I’m a stay-at-home mom turned home design and DIY expert. I've discovered the thrill of creating a beautiful, functional home, and I'm here to inspire and teach you to do the same
Every Thanksgiving, my mom prepares this super moist turkey that is so tender and delicious. It has become the highlight of our holiday meal. I was pleasantly surprised by how simple the recipe is and how little effort it requires compared to other turkey recipes I’ve tried.
In this recipe, I used two 8-pound turkeys in the same roasting pan, and they cooked perfectly without any additional time. The result is a juicy, flavorful turkey with minimal fuss.
Size: Plan for about 1 to 1½ pounds per person if you want leftovers (which… yes, always).
Thawing: For a 16-pound bird, plan on 3-4 days in the fridge to thaw completely.
No brine, no problem: The butter and bag combo keeps this turkey juicy without the extra brining step.
Why You’ll Love This Super Moist Turkey Recipe
Effortless Preparation: No brining or complicated steps—just straightforward, delicious results.
Consistently Juicy: The use of an oven-safe turkey bag ensures the meat stays moist and tender.
Flavorful Aromatics: Lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs infuse the turkey with a delightful aroma and taste
Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or an intimate dinner, this super moist turkey recipe is sure to impress your guests and become a cherished tradition in your home.
Check out this video to watch me make the recipe!
Step 1 – Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Set out your turkey bag and roasting pan.
Step 2 – Prep the Turkey
Remove giblets from the turkey. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
Step 3 – Butter and Season
Melt the butter and add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of the chopped herbs. This microplaner is fantastic and catches all those little lemon zests so none are lost.
Brush the turkey with the butter mixture and sprinkle with salt and pepper. I used this $4 Turkey baster or these pastry brushes work well too!
Step 4 – Stuff the Turkey
Chop the onion and garlic into large chunks and stuff inside the turkey. You can even cut up and throw in the leftover lemon rind too!
Step 5 – Bag It Up
Place the turkey into the oven bag and seal it according to the package directions. Cut a few small slits in the top of the bag to allow steam to escape.
Step 6 – Roast
Place bagged turkey in a roasting pan and bake at 350 degrees for 13-15 minutes per lb. It will take about 2 1/2 hours for a 10-12 lb turkey (or 3 1/2 to 4 hours for a 16 lb turkey). Bake until a meat thermometer reads 165 degrees in the breast and 175 degrees in the thigh.
Step 7 – Rest and Serve
Remove the super moist turkey from the oven and let it rest for 20 minutes.
Take the turkey out of the bag. Carefully preserve the juices that have been collected and reserve for the gravy.
Layer turkey on a tray over a bed of kale or parsley, and garnish with sliced lemons and cranberries.
Are you interested in other Thanksgiving recipes or need ideas? If so, I created a complete guide on hosting a Friendsgiving / Thanksgiving dinner party. Download it below!
This juicy, flavorful turkey comes out tender every time thanks to a foolproof roasting method using a turkey bag. Stuffed with garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs, it’s a no-fuss recipe that delivers big on flavor—perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you’re feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
Scale
1 whole turkey (8–16 lbs), thawed
1 stick (½ cup) salted butter, softened
1 lemon, halved
1 head of garlic, halved crosswise
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
2 sprigs fresh thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 oven-safe turkey bag
Instructions
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Set out your turkey bag and roasting pan.
Prep the Turkey: Remove giblets from the turkey. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
Butter and Season: Rub the softened butter all over the outside of the turkey. Generously season the skin and cavity with salt and pepper.
Stuff the Turkey: Place the lemon halves, garlic, rosemary, and thyme inside the cavity of the turkey.
Bag It: Place the turkey into the oven bag and seal it according to the package directions. Cut a few small slits in the top of the bag to allow steam to escape.
Roast: Transfer the bagged turkey to a roasting pan and bake for about 2 ½ to 3 hours, or until a meat thermometer reads 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh.
Rest and Serve: Carefully cut open the bag and let the turkey rest for at least 20 minutes before carving.
