatoes, poke them several times with a fork, and wrap them in aluminum foil. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 40–50 minutes, or until tender. Allow them to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

Reduce or preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove the skins from the cooled sweet potatoes and place the flesh in a medium mixing bowl. Add the softened butter and mash together until smooth.

Step 3: Add the Remaining Ingredients

Whisk in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until everything is well combined and the filling is smooth.

Step 4: Fill the Pie Crust

Pour the sweet potato mixture into your unbaked 9-inch pie crust. Be careful not to overfill the crust. Discard any extra filling.

Step 5: Bake the Pie

Bake at 350°F for 50–60 minutes, or until the filling is set. The center may have a slight jiggle, but it should not be liquid.

Step 6: Cool and Chill

Allow the pie to cool at room temperature before transferring it to the refrigerator to chill. Once chilled, slice and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Best Sweet Potato Pie

Bake your sweet potatoes instead of boiling them. Baking helps bring out their natural sweetness without adding extra water to the filling.

Make sure your sweet potatoes are tender. They should mash easily with a fork so your filling turns out smooth and creamy.

Use room-temperature ingredients. Softened butter and eggs that aren't refrigerator-cold will mix more easily into the filling.

Don't overfill your pie crust. Depending on the size of your sweet potatoes and pie dish, you may have a little extra filling.

Let the pie cool before slicing. Giving the pie time to cool and chill helps the filling set up beautifully.

What to Serve With Sweet Potato Pie

This pie is absolutely delicious all on its own, but sometimes a little something extra makes it even better!

A generous dollop of whipped cream is always a favorite. You can also sprinkle a little cinnamon over the top or serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

For the holidays, I love having a variety of desserts on the table. Sweet Potato Pie pairs perfectly with other family favorites like pumpkin pie, apple cobbler, and homemade cakes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Potato Pie

Is sweet potato pie the same as pumpkin pie?

Not quite! While both pies have a similar creamy texture and use warm spices, sweet potato pie has a naturally sweeter, slightly richer flavor. Pumpkin pie tends to have a more earthy flavor.

Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes before baking?

No! Baking the sweet potatoes with their skins on is easy. Once they have cooled, the skins should peel away without much trouble.

Can I make sweet potato pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! Sweet Potato Pie is a wonderful make-ahead dessert. You can prepare it a day or two before serving and keep it covered in the refrigerator.

Does sweet potato pie need to be refrigerated?

Yes. Since the filling contains eggs and milk, the pie should be stored in the refrigerator. Cover it tightly and enjoy within 3–4 days.

Can I freeze sweet potato pie?

Yes! Allow the baked pie to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2–3 months for best quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

How do I know when sweet potato pie is done?

The edges of the filling should be set, and the center should have only a slight jiggle when gently moved. The filling will continue to firm up as it cools.

A Classic Southern Dessert Everyone Will Love

There is nothing quite like a slice of homemade Sweet Potato Pie. It is simple, comforting, and full of those delicious flavors that remind us of gathering around the table with family.

I love recipes like this because they prove you don't have to spend all day in the kitchen or use a bunch of complicated ingredients to make something special. Sometimes the simplest recipes are the ones everyone remembers.

If you are looking for an easy, old-fashioned Sweet Potato Pie recipe for your holiday dessert table or your next family dinner, give this one a try. I think you'll love it!