Perfect Roasted Turkey and Potatoes is a classic holiday dish that brings people together with every juicy slice and crispy, golden bite. Roasting both the turkey and potatoes in one pan means fewer dishes, more flavor, and a beautiful one-pan centerpiece for your table. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, a festive dinner party, or a cozy Sunday meal, this foolproof method ensures succulent meat, crispy-skinned potatoes, and a house that smells like comfort and celebration.
Table of Contents
🍽️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan magic – turkey and potatoes roast together
- Flavor-packed – herbed butter, garlic, and pan juices do all the work
- Perfect for holidays – elegant yet stress-free
- Customizable – works with a whole turkey or bone-in breast
- Leftovers? Built-in meal prep for soups, sandwiches, and casseroles
🛒 Ingredients
For the Turkey:
- 10–12 lb whole turkey, thawed and patted dry
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1½ tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary (optional for cavity)
For the Potatoes:
- 2½ lbs baby potatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Optional: ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
🔪 Instructions
1. Prep the Oven and Turkey
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Remove neck and giblets from turkey cavity. Pat turkey dry with paper towels.
2. Make the Herb Butter
- In a bowl, mix softened butter with garlic, rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
3. Season the Turkey
- Gently loosen the turkey skin over the breast and thighs. Spread half of the herb butter underneath the skin.
- Rub the rest all over the outside of the turkey.
- Stuff the cavity with lemon halves, onion, and herb sprigs.
4. Prep the Potatoes
- In a bowl, toss halved baby potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
5. Assemble and Roast
- Place the turkey breast-side up in a large roasting pan or baking dish with a rack (or use halved onions under the bird as a rack alternative).
- Arrange seasoned potatoes around the base of the turkey in the pan.
- Roast uncovered for 3–3.5 hours (or about 15 minutes per pound), basting with pan juices every 30–45 minutes. Use foil to tent if skin browns too quickly.
6. Check for Doneness
- Use a meat thermometer. The thickest part of the thigh should register 165°F (74°C). Potatoes should be fork-tender.
7. Rest and Serve
- Remove turkey and let rest, tented with foil, for 20–30 minutes before carving.
- Toss potatoes in the pan drippings and serve alongside the sliced turkey.
⏱️ Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Rest Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: ~4 hours
- Servings: 10–12
🧮 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approx.)
- Calories: 510
- Protein: 43g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fat: 30g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Sugar: 1g
💡 Tips & Variations
- For a smaller crowd: Use a 5–7 lb bone-in turkey breast
- Crispier potatoes? Roast separately for last 30 mins at 425°F
- Make gravy: Deglaze pan with stock + flour after roasting for a rich, homemade gravy
- Flavor boost: Add whole garlic cloves or shallots with the potatoes
- Brine it: For ultra-juicy meat, wet brine the turkey overnight before roasting
❓ FAQs
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Yes, just cut into similar-sized chunks and reduce cooking time slightly.
Should I cover the turkey with foil while roasting?
Not initially. But tent loosely if the skin browns too fast.
How do I know when the turkey is done?
Use a thermometer! Internal temp should be 165°F in the thigh and 160°F in the breast.
Can I make this recipe ahead?
You can prep the herb butter and season the turkey 1 day ahead. Potatoes should be tossed just before roasting.
Perfect Roasted Turkey and Potatoes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Mix herb butter with garlic, herbs, zest, salt, and pepper.
- Rub half under turkey skin, half over top. Stuff cavity.
- Toss potatoes with oil and seasonings.
- Place turkey in pan, surround with potatoes.
- Roast 3–3.5 hrs, basting occasionally. Tent if browning too fast.
- Internal temp should reach 165°F in thigh.
- Rest turkey 20–30 mins. Serve with roasted potatoes.
Notes
– Make pan gravy from drippings
– Tent with foil if needed to prevent burning
🦃 Serving Suggestions
- Gravy made from the pan drippings
- Cranberry sauce or orange chutney
- Maple-glazed carrots or roasted Brussels sprouts
- Classic stuffing or wild rice pilaf