Ingredients:

  • 1 (12-14 pound) turkey, thawed
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 lemon, halved
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 tablespoons paprika
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon white pepper

Instructions:

  1. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Remove giblets and neck.
  2. Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly over the skin and inside the cavity. Place turkey on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, uncovered, and refrigerate for 2-4 hours or overnight.
  3. In a small bowl, combine all the Cajun spice rub ingredients.
  4. Loosen the skin of the turkey breast. Rub 2/3 of the spice mixture under the skin of the breast and thighs. Rub the remaining spice mixture all over the outside of the turkey.
  5. Stuff the turkey cavity with lemon halves, quartered onion, rosemary sprigs, and thyme sprigs.
  6. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine (optional).
  7. Place the turkey on the roasting rack in the roasting pan. Brush the turkey with melted butter and olive oil.
  8. Roast in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 3-5 hours, or until a meat thermometer registers 165°F (74°C). Baste the turkey with pan juices every 45-60 minutes. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
  9. Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving.
  10. Carve the turkey and serve immediately. This is a great Roasted Cajun Turkey Recipe.