Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Gordon Ramsay’s Roast Turkey recipe is the perfect centerpiece for your holiday table. It brings together a beautifully crispy, golden skin with succulent and juicy meat. The blend of fresh herbs, butter, and seasoning infuses the turkey with incredible flavor, making it a standout dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive occasion. With simple techniques and expert tips from one of the world’s top chefs, this roast turkey will impress your guests and create lasting memories around the dinner table.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 whole turkey (about 12-14 pounds)
Olive oil or butter (for basting)
Fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, and sage)
1 lemon (halved)
1 onion (quartered)
4 garlic cloves (crushed)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
2 cups chicken stock (for roasting pan)
1 tablespoon flour (for gravy)
1/4 cup white wine (optional)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Remove the giblets from the turkey and pat the bird dry with paper towels.
Rub the turkey with olive oil or butter, making sure to coat the skin evenly.
Season the turkey generously with salt and pepper, both inside and out.
Stuff the turkey cavity with the fresh herbs, lemon halves, onion quarters, and crushed garlic.
Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan and pour the chicken stock into the bottom of the pan.
Roast the turkey for about 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
While roasting, baste the turkey every 30 minutes with the pan juices to keep the skin crisp and the meat moist.
Once the turkey is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 20 minutes before carving.
For the gravy, strain the pan juices into a saucepan, add flour to create a roux, and whisk in a little white wine and more chicken stock if needed. Simmer until thickened, then serve alongside the turkey.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 8-10 people. Prep time is 20 minutes, and roasting time is about 2 to 2 1/2 hours, bringing the total time to approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to 2 hours and 50 minutes.

Variations

For a spicier turkey, rub the bird with paprika, chili powder, or cayenne pepper before roasting.
Add a stuffing of your choice, such as cornbread or sausage, to the cavity for extra flavor.
For a more citrusy flavor, use orange halves instead of lemon.
Try different herbs, such as oregano or tarragon, for a unique flavor profile.
Substitute butter with ghee for a richer flavor.

storage/reheating

Store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place slices in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

FAQs

What size turkey should I buy?

For 8-10 people, a 12-14 pound turkey is ideal. If you’re serving more, aim for 1 pound of turkey per person.

How can I tell when the turkey is done?

Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the thigh.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While the turkey is best served fresh, you can prepare the turkey the day before, carve it, and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat before serving.

Should I cover the turkey while roasting?

It’s not necessary to cover the turkey, but you can loosely tent it with foil for the first hour to prevent over-browning.

Can I use a different fat for basting?

Yes, you can use melted butter, duck fat, or even vegetable oil if you prefer.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Fresh herbs are ideal for this recipe, as they provide a better flavor, but dried herbs can be substituted if needed.

How do I make the gravy thicker?

Add more flour to the roux or simmer the gravy longer to reduce it to the desired consistency.

Can I brine the turkey?

Yes, brining the turkey for 12-24 hours before roasting will help retain moisture and improve the flavor.

Can I make the gravy without wine?

Yes, you can omit the wine and use more chicken stock or water instead.

What side dishes go well with roast turkey?

Traditional sides such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, roasted vegetables, and cranberry sauce complement turkey perfectly.

Conclusion

Gordon Ramsay’s Roast Turkey is the ultimate recipe for achieving a perfectly cooked, flavorful turkey. With a crispy skin, juicy meat, and a rich gravy to top it off, it’s a recipe that will become a holiday favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering or a special occasion, this roast turkey will leave everyone impressed and satisfied.