Ingredients

The following ingredients have 12 Servings
  • 11-12 lb whole turkey ((thawed if frozen))
  • 1/4 cup kosher salt
  • 1/4 cup + 1 tbsp brown sugar (divided)
  • 1 tablespoon + 1 tsp minced garlic ((or 1 teaspoon garlic powder) divided)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • 1 1/2 cups water

Instruction

  • Place turkey in a large baking dish or roasting pan.
  • In a medium bowl, combine salt, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon garlic and pepper. Rub all over turkey and under the skin where possible, using a large spoon to loosen the skin if necessary.
  • Place uncovered in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours and up to 3 days. It will dry out, but don't worry -- that is normal!
  • Remove turkey from the fridge 1 hour before roasting.
  • Place turkey in a roasting pan or on a large rimmed sheet pan on a roasting rack. Use cooking twine to tie the legs together.
  • Combine melted butter, 1 tbsp brown sugar and 1 tsp minced garlic and brush over turkey.
  • Heat oven to 425 degrees F.
  • Pour water into the bottom of the roasting pan and roast turkey at 425 degrees for 20 minutes, until just starting to brown.
  • Reduce oven heat to 350 and continue roasting until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 170 degrees F in the breast, about 2-2.5 hours more.
  • Remove turkey from the oven and let rest for 30-60 minutes before slicing.