Thanksgiving Turkey

Step 1. Dry brine the turkey. In a small bowl, mix the sugar, salt, thyme, sage, and pepper. Place the turkey breast side up on a rack set over a baking sheet. Rub the dry brine all over, including inside the cavity. Refrigerate, uncovered, for 24 to 48 hours. (The longer you allow the turkey to brine, the more flavorful and moist it will be, but don’t go beyond 48 hours.)

Pro Tip: Slide the sheet pan with the turkey onto a bottom shelf where the air is coldest and most consistent—it’ll help keep the bird safe and the skin drying out properly for crispness.

Step 6. Rest the turkey then carve and serve. Using clean oven mitts that you don’t mind getting dirty (silicone grilling gloves or mitts work well), carefully tilt the turkey to pour any juices from the cavity into the roasting pan. Transfer the turkey to a platter or cutting board, tent with foil, and let rest for about 30 minutes. Remove and discard the vegetables (or save them if not too soft), and reserve the pan drippings for gravy. While the turkey rests, make the gravy. Carve the turkey and serve with the gravy on the side. Serve with stuffing and cranberry sauce.

Thanksgiving Turkey Tips & FAQs

What kind of turkey should I buy?
There are a few types of turkeys you’ll typically see in stores: natural or plain, self-basting or injected, or kosher turkeys. Natural turkeys haven’t been pre-treated in any way, while self-basting and kosher birds have already been salted or injected with a brining solution to keep them juicy.

For most recipes (including the one below), a plain, untreated turkey gives you the most control over seasoning. That said, if you can only find a self-basting or kosher bird, don’t worry—you can absolutely still make any turkey recipe. Just keep in mind that these birds already contain salt, so if using a brine, you may want to dial back the salt to avoid over-salting.

You may also come across organic, free-range, or heritage turkeys, which usually have excellent flavor but can be leaner and cook a little faster.

How much turkey should I count on per person?
A good rule of thumb is about 1½ to 2 pounds of turkey per person if you’re buying a whole bird. That accounts for both the bones and the meat. If you want plenty of leftovers for sandwiches or soups the next day, lean toward the higher end of that range. For example, a 14-pound turkey comfortably serves about 8 to 10 people with leftovers.

How long should a frozen turkey thaw?
The safest method is to let the turkey thaw slowly in the refrigerator. Plan on about 24 hours of thawing time for every 4 to 5 pounds of turkey. So, for a bird in the 12 to 14 pound range, you’ll want to start the process 3 to 4 days before roasting. This steady, hands-off approach keeps the meat at a safe temperature as it defrosts.

Should I rinse my turkey?
Nope—it’s best not to. Rinsing a raw turkey can actually spread bacteria around your sink and counters. Any surface bacteria will cook off in the oven, so just pat the bird dry with paper towels before brining or seasoning.

What’s the difference between wet and dry brining?
Dry brining involves rubbing salt, herbs, and spices onto the turkey skin and letting it rest in the fridge overnight (or longer). In contrast, wet brining requires soaking the turkey in a seasoned saltwater solution, which often means dealing with a large cooler or bag—a process that can be quite cumbersome. Both methods enhance flavor and juiciness, but dry brining is much simpler and produces beautifully crisp skin.

Should the turkey be roasted with the stuffing inside?
It’s best to cook the stuffing separately rather than inside the turkey. Not only does this reduce food safety risks (since the stuffing needs to reach a safe temperature along with the meat), but it also ensures the stuffing comes out golden and crisp on top instead of soggy. Bonus: your turkey will also cook more evenly and a bit faster.

Should I tie the turkey legs together or keep them clipped/trussed?
If your turkey comes with the legs tucked into a metal or plastic clip, or held together by a small flap of skin, it’s best to remove it before roasting. Leaving the legs bound prevents heat from circulating properly, which can cause the inner thighs to cook more slowly. Let the legs rest naturally—this helps the turkey cook more evenly and ensures the meat near the cavity is fully done.

Should I baste my turkey?
You don’t need to—and honestly, it can do more harm than good. Every time you open the oven to baste, you let out heat and extend the cooking time. Plus, basting doesn’t actually make the meat juicier; it just helps the skin brown. A dry-brined turkey already has plenty of flavor and moisture built in, and the butter rub before roasting gives you that beautifully golden, crisp skin without all the fuss.

How much time does a turkey need to roast?
It depends on the size of the bird, but generally you’ll be looking at a few hours. Smaller turkeys cook more quickly at a steady temperature, while larger ones benefit from a two-stage method—starting at a higher temperature to brown the skin, then lowering the heat so the meat cooks evenly.

Rather than relying strictly on minutes per pound, it’s best to use a thermometer: the breast should register 165°F and the thighs 175°F when done. Keep in mind that the temperature will rise several degrees as the turkey rests (carryover cooking).

To avoid any guesswork, use a digital thermometer with a leave-in probe and remote monitor so you can track the temperature without ever opening the oven.

Where should I check the turkey’s temperature?

To check the breast, insert the thermometer into the deepest part of the meat, holding it parallel to the bird from the neck end. Avoid touching the bone—it can give a false high reading. For the thigh, insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat near the hip joint, again avoiding the bone.

Should a turkey be covered while it roasts?
Not at the start. The bird should go into the oven uncovered so the skin can dry out and crisp as it cooks. After about 90 minutes, if the skin is browning too quickly, the turkey can be tented loosely with foil to prevent it from getting too dark before the meat is fully cooked. This approach gives you the best of both worlds: beautifully golden skin and evenly cooked, juicy meat.

How long should the turkey rest before carving?
At least 20 to 30 minutes. This gives the juices time to redistribute, keeping the meat moist when you carve it. Cover it loosely with foil to keep it warm—the internal temperature will continue to rise slightly as it rests.

Can turkey be roasted ahead of time?
Yes, you can absolutely roast it in advance to make the big day less hectic. Just keep in mind that the skin won’t stay as crisp once it’s reheated, but the meat will still be tender and flavorful. Detailed instructions for making ahead and reheating are included in the recipe card.