One Hour Turkey From Margaret'S Kitchen
A quick, flavorful roasted turkey with crispy skin, perfect for small gatherings or holiday dinners, seasoned simply with salt and pepper for classic taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 500°F.
- Wash the turkey; season inside and out with salt and pepper.
- Place a flat lid in the bottom of the roaster so the turkey won't stick.
- Place the turkey in the roaster and baste with melted butter.
- Pour water into the roaster and add giblets if available.
- Cover and bake for 1 hour.
- Do not open the oven while cooking and do not open until it is completely cooled.
Tips & Substitutions
For a juicy turkey, make sure to baste it well with the melted butter before roasting. If you want to reduce the fat content, you can replace half of the butter with olive oil. Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for added flavor, or try adding garlic to the water for more depth. This recipe is perfect for American recipes enthusiasts looking for a quick turkey dish.
Serving Suggestions
This one-hour turkey pairs beautifully with sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. Consider serving cranberry sauce for a tart contrast. If you’re looking for a dessert to finish the meal, browse more Dairy recipes for something creamy like Geri's Cheese Cake or Eddie's Peanut Butter Pie to complement the savory flavors of the turkey.
Storage & Reheating
Allow leftover turkey to cool completely before refrigerating. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the turkey in a covered dish with a splash of broth to keep it moist, and warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the meat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of One Hour Turkey From Margaret'S Kitchen contains roughly 87 calories, with 8g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 518mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a frozen turkey for this recipe?
No, it's best to use a thawed turkey for this one-hour method. A frozen turkey will not cook evenly in such a short time. Make sure to fully thaw your turkey in the refrigerator before seasoning and roasting.
What can I do if I don’t have giblets?
If you don't have giblets, simply omit them from the recipe. The turkey will still be flavorful with just the butter and seasoning. You can also add vegetables like carrots and onions to the water for extra flavor.
How do I know when the turkey is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey. It should reach at least 165°F in the thickest part of the breast. If you don't have a thermometer, ensure the juices run clear when you pierce the thigh.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).