This Paleo Roasted Turkey Recipe is so moist, flavorful, and delicious! A combination of ghee and fresh herbs make an easy and irresistible bird.
It just wouldn't be Thanksgiving without a roasted turkey, right? This recipe is easy and even someone making a turkey for the first time will have success. The rosemary, thyme and sage pair perfectly with the turkey making it so flavorful.
Fresh herbs for the turkey
Fresh herbs make all the difference with this turkey. Sure, you could use dried, but it's Thanksgiving, spend the $2 and get the fresh herbs. I actually didn't grow up with fresh herbs and have completely taught myself how to use them and what they all taste like. I think it can make all the difference when eating healthy because they add so much flavor and each one is unique.
The first time I made a turkey it called for butter and some seasonings mixed together and then spread under the turkey skin and on top. It made the usually dried flavorless breast meat, moist and juicy. The next year I brined a turkey and while it was delicious, it took a lot of time and work and was a mess. This method is very little prep, only chopping the herbs and I'm confident anyone can do it.
Tips for the best roasted turkey
- Buy a meat thermometer. Don't trust the pop-up one it comes with, the turkey will always be overcooked by the time it pops up. They are inexpensive and really the only way to test if it's done. You'll want to stick it in the leg, without touching the bone and it's done at 160°.
- Remove the bird from the fridge at least an hour before cooking. This helps it cook evenly.
- Remove the neck and giblets and pat the turkey dry. Fold the wings under the body and tie the legs together with thick string.
- Get up under the skin! Be gentle and separate the skin from the meat. If this grosses you out then wear a pair of disposable gloves. Getting the ghee/herb mixture under the skin helps keep the meat moist and flavorful.
- Don't cover it unless you have to! I always covered the bird part of the time and the skin was always soft. Leaving it uncovered helps the skin really brown and is actually very tasty.
- Let the turkey rest for at 15-20 minutes after cooking for the juiciest meat.
- Here is a video of Bobby Flay carving a turkey the perfect way and the trick with the breasts is so helpful. No more hacking away and everyone gets skin on every piece.
Make sure to check out the rest of my Thanksgiving recipes:
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes (paleo)
- Paleo Whole30 Green Bean Casserole
- Sweet Potato Casserole (paleo)
- Paleo Whole30 Cream of Mushroom Soup
- Pumpkin Coffee Cake (paleo)
- Paleo Apple Pie Crumb Bars
- Low Carb Sausage Stuffing
- Cranberry Sauce
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Paleo Whole30 Roasted Turkey
Ingredients
- 12-16 pound turkey
- ¾ cup ghee
- 2 teaspoons garlic oil*
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° and place turkey in a roasting pan with a rack. Remove the neck and giblets from the inside of the turkey and throw them away.
- Pat the turkey down with paper towel. Tuck the wings under the body and tie the legs together with kitchen twine or thick string.
- Make the ghee/herb mixture. In a small bowl, combine the ghee, garlic oil, fresh herbs, and 1 teaspoon salt together.
- Gently separate the skin from the meat with your hands and spread the ghee mixture under the skin, covering the meat as evenly as possible. Then spread more of the mixture on top of the skin. Continue until all the mixture is used and turkey is covered with the mixture. Sprinkle the ½ teaspoon on the breast and legs.
- Bake approximately 2- 2 ½ hours, but ultimately when the leg temps at 160°. You'll want to place the thermometer in the leg, without touching bone.
- Rest for 15 minutes and carve.
Kim says
This looks amazing! Did you cook this in a covered roasting pan or did you leave the turkey uncovered? Thanks!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks! I left it uncovered 🙂
Kayleigh Siaulys says
Am I able to make the garlic oil with garlic and oil mixed together or would the garlic burn?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Kayleigh- I think that will work great. Enjoy!
Margarita Perez says
Okay, I forgot to rate this recipe. It is a definite 5 star!
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks!!
Margarita Perez says
I wanted to make a paleo thanksgiving for my sister who is on a paleo anti-inflammatory diet. She loved this turkey. She said that this was the most flavorful turkey she had ever eaten. The turkey browned beautifully and was moist and delicious. My sister wants the recipe to make for Christmas! This recipe is a definite keeper.
Jessica DeMay says
Thank you for trying it, Margarita! I'm so glad it was enjoyed and that your sister could have it. Thanks for the great feedback!
Maria says
Unbelievably good. Crispy skin. Perfectly seasoned. I couldn't believe how juicy it was without "basting." I used a combination of ghee and olive oil. I will definitely make this again.
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks, Maria! I'm so glad you like it!
Agnieszka says
Can you sub ghee with dairy free, soy free butter? I am very sensitive to dairy
Jessica DeMay says
Yes, that should work. Or coconut oil. You can use the refined kind for no coconut flavor. Hope you enjoy!
Alisha says
What brand did you use for the Turkey. I know that it's hard finding a Turkey in the store that is truly good without worrying about if it has added Ingredients that's not healthy for you.
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Alisha- Last year I got one at Kroger, the Simply Truth brand. I don't live by a Kroger anymore so I bought one through Butcher Box this year. I'm sure Whole Foods sells them if you live near one and probably Sprouts as well. Good luck!
Pamela says
This turkey was so good! Thank you for the recipe.
Jessica DeMay says
You're welcome, Pamela! Thanks for trying my recipe! I'm so glad you liked it 🙂
Cassi says
Did you put lemons inside the turkey or was this done for the photo only?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Cassi- I did, but I don't feel like it contributed any flavor so I didn't write it in the recipe. Feel free to add some cut lemons and onion to the inside if you want though!
Chelsea @ Healthy Fabulous Life says
This bird is gorgeous! A real show stopper!! That gravy looks fabulous also!
Jessica DeMay says
Thank you so much, Chelsea! Gravy recipe coming this week 😉