Whether you're roasting your first bird for Friendsgiving or hosting Thanksgiving dinner for the 26th time, use this handy guide to roast the perfect holiday turkey. I tested this recipe SEVEN times to ensure that this Thanksgiving turkey is the best it can possibly be.

Dry brining is like a spa treatment for your bird, minus the cucumber slices on the eyes. The method involves rubbing the turkey with salt and seasonings, then letting it chill out—literally. Moran says it's as simple as leaving "the turkey uncovered in the refrigerator the night before your feast."

To make the perfect oven-roasted turkey for your holiday dinner, dry-brining with a homemade spice rub is absolutely mandatory.

Don't overlook these important steps when cooking your Thanksgiving turkey. You could end up with an undercooked, overcooked, or dry holiday meal.