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Mayo-Rubbed Roast Turkey

Mayo rubbed roast turkey roasts with a savory mayonnaise, garlic, and herb coating for browned skin and tender meat. Lemon and onion tucked in the cavity add aromatic flavor as the turkey cooks in the oven.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 45 minutes
Resting 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 turkey 12- to 14-pound, whole, fully thawed, neck and giblets removed
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme chopped leaves
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary chopped leaves
  • 1 lemon large, zested and quartered
  • 1 yellow onion medium, quartered

Equipment

  • 1 roasting pan
  • 1 roasting rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F with a rack in the lower third.
  2. Set a roasting rack in a roasting pan.
  3. Pat the turkey dry inside and out with paper towels.
  4. Place the turkey breast side up on a work surface.
  5. Stir the mayonnaise, salt, pepper, garlic, thyme, rosemary, and lemon zest together in a small bowl.
  6. Gently loosen the skin over the turkey breast without tearing it.
  7. Spread about one-third of the mayonnaise mixture under the skin.
  8. Rub the rest of the mayonnaise mixture over the turkey’s exterior.
  9. Put the lemon quarters and onion in the turkey cavity.
  10. Tuck the wing tips under the body.
  11. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine.
  12. Roast for 3 to 3 3/4 hours until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast and the innermost thigh, without touching bone, reads 165°F.
  13. Tent loosely with foil if the skin gets deeply browned before the turkey is done.
  14. Transfer the turkey to a carving board.
  15. Rest for 30 minutes before carving.

Notes

For crisp, evenly browned skin, gently loosen the breast skin without tearing it and spread the mayonnaise mixture underneath. Refrigerate leftovers for 3 to 4 days; the cooked turkey can be frozen. Use egg-free mayonnaise for an egg-free version.