If you’re looking for a fuss-free way to enjoy succulent turkey with all the festive flavors, you’ve got to try my Easy Roast Turkey Crown Recipe. I absolutely love this recipe because it’s straightforward, yields juicy meat, and the crispy skin is just perfection. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this turkey crown will have everyone asking for seconds—and trust me, it’s easier than you think. Stick around and I’ll walk you through every step to get that golden roast just right.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simplicity: Minimal ingredients and easy steps make it perfect even if you’re new to roasting turkey.
Juicy, Tender Meat: The foil covering step locks in moisture so your turkey crown won’t dry out.
Crispy Skin Every Time: Finishing the roast at a higher temperature gives you that mouth-watering golden crunch.
Great for Groups: Feeds 6-10 people comfortably—ideal for gatherings without the hassle of a whole bird.

A whole roasted chicken with golden brown, crispy skin is placed in the center of a white enamel baking dish with a blue rim. Surrounding the chicken are several brown, round meatballs and golden-yellow roasted potato chunks, all sprinkled lightly with seasoning. Fresh green rosemary and sage leaves are placed around the edges of the dish to add a pop of color. The dish rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Keeping it simple with the ingredients lets the natural turkey flavor shine through, while easy pantry staples create a perfectly seasoned roast. Here’s what I recommend stocking up on before you start.

Turkey Crown: Opt for a fully defrosted 2 kg turkey crown for even cooking—don’t rush defrosting or you risk uneven texture.
Olive Oil: Helps the seasoning stick and ensures a crisp, beautifully browned skin.
Salt: A good-quality sea salt brings out the turkey’s natural flavor.
Black Pepper: Freshly ground pepper adds subtle heat and earthiness—skip pre-ground for best taste.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this Easy Roast Turkey Crown Recipe my own by playing with herbs and spices—feel free to tweak it to your taste or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas that have worked wonders for me.

Herb-Infused: My family goes crazy for adding fresh rosemary and thyme under the skin before roasting—it amps up the aroma and flavor brilliantly.
Spiced Up: I’ve added a pinch of smoked paprika and garlic powder for a smoky twist that surprises guests in a good way.
Gluten-Free Gravy: Once you’ve made the pan juices, thicken with cornstarch instead of flour for a safe option without losing richness.
Smaller Portions: For smaller groups, adjust cooking times down—just keep that meat thermometer handy to avoid overcooking.

How to Make Easy Roast Turkey Crown Recipe

Step 1: Defrost and Prep Your Turkey

The biggest mistake I used to make was trying to rush defrosting—and trust me, it’s worth the wait. Thaw your turkey crown thoroughly in the fridge, ideally 2-3 days ahead, so it cooks evenly and safely. Take it out about an hour before roasting so it comes to room temperature—this step really helps the meat cook through without drying out.

Step 2: Season and Oil

Drizzle about 2 tablespoons of olive oil all over your turkey, then sprinkle on a teaspoon of salt and a good 20 grinds of black pepper. I like to rub everything into the skin and any crevices to get that seasoning deep. This simple rub creates a flavor base that makes the meat sing on the plate.

Step 3: Roast Covered to Lock in Juices

Place your turkey crown breast side up in a roasting tin and cover it tightly with foil. Roast at 180°C (160°C fan) for 60 minutes. Covering it like this prevents the skin from burning early and keeps the meat juicy. I always set a timer so I don’t forget this stage—it’s key to tender meat.

Step 4: Baste and Roast Uncovered

After the first hour, remove the foil and baste the turkey with the pan juices. Pop it back into the oven uncovered for another 20 minutes. This step starts to develop that lovely golden color you’re aiming for. Keep an eye on it to avoid early browning—basting really helps evenly distribute the heat.

Step 5: Crisp it Up at High Heat

Now crank the oven up to 220°C (200°C fan) and give the turkey crown a final 30 minutes after another quick baste. This higher heat crisps the skin perfectly and even lets you roast your potatoes simultaneously. I swear by this trick—it saves time and the crispy skin is unbeatable.

Step 6: Check and Rest

Once the total cooking time hits 1 hour and 50 minutes, check your turkey’s done by piercing the thickest part—juices should run clear and meat should be white. A meat thermometer reading 74°C (165°F) is your best assurance. Transfer the turkey to a clean tray and let it rest under loose foil for 30 minutes before carving. Resting makes all the difference by allowing juices to redistribute for tender, moist slices.

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Roast Turkey Crown Recipe

Don’t Skip the Rest: I’ve learned resting your turkey is the secret to juicy meat—carve too early and those precious juices run straight onto the platter.
Use a Meat Thermometer: It takes the guesswork out of cooking; you’ll never worry about under or overcooking again.
Foil Tent Magic: Covering the breast early keeps it moist and prevents the skin burning before the meat is cooked—trust me, this foil trick changed the game for me.
Baste Generously: Using the pan juices to baste keeps the meat flavorful and also helps skin crisp evenly—don’t be shy here.

How to Serve Easy Roast Turkey Crown Recipe

A roasted golden-brown chicken with crispy skin sits in the center of a white rectangular baking dish with a thin blue rim. Surrounding the chicken are golden-yellow roasted potato cubes and small browned meatballs scattered around. Fresh green rosemary and sage sprigs are placed on top and around the chicken, adding a pop of color and texture. In the background, a white bowl contains bright green Brussels sprouts mixed with bacon pieces on a white marbled surface. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping this roast with fresh sage leaves and a few sprigs of rosemary—just enough to add color and a hint of herbal aroma. Cranberry sauce on the side is a classic I never skip; the tartness perfectly balances the rich turkey flavor.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are crispy roast potatoes, buttered green beans, and fluffy stuffing balls. Sometimes I throw in roasted parsnips or a fresh mixed salad for a pop of color and freshness. This combo always earns rave reviews from friends and family.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve laid the turkey crown on a large platter lined with fresh herbs and slices of roasted citrus—an elegant touch that looks stunning and adds a subtle zing. Layer on seasonal fruits like pomegranate seeds or figs for a festive flair that everyone notices.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your feast, slice the leftover turkey and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. I usually keep mine for up to 3 days and find it stays juicy if you wrap it tightly. Labeling it with the date helps keep track, especially after a big meal!

Freezing

If you want to save leftovers longer, freezing is a great option. I portion out sliced turkey into freezer bags or containers and label them. To avoid freezer burn, I remove as much air as possible. Frozen turkey keeps well up to 3 months and is perfect for quick meals later.

Reheating

The trick I’ve found is reheating leftovers gently in the oven at low heat (around 160°C) covered with foil to keep moisture in. Microwave works in a pinch—just cover and heat in short bursts to avoid drying out. Adding a splash of broth or gravy helps bring the meat back to life.

FAQs

Can I cook a frozen turkey crown with this recipe?

It’s best to fully defrost your turkey crown before roasting using this recipe. Cooking from frozen will lead to uneven cooking—especially in thicker parts—and increases the risk of food safety issues. Allow at least 2-3 days in the fridge for a 2 kg crown to thaw completely.
How do I know when my turkey crown is perfectly cooked?

The most reliable way is using a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the crown, away from bone—when it reads 74°C (165°F), your turkey is safe and juicy. Alternatively, the juices should run clear and the meat should be white with no pinkness.
Can I spatchcock the turkey crown with this recipe?

While this recipe is designed for a whole turkey crown, you can spatchcock (butterfly) it if you like—just adjust cooking times since the meat will cook faster. Keep an eye on internal temperature and skin color to get that perfect balance of crisp and tender.
What’s the best way to make gravy from this turkey crown roast?

After removing the turkey, use the roasting tray juices combined with some stock and a flour or cornstarch slurry to make a quick, flavorful gravy. Scrape any browned bits from the tray with a wooden spoon for extra richness. Simmer until thickened and season to taste.

Final Thoughts

I used to be intimidated by roasting turkey until I nailed this Easy Roast Turkey Crown Recipe. It’s now my go-to for any occasion because it reliably delivers juicy, delicious meat with minimal stress. If you give it a try, I think you’ll love how approachable and tasty it is—and that satisfying crispy skin is just the cherry on top. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to this simple yet impressive roast!

Easy Roast Turkey Crown Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 129 reviews

Author: Nora
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Yield: Serves 10
Category: Main Course
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: British

Print Recipe

Description

This Easy Roast Turkey Crown recipe offers a simple yet flavorful way to enjoy tender, juicy turkey with perfectly crisped skin. Ideal for Christmas or any special occasion, it features step-by-step guidance on roasting a 2 kg turkey crown with olive oil, salt, and pepper, ensuring a moist and delicious result with minimal fuss. Along with helpful tips on preparation and resting, this recipe guarantees a satisfying and stress-free roast turkey experience.

Ingredients

Turkey

2 kg Turkey Crown (fully defrosted, if necessary)

Seasoning

2 tablespoons Olive oil
1 teaspoon Salt
20 grindings Black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Defrost the Turkey: Thoroughly defrost your turkey crown beforehand if it is frozen. This ensures even cooking and safety.
Bring to Room Temperature: Remove the turkey crown from the fridge about an hour before cooking to let it come to room temperature, helping it cook evenly.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) / gas mark 4 / 350°F about 15 minutes before cooking to ensure it’s at the right temperature when you start roasting.
Prepare the Turkey: Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the turkey and sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt along with 20 good grindings of black pepper. Rub the oil and seasoning all over the bird, then place it breast side up in a roasting tray.
First Roast with Foil: Cover the turkey crown with foil and roast for 60 minutes. The foil helps keep the breast meat juicy and prevents the skin from browning too soon.
Baste and Continue Roasting: After 60 minutes, remove the foil and baste the turkey with the juices collected at the bottom. Return the turkey uncovered to the oven and roast for an additional 20 minutes.
Increase Oven Temperature and Crisp Skin: Turn the oven temperature up to 220°C (200°C fan) / gas mark 7 / 425°F. Remove the turkey, baste again with juices, and roast uncovered for a further 30 minutes. This high temperature step crisps the skin and perfects the roast.
Check for Doneness: After a total of 1 hour and 50 minutes of roasting, remove the turkey and check if cooked by piercing the thickest part of the crown. The juices should run clear, the meat white, or use a thermometer to confirm it has reached 74°C (165°F) internally.
Rest the Turkey: Transfer the turkey crown to a clean roasting tin, cover loosely with foil, and let it rest for 30 minutes before carving. This resting period locks in the juices and keeps the meat moist.
Make Gravy: Use the roasting tray with the turkey juices to prepare an easy and delicious turkey gravy to accompany your roast.

Notes

This recipe serves 6 to 10 people depending on appetite, making it ideal for family gatherings.
Ensure the turkey crown is fully defrosted to cook safely and evenly.
Resting the turkey after cooking is crucial for juicy meat and improved flavor.
The higher roasting temperature at the end crisps the skin beautifully without drying out the meat.
Using the pan juices for gravy is an easy way to add rich flavor to your meal.