A Delicious Golden-Brown Turkey with Mashed Potatoes: The Perfect Pairing for Any Holiday Meal

When it comes to holiday feasts, few things are as satisfying as the combination of a perfectly roasted golden-brown turkey alongside a creamy, buttery side of mashed potatoes. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion, this dynamic duo is a surefire way to impress your guests and elevate your meal to something truly memorable.

This recipe features a roast turkey that’s crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, paired with velvety mashed potatoes that have just the right balance of richness and creaminess. It’s comfort food at its finest—simple yet spectacular, and packed with flavors that evoke warmth and togetherness.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to prepare a golden-brown roasted turkey with mashed potatoes that will have everyone asking for seconds (and maybe thirds!).

Why You’ll Love This Turkey and Mashed Potatoes Combo

Classic Holiday Dish: Turkey and mashed potatoes are the quintessential holiday pairing. It’s a comforting, familiar combination that everyone loves.
Crispy, Golden Skin: The turkey is roasted to perfection with a golden, crispy skin that locks in all the juicy flavors.
Velvety Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes, made with butter and cream, complement the turkey beautifully, adding the perfect texture to each bite.
Versatile: While it’s ideal for special occasions, this meal can also be enjoyed any time you want to treat yourself to something extra special.

How to Make a Golden-Brown Roasted Turkey

Ingredients for the Turkey:

1 whole turkey (10-12 pounds)
2 tablespoons olive oil (or softened butter)
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika (for color and flavor)
1 lemon, halved
1 onion, quartered
4 garlic cloves, smashed
1 bunch fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage, or a combination)
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or water for basting)
1/4 cup melted butter (optional for basting)

Instructions for Roasting the Turkey:

1. Prepare the Turkey

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). This temperature ensures a slow, even cook for the turkey, giving you that perfect golden skin and juicy meat.
Remove the giblets from the turkey’s cavity (you can save these for making stock if you wish). Pat the turkey dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.

2. Season the Turkey

Rub the turkey all over with olive oil or softened butter. Be generous, ensuring the skin is well-coated. This will help the turkey crisp up beautifully.
Sprinkle the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika evenly over the skin. Make sure to rub the seasoning inside the cavity as well for extra flavor.
Stuff the turkey’s cavity with the lemon halves, quarter onion, smashed garlic cloves, and a handful of fresh herbs. These aromatics will infuse the turkey with fragrant flavors as it roasts.

3. Roast the Turkey

Place the seasoned turkey breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan. This allows air to circulate around the bird, helping it cook evenly.
Pour 1 cup of chicken broth (or water) into the bottom of the roasting pan to keep the turkey moist. If you have a meat thermometer, insert it into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone.
Cover the turkey loosely with aluminum foil and roast it for about 15 minutes per pound, or approximately 2.5 to 3 hours for a 10-12 lb turkey.

4. Baste and Brown the Skin

About 1 hour before the turkey is done, remove the foil to allow the skin to turn a beautiful golden brown. If you like, you can baste the turkey with the melted butter (or pan juices) every 30 minutes for an extra crispy and flavorful skin.
The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh and the juices run clear.

5. Rest the Turkey

Once the turkey is cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring the meat stays tender and juicy.

How to Make Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients for Mashed Potatoes:

2 pounds russet potatoes (or Yukon Gold potatoes)
1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
1 cup heavy cream (or whole milk for a lighter version)
2 teaspoons salt (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional for extra flavor)
Fresh chives or parsley (optional, for garnish)

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A delicious golden-brown turkey with smashpotatoes side dish: