Herb Butter Roasted Turkey (Print View)

Succulent turkey roasted with herb butter, yielding juicy meat and golden skin for festive holiday tables.

# Components:

→ Turkey Preparation

01 - 1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs), thawed if necessary
02 - 1 tablespoon kosher salt
03 - 1 teaspoon black pepper

→ Herb Butter Mixture

04 - 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), softened
05 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
07 - 2 tablespoons fresh sage, finely chopped
08 - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
09 - 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
10 - Zest of 1 lemon
11 - 1 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

→ Aromatics & Vegetables

13 - 1 large onion, quartered
14 - 2 carrots, cut into chunks
15 - 2 celery stalks, cut into chunks
16 - 1 lemon, halved
17 - 4 sprigs fresh thyme
18 - 2 sprigs fresh rosemary

→ Roasting Liquid

19 - 2 cups low-sodium chicken or turkey broth

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 325°F.
02 - Remove giblets and pat turkey dry with paper towels. Season the cavity with 1 tablespoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper.
03 - In a bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic, parsley, sage, thyme, rosemary, lemon zest, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper until fully combined.
04 - Gently loosen skin over turkey breast and legs. Spread half the herb butter under the skin and the remainder over the outside surface.
05 - Stuff the cavity with onion quarters, lemon halves, and herb sprigs. Arrange carrot and celery chunks in the bottom of a large roasting pan. Place turkey breast-side up on a rack over the vegetables and tuck wings under.
06 - Pour broth into the bottom of the roasting pan.
07 - Roast turkey uncovered for 2 hours, basting occasionally with pan juices. If the skin becomes too dark, tent loosely with foil.
08 - Raise oven temperature to 400°F for the final hour. Continue roasting and basting every 30 minutes until an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F. Total roasting time is approximately 3 to 3.5 hours.
09 - Remove turkey from oven, tent with foil, and allow to rest for 30 minutes before carving for optimal juiciness.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses simple market-fresh herbs you can find nearly anywhere
  • Butter guarantees juicy slices and a crisp skin every time
  • Perfect for feeding a big group and looks stunning on the table
  • Naturally gluten free so everyone can enjoy proudly
02 -
  • High in protein for a satisfying main
  • Leftovers are flavorful and stay moist making great sandwiches and soups
  • Make ahead friendly because resting time frees up your oven for side dishes
03 -
  • Make sure the butter is truly soft so it spreads evenly for better flavor in every bite
  • Let the turkey rest after roasting this step is non negotiable for juicy slices
  • Use a reliable meat thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh to check doneness do not trust only color

Return