Ingredients
1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened3 tablespoons minced fresh thyme1 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon pepper1 turkey (12 to 14 pounds)
Preparation
In a small bowl, mix the butter, thyme, salt and pepper. Place turkey on a rack in a shallow roasting pan, breast side up. With fingers, carefully loosen skin from turkey breast; rub half of the butter mixture under the skin. Secure skin to underside of breast with toothpicks. Rub outside of turkey with remaining butter mixture. Tuck wings under turkey; tie drumsticks together.
Bake, uncovered, at 325° for 3 to 3-3/4 hours or until a thermometer inserted in thigh reads 180°, basting occasionally with pan drippings. Cover loosely with foil if turkey browns too quickly.
Discard toothpicks. Cover and let stand for 20 minutes before carving.
