Roast turkey is a holiday classic that never fails to impress, and when paired with a rich herb butter, it becomes a centerpiece worthy of any special occasion. The key to a perfectly roasted turkey is all in the preparation – from seasoning the meat thoroughly to roasting it to perfection. The herb butter not only adds incredible flavor to the turkey but also helps keep the meat moist and tender, resulting in a bird that’s juicy on the inside with a beautifully golden, crispy skin on the outside.
This recipe is perfect for those looking to elevate their holiday dinner with a turkey that’s both succulent and bursting with aromatic flavors. The herb butter, made with a blend of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage, infuses the meat with savory goodness while creating an irresistible aroma as it roasts in the oven. Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving feast or a festive gathering, this roast turkey recipe will become your go-to for impressing guests with its flavorsome, tender, and show-stopping presentation.
Roast Turkey with Herb Butter Ingredients
For the Turkey:
- 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds), thawed if frozen
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Herb Butter:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional Ingredients:
- 1 onion, quartered
- 1 lemon, halved
- 2-3 sprigs of rosemary, thyme, and sage (for stuffing the cavity)
Roast Turkey with Herb Butter Directions
1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 325°F (165°C) to ensure even roasting.
2. Prepare the herb butter: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, minced garlic, lemon zest, and a tablespoon of olive oil until well combined.
3. Season the turkey: Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Generously season the inside and outside with salt and pepper.
4. Apply the herb butter: Carefully loosen the skin over the turkey breast by sliding your hand between the skin and meat. Rub half of the herb butter mixture directly onto the meat under the skin. Spread the remaining herb butter over the skin and around the legs and wings.
5. Stuff the cavity (optional): Place the onion, lemon, and herb sprigs inside the turkey cavity for additional flavor.
6. Roast the turkey: Place the turkey breast-side up on a rack in a large roasting pan. Roast in the preheated oven, basting occasionally with the pan juices, for about 3 to 3.5 hours or until a meat thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) when inserted into the thickest part of the thigh.
7. Rest the turkey: Once done, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute for a moist, tender turkey.
How to Prepare The Roast Turkey with Herb Butter
Start by ensuring your turkey is properly thawed and at room temperature before you begin. This helps with even cooking. The herb butter is the star of the show here, so make sure it’s mixed well and generously applied under the skin for maximum flavor infusion. When roasting, baste the turkey every 30-45 minutes with its own juices to keep it moist. Once it reaches the desired temperature, give it plenty of time to rest so the juices can settle, resulting in a turkey that’s easy to carve and full of flavor.
Preparation Time:
– Prep time: 30 minutes
– Cook time: 3 to 3.5 hours (depending on the size of the turkey)
– Resting time: 30 minutes
– Total time: Approximately 4 to 4.5 hours
Servings:
– Serves 12 to 14 people
FAQs:
1. How do I know when the turkey is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the turkey thigh. It should read 165°F (74°C) when fully cooked.
2. Can I make the herb butter in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the herb butter up to three days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and let it soften before applying it to the turkey.
3. What if my turkey is browning too quickly?
If the skin is browning too fast, loosely cover the turkey with aluminum foil to prevent it from burning while the meat continues to cook.
4. How can I ensure my turkey stays moist?
Basting the turkey with its juices every 30-45 minutes helps keep it moist. Also, letting the turkey rest after roasting is crucial to lock in the juices.
5. What should I do with the leftovers?
Leftover turkey is perfect for sandwiches, soups, or salads. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days, or freeze it for longer storage.
Conclusion:
Roasting a turkey with herb butter transforms a traditional holiday dish into a flavorful and tender masterpiece. The blend of fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon in the butter seeps into the meat, creating layers of delicious taste while keeping the turkey incredibly moist. This recipe’s simplicity makes it approachable, even for those cooking turkey for the first time. Plus, the golden, crispy skin and juicy interior will leave your guests craving more. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive occasion, this roast turkey with herb butter will undoubtedly become the highlight of your holiday table.
Let this recipe guide you to a perfectly roasted turkey that’s sure to create lasting memories with family and friends.
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Roast Turkey with Herb Butter
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A perfectly roasted turkey with a golden, crispy skin and juicy meat, flavored with a homemade herb butter that infuses every bite with rich, savory goodness. Ideal for holiday gatherings or special dinners.
Ingredients
For the Turkey:
- ? 1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs), thawed if frozen
- ? 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ? 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- ? 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
- ? 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
- ? 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ? Salt and pepper to taste
- ? 1 lemon, halved
- ? 1 onion, quartered
For the Gravy (optional):
- ? 2 cups turkey or chicken broth
- ? 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- ? Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2️⃣ Prepare Herb Butter:
In a bowl, mix together the softened butter, chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined. ??
3️⃣ Prepare the Turkey:
Remove the turkey giblets and pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Gently loosen the skin over the turkey breast and thighs using your fingers.
4️⃣ Apply Herb Butter:
Spread half of the herb butter mixture under the skin, directly onto the meat. Rub the remaining butter all over the outside of the turkey.
5️⃣ Season the Turkey:
Season the turkey cavity with salt and pepper. Stuff it with the halved lemon and quartered onion.
6️⃣ Roast the Turkey:
Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a roasting pan. Roast in the preheated oven for about 13-15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the breast and thigh. Baste the turkey every 30-45 minutes with the pan juices.
7️⃣ Rest the Turkey:
Once done, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving.
8️⃣ Make Gravy (optional):
To make gravy, strain the drippings from the roasting pan into a saucepan. Whisk in flour and cook until thickened, adding broth as needed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9️⃣ Serve:
Carve the turkey and serve with your favorite sides and gravy. Enjoy your delicious roast turkey with herb butter! ?️?
Notes
◻️ This recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions!
◻️ For extra flavor, add other herbs like parsley or tarragon to the herb butter! ?
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours
- Category: Main Course, Holiday
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American