Here is my tried and true method for how long to cook a 12-pound turkey. It is the best way to ensure your oven-roasted turkey is moist, juicy, & ready for the holidays. Whether you are hosting Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or a dinner party, all the guests will rave about this turkey. The best recipe for oven-roasting a whole seasoned turkey without stuffing.
Defrost your turkey for 3-5 days in the refrigerator.If you want it even juicier/moist start defrosting 6 days before and on day 3 start the Best Dry Brine - see above for how to.
Preheat the oven to 325°.
While preheating the oven, prepare the turkey. Place the turkey in a roasting pan on a rack. Remove any parts and giblets in the cavity. Place the lemon quarters. Add the garlic cloves, it is ok to have them still in the skins, inside the turkey cavity.
Using your hands, coat the skin of the turkey with softened butter.
Next, combine the spices in a small bowl. Sprinkle the turkey seasoning blend evenly over the butter.
Place a large sheet of aluminum foil loosely over the turkey. Place it in the oven and cook for 2 hours. Baste only once during the first half of cooking, around the 1-hour mark.
Remove the foil and continue to cook for another 1 hour. Continue basting every 30 minutes. Do not do it any more than that as the oven will lose heat.
To check for doneness, place an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh. If it is 175° in the thickest part of the thigh, the turkey is ready.See above for how to check and where to check a turkey for doneness.
Remove the turkey carefully from the oven. Let it rest while covered loosely with foil for 30-60 minutes. Remove the lemons and garlic from the cavity carefully and discard.
Place the turkey on a carving board. Carve how your family will enjoy the turkey. Thick slices of breast meat, cut off the legs, and the wings, & dice up the thighs for example.
Place carved turkey on a platter to serve. Serve with your favorite side dishes and Enjoy!