Rosemary Orange Roasted Turkey: The Perfect Holiday Centerpiece

Introduction

There’s something magical about the aroma of a turkey roasting in the oven, especially when it’s infused with fresh herbs and citrus, creating an unforgettable fragrance that fills your kitchen and invites everyone to gather around the table. The Rosemary Orange Roasted Turkey is a deliciously sophisticated twist on the classic holiday bird, offering a fragrant blend of rosemary, thyme, and the bright zest of orange, resulting in a tender, flavorful roast that’s perfect for any special occasion.

Whether you’re preparing a Thanksgiving dinner, a Christmas feast, or a family gathering, this recipe for rosemary orange roasted turkey brings an elegant yet easy-to-make solution to your holiday menu. The infusion of fresh rosemary and citrus complements the savory flavor of the turkey while ensuring a juicy, flavorful bird that everyone will rave about.

The great part about this recipe is its simplicity—by focusing on the natural flavors of fresh herbs and oranges, you create a turkey that tastes gourmet without hours of complicated prep work. Whether it’s your first time roasting a turkey or you’re a seasoned pro, this method is straightforward and ensures a show-stopping result. The combination of tender, flavorful meat and crispy, golden skin with aromatic notes of rosemary and orange zest is sure to be the highlight of your holiday dinner.

In this article, we will walk you through the steps to make the perfect Rosemary Orange Roasted Turkey, along with tips for making the most of the flavors and achieving a beautifully roasted bird that will impress your guests. Plus, we’ll explore the best side dishes, wine pairings, and ways to store and serve your leftovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Juicy and Tender: The combination of citrus and fresh herbs creates a juicy, flavorful turkey that’s perfectly cooked, ensuring every bite is tender and moist.
• Aromatic and Flavorful: The fresh rosemary, thyme, and orange zest work together to infuse the turkey with an irresistible, aromatic fragrance that fills your home.
• Easy-to-Follow: With just a handful of ingredients and clear instructions, this recipe is simple to make while still delivering impressive results.
• Elegant Presentation: The bright, zesty flavors of orange paired with the earthy rosemary create a visually appealing dish that looks stunning on any holiday table.
• Versatile: The herbs and citrus used in this recipe can easily be swapped out for your favorite flavors, allowing for plenty of customization based on your personal tastes.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 3 hours (30 minutes prep, 2.5 hours roasting)
• Servings: Serves 8-10 people
• Nutrition Facts (per serving):
• Calories: 350
• Protein: 45g
• Carbs: 8g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 2g

Ingredients

For the Turkey:

• 1 (12-14 lb) whole turkey, thawed (if frozen), giblets removed
• 3 tablespoons olive oil or softened butter
• 2 teaspoons salt, divided
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 large oranges, quartered (keep one for zesting and the other for the cavity)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth or white wine for basting (optional)
• 1 onion, quartered (for the cavity)
• 2-3 sprigs fresh rosemary (for the cavity)
• 1 sprig fresh thyme (for the cavity)

For the Herb Butter (Optional but recommended for extra flavor):

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional for extra brightness)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional for tanginess)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Turkey

Before you begin roasting, make sure your turkey is completely thawed if it was frozen. If the turkey is still frozen, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator for 24 hours per 4-5 pounds of turkey. Remove the giblets and pat the turkey dry with paper towels. A dry turkey helps the skin become crispy during roasting.

Now, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). While the oven is heating, prepare your herb butter and seasoning for the turkey.

Step 2: Make the Herb Butter

In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup softened butter, fresh rosemary, fresh thyme, and lemon zest (if using). Stir until the herbs are evenly incorporated into the butter. Set this mixture aside, as you will use it to flavor the turkey.

Step 3: Season the Turkey

Rub the turkey with olive oil or the herb butter mixture, ensuring that it’s evenly covered. You can use your hands or a brush to apply the butter under the skin of the turkey, especially over the breast meat, as this helps the turkey stay moist and flavorful. Be sure to also rub the butter or oil on the outside of the turkey, including the legs, wings, and back.

Season the turkey generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sprinkle fresh rosemary and fresh thyme over the top, making sure to get the seasoning on all sides.

Step 4: Stuff the Turkey with Citrus and Herbs

Next, take your quartered oranges and place them inside the cavity of the turkey. The orange will not only infuse the turkey with its citrus aroma as it roasts but will also help keep the meat moist. Add a few sprigs of fresh rosemary and fresh thyme to the cavity along with the orange. The herbs and citrus create a beautiful, fragrant steaming effect that enhances the flavor of the turkey.

Step 5: Truss the Turkey

Once the turkey is seasoned and stuffed, tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wing tips under the body. This helps the turkey roast evenly and gives it a more uniform appearance. If you prefer, you can also use a roasting rack to elevate the turkey in the pan, but this is optional.

Step 6: Roast the Turkey

Place the prepared turkey breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan or directly in a large oven-safe dish. Pour 1/2 cup of chicken broth (or white wine) into the bottom of the pan to create steam and add moisture during roasting. This liquid will help prevent the turkey from drying out while also providing a flavorful base for any gravy you may want to make later.

Roast the turkey in the preheated oven for about 13 minutes per pound. For a 12-14 lb turkey, this will take approximately 2.5-3 hours. Baste the turkey occasionally (every 30 minutes) with the pan juices or additional broth to help it brown evenly.

About 30-45 minutes before the turkey is done, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. For a perfect turkey, the internal temperature in the thickest part of the breast should reach 165°F (74°C), and the thighs should read about 180°F (82°C).

Step 7: Rest and Carve the Turkey

Once the turkey has reached the desired internal temperature, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for at least 20 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat stays moist and tender when carved.

After the turkey has rested, carve the meat and arrange it on a serving platter. You can serve the citrus-filled turkey with the pan juices or gravy made from the drippings.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

For a festive touch, garnish the turkey with fresh rosemary sprigs, orange slices, and extra thyme. Serve with your favorite holiday sides, such as garlic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and cranberry sauce. The rosemary orange roasted turkey pairs beautifully with a refreshing white wine like a Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir for red wine lovers.

How to Serve

This rosemary orange roasted turkey is the perfect main course for a holiday meal. The juicy, flavorful meat pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, making it a versatile and impressive option for your feast. Here are some ideas for complementary dishes:

• Roasted Vegetables: Root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts are perfect for roasting alongside the turkey, absorbing all the wonderful flavors from the drippings.
• Stuffing or Dressing: A traditional stuffing made with sourdough bread, celery, onion, and sage will balance the turkey’s rich flavors. Or, try a fruit-based stuffing, like one with cranberries and apples, to complement the citrusy notes of the turkey.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser and provide a comforting base for the turkey.
• Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce or a cranberry relish adds a perfect contrast to the savory turkey.
• Gravy: Use the pan drippings to make a rich, flavorful gravy. Simply simmer the drippings with a bit of flour or cornstarch and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Wine Pairing

Pair your rosemary orange roasted turkey with a wine that complements both the savory and citrus flavors of the dish. Chardonnay is an excellent choice, as its bright acidity works well with the herbs and citrus. If you prefer red wine, go for a Pinot Noir, which has enough body to stand up to the richness of the turkey while maintaining its fruity character.

Leftovers and Storage

• Storage: Leftover turkey can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: If you have a lot of leftovers, you can freeze the turkey meat for up to 2-3 months. Just be sure to remove the bones and store the meat in freezer-safe bags or containers.
• Reheating: To reheat the turkey, simply place it in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for 20-25 minutes, covered with foil, until heated through.

Final Thoughts

The Rosemary Orange Roasted Turkey is an elegant and flavorful option for your holiday table. The combination of fresh herbs and citrus brings a beautiful depth of flavor that transforms the turkey into a star dish. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or preparing a special meal for your loved ones, this recipe is sure to make a lasting impression.

Print