Description
A deeply flavorful sage-roasted turkey cooked over sweet caramelized onions and served with a rich sage gravy. Infused with fresh herbs and warm nutmeg, this tender, golden turkey makes a perfect holiday centerpiece.
Ingredients
- 1 whole turkey (12 to 14 pounds), neck and giblets removed
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken or turkey broth
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 2 teaspoons fresh sage, finely chopped (for gravy)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Mix softened butter, olive oil, chopped sage, thyme, nutmeg, salt, and pepper into a paste.
- Pat turkey dry. Loosen breast skin and rub half the herb butter underneath. Rub remaining butter over exterior.
- Spread sliced onions evenly in a large roasting pan. Place turkey breast-side up on top of onions.
- Roast uncovered for 3 to 3 1/2 hours, basting occasionally, until thigh temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- If skin browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
- Transfer turkey to a carving board and rest 20 to 30 minutes.
- For gravy, place roasting pan over medium heat. Sprinkle flour over onions and cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring.
- Whisk in white wine and scrape browned bits. Cook 2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in broth and simmer 5 to 10 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in fresh sage and adjust seasoning. Strain if desired.
- Carve turkey and serve with sage onion gravy.
Notes
- Add rosemary and parsley for extra herb flavor.
- Roast carrots and celery with onions for deeper gravy.
- Strain gravy for smoother texture if preferred.
- Store turkey refrigerated up to 4 days; freeze up to 3 months.
- Rest turkey fully before carving to retain juices.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 65 g
- Cholesterol: 185 mg
