Grandma G'S Baked Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe

Name: Grandma G'S Baked Thanksgiving Turkey
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 (12 lb) turkey; 1/4 cup zesty Italian salad dressing; 3/4 cup butter or 3/4 cup margarine, melted (I use Parkay sticks); 2 stalks celery, chopped in 1 inch chunks; 1 onion, quartered; 4 large carrots, cut in 1 inch chunks; 1/2 cup butter; Basting; 1/4 cup zesty Italian salad dressing; 3/4 cup butter or 3/4 cup margarine, melted (I use Parkay sticks)

Servings: persons

1
Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
2
Remove giblets and neck.
3
For those of you who have never cooked a turkey before, check inside the body cavity, and inside the neck chest cavity.
4
Rinse turkey and pat dry.
5
Mix melted butter and salad dressing.
6
Draw up mixture into injector and inject bird in several locations in the brest, thighs and leg.
7
Place in roaster pan and add all vegetables inside the body cavity.
8
Cut 4, 1/2 inch slices from the butter and insert under the breast skin, and push up as far as it will go.
9
Place the remaining stick of butter in the cavity.
10
Cover with heavy foil, making sure the foil does not touch the turkey.
11
Bake for 2 hours 30 minutes in 450 degree oven.
12
If meat thermometer reads 185 degrees, it's time to uncover and baste using all of basting liquid.
13
If it has not reached 180 degrees return to oven for additional 30 minutes.
14
Check therometer.
15
Bake another 45 minutes, until golden brown.
16
Remove from oven and cover with foil again and let stand for 15 minutes before slicing.

920

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

Saved locally in your browser — visible only to you.

How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 10 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 (12 lb) turkey, 1/4 cup zesty Italian salad dressing, 3/4 cup butter or 3/4 cup margarine, melted (I use Parkay sticks), 2 stalks celery, chopped in 1 inch chunks, and more.

Yes, Grandma G'S Baked Thanksgiving Turkey falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Grandma G'S Baked Thanksgiving Turkey

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions