Thanksgiving is that magical time of year when families gather around a table overflowing with food, laughter, and the occasional awkward family story. Imagine a golden-brown turkey, perfectly seasoned and juicy, sitting proudly as the centerpiece. perfect Thanksgiving appetizer That’s Thanksgiving turkey the Amish way—a dish steeped in tradition and flavor that even your Aunt Betty, who always thinks her recipes are better, will admire.
Now picture this: the aroma of herbs and spices wafts through the air as you prepare to carve into your masterpiece. Memories of past Thanksgivings flood back, where laughter echoed and everyone fought over the last piece of crispy skin. This year’s feast promises to be just as memorable with an Amish-style turkey that combines simplicity and heartiness in every bite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Thanksgiving turkey the Amish way is easy to prepare and packed with flavor
- The rustic presentation makes it a showstopper on any holiday table
- Enjoy the cozy aromas that fill your kitchen while it roasts
- It brings a taste of tradition straight to your family gathering
There was that one Thanksgiving when my cousin decided to fry a turkey—and let’s just say it ended with a fire alarm going off and us eating takeout instead. Gordon Ramsay’s turkey recipe I can assure you there won’t be any disasters with this recipe, just delightful memories!

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: delicious side salad.
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Whole Turkey: Aim for 12-14 pounds for optimal cooking; fresh is ideal, but frozen works too—just remember to thaw!
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Butter: Use unsalted butter for seasoning; it keeps everything rich without overwhelming flavors.
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Fresh Herbs: Thyme, sage, and rosemary are perfect; fresh adds a punch of flavor compared to dried herbs.
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Garlic: A few cloves minced add depth; roast some garlic for an extra sweet kick.
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Onion: Coarsely chopped onions not only enhance flavor but also keep the turkey moist during roasting.
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Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth; it helps baste the turkey while keeping salt levels in check.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; don’t skimp here—flavor is key!
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Lemon Juice: A splash brightens up everything; consider zesting some lemon peel too for added freshness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preparing the Turkey: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Rinse the turkey under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Place it breast-side up in a roasting pan.
Seasoning Time!: In a bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic, chopped herbs, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Rub this mixture generously all over the turkey—don’t forget under the skin!
Add Aromatics Inside!: Stuff your bird with chopped onions and leftover herb sprigs. This not only flavors the meat but also gives you delightful aromas while it roasts.
The Roast Begins!: Pour chicken broth into the bottom of your roasting pan to keep moisture levels high during cooking. Tent the turkey loosely with foil before putting it in the oven.
Basting Bliss!: Every 30 minutes or so, brush or spoon pan juices over your turkey. Watch for that golden brown color developing—it’s like watching magic unfold!
Check for Doneness!: After about 3 hours (or when internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C), remove foil for browning if needed. Let it rest before carving—this step is crucial for juicy slices!
Cooking this Thanksgiving turkey the Amish way means embracing simplicity while allowing flavors to shine through—it’s all about love infused into every step! Your family will thank you as they dive into tender meat surrounded by aromatic herbs. For more inspiration, check out this Thanksgiving stuffed mini pumpkins recipe.
This year’s Thanksgiving will be unforgettable with your perfectly roasted turkey taking center stage at dinner time! The cozy ambiance created by shared stories over delicious food will linger long after dessert is served, making everyone feel grateful—and perhaps a little sleepy too from all that turkey! Thanksgiving finger food ideas.
You Must Know
- Thanksgiving turkey the Amish way is all about flavor and tradition
- Let the turkey marinate overnight for the juiciest results
- This method creates an aromatic feast that fills your home with warmth and joy, perfect for family gatherings
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by brining your turkey overnight; this ensures moisture. Then, roast it low and slow for even cooking while basting regularly to develop that golden-brown skin.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your seasoning mix. Try adding herbs like thyme or rosemary, or even a bit of maple syrup for a sweet twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain its juicy goodness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always let your turkey rest after cooking; this keeps it juicy
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness
- Don’t skip the brining step—it’s essential for flavor!
Sharing this recipe reminds me of last Thanksgiving when my cousin tried to help but ended up creating a delightful mess. We laughed so hard while salvaging what we could!

FAQ
What is Thanksgiving turkey the Amish way?
Thanksgiving turkey the Amish way involves brining and slow-roasting for maximum flavor.
How long should I brine the turkey?
Brine the turkey overnight for at least 12 hours for optimal flavor absorption.
Can I use other seasonings?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite herbs or spices to personalize it.
Thanksgiving Turkey the Amish Way
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 10 servings 1x
Description
Experience the joy of Thanksgiving with this Amish-style turkey recipe that embodies tradition and flavor. Succulent, juicy, and beautifully roasted, this turkey is seasoned with fresh herbs and garlic, ensuring a delightful centerpiece for your holiday gathering. The simple preparation combined with aromatic ingredients will fill your home with warmth and create lasting memories around the dinner table.
Ingredients
- 1 whole turkey (12–14 pounds)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 large onion, coarsely chopped
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Rinse the turkey under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Place breast-side up in a roasting pan.
- In a bowl, mix butter, garlic, herbs, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Rub generously over the turkey.
- Stuff the cavity with onions and leftover herb sprigs for added flavor.
- Pour chicken broth into the roasting pan to maintain moisture during cooking.
- Tent the turkey loosely with foil and roast for about 3 hours or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste every 30 minutes.
- Let the turkey rest before carving to ensure juicy slices.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 180 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 oz (85g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg





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