How to Cook an 11-Pound Turkey

Ingredients:

- 11-pound fresh or thawed turkey

- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened

- 1 tablespoon olive oil

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

- Optional seasonings of your choice (such as thyme, rosemary, sage, lemon, garlic)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Turkey:

- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

- Remove the turkey from its packaging and remove any giblets or neck from the cavities.

- Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water and pat dry.

2. Season the Turkey:

- In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.

- Rub the mixture all over the turkey, including the inside cavity.

- Season the cavity with any optional seasonings of your choice.

3. Prep the Turkey for Roasting:

- Place the turkey breast-side up on a roasting rack inside a large roasting pan.

- Add 1 cup of water or broth to the bottom of the roasting pan.

4. Cover and Roast:

- Cover the roasting pan with foil, forming a tent over the turkey.

- Roast the turkey in the preheated oven for 3 hours covered, then remove the foil and roast for an additional 1 hour uncovered.

5. Baste the Turkey:

- Every 30 minutes after removing the foil, baste the turkey with its pan juices to help it stay moist.

6. Test for Doneness:

- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is fully cooked. The internal temperature should read 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast.

7. Let it Rest:

- Once the turkey is done cooking, remove it from the oven and cover it loosely with foil. Let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful turkey.

8. Carve and Serve:

- Carve the turkey into slices and arrange them on a serving platter. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy your delicious homemade turkey dinner!

Tips:

- To ensure the turkey cooks evenly, make sure the roasting pan is large enough to accommodate the turkey without overcrowding.

- If you prefer, you can add vegetables or root vegetables to the bottom of the roasting pan to roast along with the turkey.

- For extra crispy skin, increase the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C) for the last 10 minutes of cooking time. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.