11 Delicious Roaster Oven Turkey Recipes for a Perfect Holiday Meal
Preparing a holiday turkey is easy with a roaster oven. This post shares 11 delicious roaster oven turkey recipes. Each recipe offers simple steps and clear flavors for a perfect meal.
From classic herbs to bold spices, these ideas suit every taste. A roaster oven saves time and keeps the turkey juicy.
Whether hosting a big group or a small gathering, these recipes deliver. Read on for ingredients and instructions. Enjoy a stress-free holiday with a tasty turkey everyone loves.

1. Classic Herb-Roasted Turkey
About: This recipe uses fresh herbs for a timeless turkey flavor. Rosemary, thyme, and sage coat the bird. The roaster oven locks in moisture. It creates a golden, crispy skin. Guests enjoy a juicy, aromatic turkey. Perfect for a traditional holiday feast.
Ingredients:
- 12-14 lb turkey
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4 garlic cloves
Instructions:
- Preheat roaster oven to 325°F.
- Rinse turkey with cold water. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Mix butter, rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Rub mixture over turkey skin and under skin on breast.
- Place onion and garlic inside turkey cavity.
- Set turkey on roaster oven rack.
- Cook for 3-4 hours. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F in thickest part.
- Remove turkey. Let rest for 20 minutes. Slice and serve warm.
2. Garlic Butter Turkey
About: Garlic lovers rejoice with this buttery turkey recipe. Melted butter and minced garlic seep into the meat. The roaster oven ensures even cooking. Skin turns crisp and golden. Every bite bursts with rich, savory taste. A holiday hit for garlic fans.
Ingredients:
- 12-14 lb turkey
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 lemon, halved
Instructions:
- Preheat roaster oven to 325°F.
- Rinse turkey with water. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Combine melted butter, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Brush mixture over turkey skin.
- Place lemon halves inside turkey cavity.
- Put turkey on roaster oven rack.
- Cook for 3-4 hours. Ensure temperature hits 165°F in thickest area.
- Take turkey out. Rest for 20 minutes. Slice and enjoy.
3. Citrus and Herb Turkey
About: Bright citrus pairs with herbs in this fresh turkey recipe. Orange and lemon add zesty flavor. Thyme and parsley keep it earthy. The roaster oven delivers tender meat. Skin crisps up nicely. A light, festive option for holiday tables.
Ingredients:
- 12-14 lb turkey
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat roaster oven to 325°F.
- Rinse turkey with water. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Mix olive oil, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Rub mixture over turkey skin.
- Place orange and lemon slices inside turkey cavity.
- Set turkey on roaster oven rack.
- Cook for 3-4 hours. Confirm temperature reaches 165°F in thickest part.
- Remove turkey. Let rest for 20 minutes. Slice and serve.
4. Spicy Cajun Turkey
About: This turkey brings bold Cajun heat to the table. Paprika, cayenne, and garlic spice up the meat. The roaster oven keeps it juicy inside. Skin gets a fiery crunch. Perfect for spice lovers hosting a lively holiday meal.
Ingredients:
- 12-14 lb turkey
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 onion, halved
Instructions:
- Preheat roaster oven to 325°F.
- Rinse turkey with water. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Mix butter, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Rub mixture over turkey skin and under breast skin.
- Place onion halves inside turkey cavity.
- Put turkey on roaster oven rack.
- Cook for 3-4 hours. Check temperature hits 165°F in thickest part.
- Take turkey out. Rest for 20 minutes. Slice and serve hot.
5. Honey Glazed Turkey
About: Sweet honey coats this turkey for a sticky finish. Butter adds richness to the glaze. The roaster oven cooks it evenly. Skin turns golden and crisp. Meat stays moist and flavorful. A crowd-pleaser with a touch of sweetness.
Ingredients:
- 12-14 lb turkey
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 garlic cloves
Instructions:
- Preheat roaster oven to 325°F.
- Rinse turkey with water. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Combine butter, honey, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Brush mixture over turkey skin.
- Place garlic cloves inside turkey cavity.
- Set turkey on roaster oven rack.
- Cook for 3-4 hours. Ensure temperature reaches 165°F in thickest area.
- Remove turkey. Let rest for 20 minutes. Slice and enjoy.
6. Rosemary Lemon Turkey
About: Rosemary and lemon create a fresh, fragrant turkey. The roaster oven seals in juices. Skin crisps to perfection. This recipe balances herb and citrus notes. It’s simple yet elegant. A delightful holiday centerpiece everyone enjoys.
Ingredients:
- 12-14 lb turkey
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat roaster oven to 325°F.
- Rinse turkey with water. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Mix olive oil, rosemary, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Rub mixture over turkey skin.
- Place lemon slices inside turkey cavity.
- Put turkey on roaster oven rack.
- Cook for 3-4 hours. Check temperature hits 165°F in thickest part.
- Take turkey out. Rest for 20 minutes. Slice and serve.
7. Smoky Paprika Turkey
About: Smoky paprika gives this turkey a deep, warm flavor. The roaster oven keeps meat tender. Skin gets a crisp, spiced crust. Garlic adds extra punch. Perfect for a cozy holiday meal with bold taste.
Ingredients:
- 12-14 lb turkey
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 onion, quartered
Instructions:
- Preheat roaster oven to 325°F.
- Rinse turkey with water. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Mix butter, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Rub mixture over turkey skin and under breast skin.
- Place onion inside turkey cavity.
- Set turkey on roaster oven rack.
- Cook for 3-4 hours. Confirm temperature reaches 165°F in thickest part.
- Remove turkey. Let rest for 20 minutes. Slice and enjoy.
8. Apple Cider Turkey
About: Apple cider infuses this turkey with subtle sweetness. Butter keeps it rich and moist. The roaster oven ensures even cooking. Skin browns beautifully. A hint of fall flavor makes it special. Great for a warm holiday vibe.
Ingredients:
- 12-14 lb turkey
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 apple, halved
Instructions:
- Preheat roaster oven to 325°F.
- Rinse turkey with water. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Combine butter, apple cider, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Brush mixture over turkey skin.
- Place apple halves inside turkey cavity.
- Put turkey on roaster oven rack.
- Cook for 3-4 hours. Ensure temperature hits 165°F in thickest area.
- Take turkey out. Rest for 20 minutes. Slice and serve.
9. Thyme and Orange Turkey
About: Thyme and orange blend for a fragrant turkey. The roaster oven locks in moisture. Skin crisps up golden. Meat stays juicy and flavorful. This recipe feels fresh and festive. A holiday favorite with bright taste.
Ingredients:
- 12-14 lb turkey
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat roaster oven to 325°F.
- Rinse turkey with water. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Mix olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Rub mixture over turkey skin.
- Place orange slices inside turkey cavity.
- Set turkey on roaster oven rack.
- Cook for 3-4 hours. Check temperature reaches 165°F in thickest part.
- Remove turkey. Let rest for 20 minutes. Slice and enjoy.
10. Maple Glazed Turkey
About: Maple syrup adds sweet depth to this turkey. Butter keeps it moist and rich. The roaster oven cooks it perfectly. Skin turns sticky and golden. A cozy, flavorful option for holiday feasts.
Ingredients:
- 12-14 lb turkey
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 garlic cloves
Instructions:
- Preheat roaster oven to 325°F.
- Rinse turkey with water. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Combine butter, maple syrup, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Brush mixture over turkey skin.
- Place garlic cloves inside turkey cavity.
- Put turkey on roaster oven rack.
- Cook for 3-4 hours. Ensure temperature hits 165°F in thickest area.
- Take turkey out. Rest for 20 minutes. Slice and serve.
11. Sage and Butter Turkey
About: Sage and butter create a classic, savory turkey. The roaster oven keeps it juicy. Skin crisps up golden brown. This recipe is simple and delicious. It brings warm, familiar flavors to the holiday table.
Ingredients:
- 12-14 lb turkey
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 onion, halved
Instructions:
- Preheat roaster oven to 325°F.
- Rinse turkey with water. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Mix butter, sage, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Brush mixture over turkey skin and under breast skin.
- Place onion halves inside turkey cavity.
- Set turkey on roaster oven rack.
- Cook for 3-4 hours. Confirm temperature reaches 165°F in thickest part.
- Remove turkey. Let rest for 20 minutes. Slice and enjoy.

Hi, I’m Liza Jensen, your culinary companion here at Recipe by Liza. 🍳🥗Cooking has always been my passion—I find joy in every whisk, every sizzle, and every aromatic spice. As a home cook and recipe developer, I’ve explored flavors from around the world, creating dishes that warm hearts and tantalize taste buds.Join me on this flavorful journey! Let’s swap kitchen stories, share tips, and celebrate the magic of food together.