The Roast Turkey Recipe That’ll Silence Every Food Critic at Your Table

Roast turkey is the centerpiece of any holiday feast, and when it comes to the perfect roast turkey, no one does it better than Gordon Ramsay. His method guarantees juicy, tender meat with crispy, golden skin that will have your guests coming back for seconds. Every year, I look forward to this dish, as the aroma of herbs and roasting turkey fills the house, signaling the start of something special.

What sets this recipe apart is Ramsay’s attention to detail. By basting the turkey and using a simple but flavorful herb butter, the turkey stays moist while the skin becomes beautifully crisp. The key is also allowing the bird to rest after roasting, ensuring all those juices stay locked in, making each slice a savory delight. This turkey doesn’t just look impressive—it tastes incredible too.

For a truly unforgettable Christmas dinner, pair it with some Green Bean Almondine, Turkey Gravy, and Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes for the perfect holiday meal!

Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too)

• The turkey comes out juicy and flavorful every single time.
• The crispy skin is a game-changer and will make everyone want a piece.
• I’ve adapted the recipe over the years, adding my own herbs, and it always turns out delicious.
• The basting technique ensures a turkey that’s never dry, even when feeding a crowd.
• It’s the perfect centerpiece for a holiday feast, turning every meal into a celebration.

Share your experiences or any twists you’ve added to this recipe! I’d love to hear how Gordon Ramsay’s Perfect Roast Turkey becomes part of your holiday traditions.

Gordon Ramsay’s Perfect Roast Turkey

Gordon Ramsay’s Perfect Roast Turkey combines juicy meat with flavorful lemon, garlic, and parsley butter under the skin, creating a tender, succulent bird roasted to perfection, perfect for any festive occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Total Time 3 hours hrs

Course Main Course

Cuisine British

Servings 8

Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

• Roasting tray
• Large bowl for butter mixture
• Skewer
• Basting Brush
• Oven

Ingredients

  

For the Turkey:

• 1 free-range turkey about 5–5.5kg, ideally Norfolk Black or Bronze
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 onions peeled and halved
• 1 lemon halved
• 1 head of garlic halved horizontally
• 6 bay leaves
• Olive oil to drizzle
• 8 rashers of smoked streaky bacon

For the Lemon Parsley, and Garlic Butter:

• 375 g butter at room temperature
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Finely grated zest and juice of 2 small lemons
• 3 garlic cloves peeled and crushed
• Small bunch of flat-leaf parsley leaves only, chopped

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 220°C/Gas 7 and prepare the herb butter by mixing butter, olive oil, lemon zest and juice, garlic, and parsley.
  
• Remove giblets from the turkey and season the cavity with salt and pepper. Stuff with onions, lemon, garlic halves, and bay leaves.
  
• Loosen skin on turkey breasts and legs, then stuff with half the herb butter. Massage the rest of the butter around the bird.
  
• Place turkey in a roasting tray, season with salt, pepper, and olive oil, then roast for 10–15 minutes.
• Baste the turkey with pan juices, cover with bacon rashers, lower oven to 180°C/Gas 4, and cook for 2.5 hours.
  
• Check turkey is cooked by ensuring juices run clear.
  
• Let the turkey rest for 45 minutes, then carve and serve with gravy.
  

Nutritional Facts:

You Won’t Believe How Delicious These Main Courses Are!

• Creamy Chicken Pot Pie
• Creamy Tuscan Chicken 
• Deep Dish Pizza 
• The Bean Dish
• Stuffed Shells