Perfect Roasted Turkey for Thanksgiving

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Prep Time: 20 minutes 
Cook Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes

Serves: 18

Ingredients: 

• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

• 1/2 teaspoon plus 1/8 teaspoon pepper

• 1 (12-14 lb) turkey, thawed if frozen

• 1 onion, quartered

• 1 head garlic, halved crosswise

• 2 teaspoons fresh herbs, chopped (such as thyme, parsley, rosemary, and sage)

• 2 bay leaves

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

You will also need:

• Large roasting pan

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. 

2. Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper inside turkey cavity. Place onion, garlic, herb sprigs and bay leaves insides the cavity as well. 

3. Place turkey breast-side up on rack in large roasting pan. Brush with half of butter; sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon pepper and remaining salt. 

4. Cover with foil and roast for two hours and thirty minutes. 

5. Remove foil, brush with the remaining butter.

6. Increase oven temperature to 425 degrees and roast turkey until the internal temperature reaches 180 degrees. If browning too quickly, re-cover turkey with foil.

7. Let stand for 15 minutes before carving.