How to Roast a Split Turkey. For small gatherings, a split (half) turkey is ideal. This recipe serves four to six people.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

Rinse the turkey; pat dry with paper towels.

Salt and pepper the turkey on each side.

Stuff the breast cavity with the stuffing of your choice.

Place the turkey cut side down in a roasting pan.

Mix soy sauce and maple syrup together in a small bowl. Spread the mixture over the flesh of the turkey using a pastry brush.

Bake the turkey for 15 minutes.

Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F and roast 1 hour, basting every 15 minutes with melted butter.

Remove turkey from oven when a thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the turkey breast registers 170 degrees F.

Let turkey rest 15 minutes.

Lift turkey from roasting pan, carve and place on a serving dish.

Remove any stuffing that is left in the pan and serve it as well.