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Juiciest Thanksgiving Turkey Ever (The Secret is Mayonnaise!)

The whole, homemade, impressive, and golden-brown Mayo-Roasted Turkey being carved as the centerpiece at a fun and sophisticated Thanksgiving party.

A simple and delicious recipe for an incredibly moist ‘Juicy Mayo Roasted Turkey,’ perfect as the centerpiece for a holiday meal like Thanksgiving or Christmas. This dish features a whole turkey that is generously coated inside and out with a flavorful mayonnaise-based rub, seasoned with paprika, garlic powder, and a blend of dried herbs. The mayonnaise acts as a self-basting agent, ensuring the turkey remains exceptionally juicy while developing a beautifully golden-brown and crispy skin. The bird is slow-roasted and then finished at a high temperature for the perfect finish.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 4 teaspoons dried parsley
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 teaspoon ground sage
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • One 10- to 12-pound turkey
  • 1 medium onion, quartered
  • 1 head garlic, halved crosswise
  • Several sprigs fresh herbs (such as thyme, parsley, rosemary, and sage)
  • 2 bay leaves

Instructions

  1. Adjust an oven rack to the lowest position and preheat the oven to 325°F. Place a roasting rack in a large roasting pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, paprika, dried parsley, garlic powder, dried thyme, ground sage, hot sauce, 2 tablespoons of salt, and 2 teaspoons of black pepper.
  3. Remove any giblets from the turkey cavities. Pat the turkey completely dry with paper towels, both inside and out.
  4. Rub the prepared mayonnaise mixture all over the turkey, including inside the cavity.
  5. Stuff the cavity with the quartered onion, halved head of garlic, fresh herb sprigs, and bay leaves.
  6. Place the turkey, breast-side up, on the prepared roasting rack. Tent the bird with foil.
  7. Roast the turkey for 2 hours.
  8. Remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 425°F. Add a cup of water to the bottom of the pan to prevent the drippings from burning.
  9. Continue to roast, uncovered, for an additional 30 to 45 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thigh registers 165°F.
  10. Let the turkey rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. The pan drippings can be strained and served on the side or used to make gravy.

Notes

  • This is a showstopper main course that is perfect for a holiday dinner like Thanksgiving or Christmas.
  • Using mayonnaise as a coating is the key technique in this recipe; the oil and egg in the mayo help to keep the meat incredibly moist and create a crispy, golden skin.
  • The two-temperature roasting method—low and slow first, then a final blast of high heat—is a great way to ensure a juicy interior and a perfectly browned exterior.
  • Resting the turkey for at least 20 minutes before carving is crucial for the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat is moist and tender when sliced.