Oven Roasted Turkey with Golden Gravy Recipe

If you’re looking for a foolproof way to impress your family and guests, this Oven Roasted Turkey with Golden Gravy Recipe is going to become your new go-to. I absolutely love how this turkey comes out juicy on the inside with that irresistible, crispy golden skin, and the gravy? Oh, it’s silky, rich, and packed with deep flavor from the pan drippings. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a special weekend dinner, this recipe delivers every single time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays a big role in building flavor and texture. When I shop for turkey, I always prefer fresh if I can find it—it seems to roast more evenly. And having softened butter ready is a game changer for spreading under the skin.

• Turkey (10 pounds): Fresh is ideal, but frozen works too; just be sure it’s fully thawed before roasting.
• Butter (1 cup, softened): Softened butter is easier to spread and helps baste the turkey from inside.
• Seasoned salt (2 tablespoons): I love using Jane’s Crazy Mixed-Up Salt for a balance of herbs and spices that elevate the flavor.
• Pan drippings (½ cup): These are the magic ingredient for the gravy—don’t skimp on scraping those delicious browned bits.
• All-purpose flour (½ cup): Used to thicken the gravy, giving it that luscious texture.
• Turkey or chicken broth/stock (3¾ cups): Adds depth and richness to the gravy; homemade broth is fantastic if you have it.

Variations

I like to switch things up a bit depending on the season or occasion. The beauty of this Oven Roasted Turkey with Golden Gravy Recipe is that it’s so adaptable—you can easily add your own twist without losing the classic flavor everyone loves.

• Herb-Infused Butter: Once, I mixed fresh rosemary and thyme into the butter before rubbing it on, which gave the turkey a fragrant, earthy flavor my family raved about.
• Spicy Twist: If you enjoy a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the seasoned salt for a subtle kick.
• Gluten-Free Gravy: Swap the flour for cornstarch or a gluten-free alternative to make this recipe safe for gluten-sensitive friends.

How to Make Oven Roasted Turkey with Golden Gravy Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Turkey with Butter and Seasoning

First things first, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Gently separate the skin from the turkey breast with your fingers—a little patience here goes a long way—and spread the softened butter evenly underneath the skin. This trick ensures the meat stays moist and flavorful. Then rub the outside with seasoned salt, making sure every inch is covered. Trust me, when I first tried just buttering on top, the inside didn’t come out as juicy, so don’t skip this step!

Step 2: Roast Low and Slow

Place the turkey breast side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Roast it uncovered at 325°F for about 3 hours, or until a meat thermometer reads 165°F in the thickest part of the breast. I like to start checking the temperature at around 2.5 hours so I don’t overcook it. Low and slow roasting gives you tender meat without drying out the surface.

Step 3: Rest Before Carving

Once out of the oven, tent the turkey loosely with foil and let it rest for 20-30 minutes. This resting phase is crucial—it lets the juices redistribute, so when you carve it, the meat stays moist and delicious. I used to rush this part and ended up with dry slices; lesson learned!

Step 4: Make the Golden Gravy

Meanwhile, pour off most of the fat from the pan drippings, leaving about half a cup behind along with all those tasty browned bits. Place the pan on the stove over medium heat and sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly to make a roux. It should bubble and thicken up, turning a pretty golden color. Slowly whisk in the broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Let it simmer until it’s thickened to your liking. This gravy is the crown jewel—you’ll want to pour it generously!

How to Serve Oven Roasted Turkey with Golden Gravy Recipe

Garnishes

I like to garnish the turkey platter with fresh sprigs of rosemary and thyme, not only because they add a lovely aroma but also a pretty pop of green. A few bright cranberries scattered around can also brighten up the presentation, especially during the holidays.

Side Dishes

My family goes crazy for traditional sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, and a simple green bean almondine. The buttery mashed potatoes are perfect to soak up that golden gravy, and the veggies add just the right crunch and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

One year, I arranged slices of turkey on a large wooden cutting board with small bowls of gravy and cranberry sauce on the side for a casual but elegant family-style presentation. It makes carving interactive and gets everyone chatting around the table—a total crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the feast, wrap leftover turkey tightly in foil or store in airtight containers. Keeping the turkey covered well in the fridge prevents it from drying out and protects the flavors—I’ve found that slicing the turkey before storing makes lunch prep the next day a breeze.

Freezing

I’ve frozen cooked turkey slices successfully by layering them with parchment paper inside freezer bags. When thawed slowly in the fridge, they taste just as good as fresh and are great for quick sandwiches or soups down the line.

Reheating

To reheat turkey without drying it out, I cover slices with foil and bake gently at 300°F for about 15-20 minutes. Adding a splash of broth or a spoonful of gravy on top before reheating helps keep things moist and tender.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Oven Roasted Turkey with Golden Gravy Recipe has quickly become a family favorite, and I’m so glad to be able to share it with you. It’s simple, reliable, and just downright delicious—a classic done right. I encourage you to try it out and make it your own, because once you nail this recipe, it’s hard to go back to anything else. Happy cooking and enjoy those juicy bites and rich gravy!

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