Garlic and Lemon Roasted Turkey Recipe

For holiday gatherings and family feasts, nothing says celebration like a perfectly roasted bird. This Garlic and Lemon Roasted Turkey Recipe is a showstopper centerpiece—juicy, golden, and packed with flavor from fresh herbs, zesty lemon, and aromatic garlic. With crisp, golden skin and tender meat, it’s an elevated yet approachable recipe you’ll return to year after year.

What sets this recipe apart is its balance: the garlic infuses savory depth, while lemon brightens every bite with citrusy freshness. It’s festive, aromatic, and flexible—ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special dinner where you want a main dish that feels both classic and elevated.

The process is simple: prepare a garlicky lemon butter, slather it under the skin, stuff the cavity with aromatics, and roast until deeply golden. The result? A centerpiece that pairs effortlessly with seasonal sides and appetizers, turning your table into a true feast.

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How to Make Roasted Turkey with Garlic and Lemon

Recipe Details

Yield: 10 to 15 servings
Active Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 3hour and 30 minutes

Recipe Ingredients

• 1 (10- to 15-pound) whole turkey, cleaned, washed, and patted dry
• 1 cup garlic ghee, melted
• 5 heads garlic, halved
• 5 lemons, quartered
• 4 large leeks, cut into 4-inch chunks
• 2 bunches thyme
• 2 bunches rosemary
• 1 bunch fresh sage
• 1 large onion, quartered
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup chicken bone broth
• Olive oil, for drizzling
• 1 cup white wine

Special equipment: cooking twine

Recipe Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Place a rack inside a large roasting pan.
2. Pat the turkey completely dry with paper towels, inside and out. Season generously with sea salt and black pepper.
3. Brush the turkey all over with melted garlic ghee, making sure to rub some under the skin for maximum flavor.
4. Stuff the cavity with the halved garlic heads, lemon quarters, onion, leeks, and fresh herb bundles (thyme, rosemary, and sage).
5. Place turkey breast-side up on the roasting rack. Drizzle lightly with olive oil.
6. Pour chicken bone broth and white wine into the bottom of the roasting pan to help keep the turkey moist while roasting.
7. Roast turkey, basting occasionally with pan juices, until an internal thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (about 3 to 3½ hours for a 12–14 lb bird, longer if larger).
8. Remove from oven, tent loosely with aluminum foil, and let rest 20–30 minutes before carving.

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Garlic & Lemon Roasted Turkey Nutrition Facts

*Estimated per serving (based on yield 10–15 servings per recipe).

Serving Size	1 portion of turkey (1⁄10 to 1⁄15 of whole, excluding drippings)
Calories	≈ 280 kcal
Protein	≈ 35 g
Carbs	≈ 1 g
Sugar	≈ 0 g
Fiber	≈ 0 g
Fat	≈ 14 g

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Roast Turkey Variations & Tips

• Wine alternative: Swap the white wine for extra chicken bone broth or dry apple cider for a milder flavor.
• Dry-brine method: Salt the turkey 24 hours ahead and refrigerate uncovered for crispier skin and better flavor absorption.
• Herb mix tweak: Add fresh tarragon or marjoram into the herb bundles for extra nuance.
• Roast in parts: If your oven is small, roast breast and legs separately to ensure even cooking.
• Pan gravy shortcut: After roasting, skim fat from pan juices, deglaze with a splash of white wine or broth, reduce and strain for a quick jus.
• Resting time matters: Let the carved turkey rest 20–30 minutes under foil to let juices redistribute evenly.

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Pairings That Complement Turkey

• Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes — creamy and indulgent to match the turkey’s garlic richness.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Lemon & Thyme — citrus and herbs echo the flavors of the turkey.
• Honey-Glazed Carrots with Rosemary — sweet root vegetables balance the savory main.
• Cranberry-Orange Relish — tart, fruity contrast to the richness of the roast.
• Herbed Quinoa or Leek Pilaf — lighter grain (or pseudo-grain) side that complements but doesn’t overpower.

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Popular Times to Have Turkey

• Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners — classic holiday centerpiece.
• Large family gatherings or reunions — feeds many and feels festive.
• Sophisticated dinner parties — impressive roast that elevates the meal.
• Autumn or winter celebratory meals — seasonal flavors of citrus, garlic, and herbs shine.
• Milestone dinners or anniversaries — special occasion where a centerpiece meat feels appropriate.

Photo credit: Paul Delmont