How to make Juicy Roasted Turkey without Brine or Stuffing

This easy turkey roast recipe is perfect for the home cook who doesn't want to fuss with brine or stuffing but still wants a moist and flavorful Thanksgiving dish.

We're going to show you how to roast a turkey with salt and herbs on top with a simple trick to keep the bird juicy - it's easy, it's faster, and the results are simply delicious.

Take the stress out of your family Thanksgiving (or Friendsgiving) dinner with this simple trick that yields the perfect turkey roast - crispy skin and deliciously tender meat.

We have also included a printable roasting chart below.

Why it Works

• This is an easy turkey roast recipe with all the flavor without any extra work and made with just a few ingredients.
• The best part about this recipe is that you can make it ahead of time, then place it in an oven before guests arrive at your house on Thanksgiving day - without any worries about being overwhelmed in the kitchen.
• This simple roast turkey recipe is perfect for those looking for a tested-and-true method of cooking a juicy bird.
• It's ideal for beginners - easy to prepare, the instructions are very clear, and there is no way to screw up this Thanksgiving dinner.

We're here today to share our favorite method for preparing a succulent and tasty roast without using any brine or stuffing - it's called dry-roasting!

Turkey is one of the most popular dishes for Thanksgiving and Christmas in North America. But have you ever tried roasting the holiday bird without brine or stuffing, as in this Croatian recipe?

Traditionally, Croatians serve roasted turkey with mlinci, homemade baked pasta. If you want a complete experience, you can find the simple recipe for mlinci in my book.

You will also love this roast with a side of warm potato salad or butternut squash barley risotto. And if you don't like the taste of turkey, we recommend this herb-roasted spatchcock chicken.

The secret to the perfect roasted turkey is keeping it simple because who needs crazy methods and exotic ingredients? Give this recipe a try next holiday, and let us know how you think it turned out!

🛒Ingredients and Notes

• Whole turkey - we love all natural meat (no GMO and preferably organic) supplied by Amish farmers.
• Butter - you can use olive oil if you must but turkey meat is low in fat and butter elevates the flavor.
• Lemon - It's an age-old tradition to put lemon in turkey, and most people use the gentle acidity of lemon juice to act as a natural meat tenderizer.
• Clove-studded onion - we use this little trick to remove some of the gaminess of the meat and add aroma without overpowering it.
• Vegeta Natur - use this dry spice mix for the authentic Croatian turkey roast. It's awesome and we substitute it for salt in almost all dishes. However, you can use salt instead.
• Italian seasoning - the seasoning will taste different by various brands. Click on the link to see what kind I use so you can look for it at your local grocer, or for convinience, order it online.

Or make your own Italian seasoning using:

• 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
• ½ tablespoon dried sage
• ½ tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoons dried parsley
• ½ tablespoon dried oregano
• ½ tablespoons dried marjoram

🔪Step by Step Instructions

1. Peel a small onion and stud it with whole cloves all over.
2. Remove the giblets and neck out of the turkey (use them to make stock). Then wash the bird inside and out and remove any excess fat and leftover pinfeathers.
3. Pat the inside and outside dry, then pour hot water over the skin. Pat dry it again with paper towels.

1. Next, place the turkey on a rack in a large roasting pan and brush the outside of the bird with melted butter.
2. Rub the herb mixture liberally all over the bird.
3. Stuff the cavity with the lemon, clove-studded onion, and bay leaves. Cover and roast for about 2½ hours (see the roasting chart below).

💡Top Tips

The perfectly roasted bird results from good roasting and good preparation and selection of the right bird.

• Selection - Although we all know it's best to buy a fresh turkey, you can also get the perfect roast with a frozen one. You'll have to keep in mind that you have to defrost it before baking completely. Larger birds can be defrosting for days.
• Crispy Skin - Leave the meat uncovered one day before baking, or follow the recipe directions below for crispy skin.
• Room Temperature of The Roast - Make sure that the meat stays at room temperature before baking. If you put the cold meat in the oven, it will not bake evenly. Take it out of the refrigerator for at least an hour or two before baking.
• Spices, Spices, Spices - It's good to season your meat a few hours before roasting. Then it will be juicier, tender, and more delicious. Rub the bird generously with fresh or dried herbs and olive oil or butter.
• Best Cooking Temperature - Baking at higher and lower temperatures has its advantages, but the ideal temperature for baking is about 350-375 degrees F. The meat is done when it reaches 170 degrees Fahrenheit in the breast and 180 degrees in the thigh. If you expect a crowd, you should instead roast two smaller birds.
• No Peeking! - Once your roast is in the oven, do not frequently open the door, which will further prolong the cooking time. It's best to bake the bird in a roaster with a rack and a lid. See the list of things you might need in the "equipment needed" section below.
• Done, but... - Let the turkey rest, loosely covered with aluminum foil, for 20 minutes before carving. Juices inside will settle, and you won't end up with a pool of liquid on the cutting board. Timing is everything! Use the sharpest knife to carve it.

What to Serve with Roasted Turkey?

A Thanksgiving classic - homemade mashed potatoes are a must, but also consider crispy roasted sweet potatoes or butternut squash as an addition to your sides and this maple cheesecake for your dessert. 

Not sure how to use leftovers? My husband loves this delicious kickasserole recipe, and I'm partial to turkey tacos.

How Long to Bake a Turkey?

Download or print this free roasting chart for your reference by clicking on the graphic.

Additional consumer safety tips from the USDA.

5 Most Common Mistakes When Making Oven-Roasted Turkey:

1. You Don't Defrost Turkey on Time - Because it's much bigger than the chicken, it needs more time to thaw. It is best to store it in the refrigerator for a few days before preparation so that it gradually thaws. As a rule, it takes 14 hours to defrost 5.5 pounds in the refrigerator.
2. You Bake It at Too High A Temperature - Crispy skin is the tastiest part of roasted poultry. If you bake it at too high a temperature, you will most likely get burnt skin and insufficiently roasted meat. It's best to roast the meat at a constant medium temperature.
3. You Put It in The Oven Too Early - If you are planning lunch at 3 pm, there is no reason to put a turkey to bake at dawn. As a rule, it takes 13 minutes of roasting for every pound of meat at a temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, don't forget to let it "rest" for at least 20 minutes before cutting. 
4. You Don't Use a Kitchen Thermometer - This kitchen tool is an investment that will surely pay off for you, no matter the level of your experience. Bake it until it reaches a temperature of 170-180 degrees F. (Even if it has a "pop-up" temperature indicator, you should also check the internal temperature in the innermost part of the thigh and wing and the thickest part of the breast with a food thermometer, but not touching the bone).
5. You Don't Use the Pan Drippings - The juices left in the baking tray are liquid gold and have a delicious taste. Use it to make the gravy or toss with cooked mlinci, so don't throw it away.

Now that you know what to do, check out 7 things not to do.

Equipment Needed

• A large roasting pan with a rack and a dome lid makes roasting a breeze, but you can use the open pan as well and cover it with aluminum foil. Just make sure to leave room around the skin.
• Making sure your turkey is cooked through is very important. Thus, a meat thermometer is a must in every kitchen, plus you can use it for BBQ, baking, and any other cooking needs.
• Italian seasoning, in case you don't want to make your own blend.
• Vegeta Natur is a Croatian additive-free seasoning mix. I put it on everything and couldn't cook without it. It is great to season your meats, soups, stews, and vegetables.
• Whole cloves for the spiked (punk) onion. 😉
• Remember, a sharp knife is essential but an electric knife makes carving the meat much easier.

❓FAQs

What do you think? Ready to put these tips into practice in time for November's big day? Do you think that your family would enjoy this easy-to-make dish on Thanksgiving Day?

Other Amazing Recipes to Try

If you're looking for more recipes like this one, check out our blog on delicious Thanksgiving side dishes we recommend making ahead so they're ready when dinner time rolls around.

• Honey Mustard Pork Roast
• Pumpkin and Goat Cheese Pasta Bake
• Vegetable and Cheese Pie With Fillo
• Savory Ricotta Fillo Bundt Pie
• Stuffed Buttercup Squash

Liked this recipe? Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and/or a review in the comments section. Your feedback is always appreciated! Stay in touch through Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook! Don't forget to sign up for my email list below too!