Roast Turkey with Herb Butter Recipe

Introduction

Nothing says celebration like the aroma of a golden, crispy-skinned Roast Turkey with Herb Butter emerging from the oven. This dish is a centerpiece of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and festive family gatherings. The secret to this recipe lies in the rich herb butter, which is slathered under the turkey’s skin to infuse every bite with deep, savory flavor. Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley mingle with garlic and lemon zest, keeping the turkey moist, aromatic, and utterly irresistible.

I love this recipe because it transforms a simple turkey into a masterpiece that brings people together. The preparation ritual, the slow roasting, and the unveiling of the bird at the dinner table all carry a sense of tradition and celebration.

Why I Love This Recipe ❤️

• The herb butter guarantees juicy, flavorful meat and crispy, golden skin.
• It’s a show-stopper dish, perfect for festive gatherings.
• The turkey drippings make the most delicious gravy.
• It’s versatile—pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, from mashed potatoes to roasted vegetables.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

✔️ A classic holiday centerpiece.
✔️ Step-by-step method ensures juicy results (no dry turkey!).
✔️ Customizable with your favorite herbs and spices.
✔️ Leftovers can be turned into soups, sandwiches, or casseroles.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 25–30 minutes (plus 12–24 hours for brining or seasoning if desired)
• Cooking Time: 3–4 hours (depending on turkey size)
• Resting Time: 20–30 minutes
• Total Time: About 4–5 hours (plus optional brining time)
• Servings: 10–12 servings (for a 12–14 lb turkey)
• Calories: ~450 kcal per serving (with skin and herb butter)
• Cuisine: American (Traditional Holiday)
• Course: Main Course

Ingredients

For the Turkey

• 1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs), thawed if frozen
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 lemon, halved
• 1 onion, quartered
• 1 head of garlic, halved crosswise
• 2–3 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2–3 sprigs fresh parsley

For the Herb Butter

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Pat turkey dry, season inside and out.
3. Mix herb butter.
4. Spread butter under skin and on top.
5. Stuff cavity with lemon, onion, garlic, and herbs.
6. Roast turkey, basting occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
7. Rest before carving.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Turkey

1. If brining, remove from brine, rinse, and pat dry.
2. Remove giblets and neck from cavity.
3. Pat turkey dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Make the Herb Butter

1. In a small bowl, mix softened butter with garlic, chopped herbs, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step 3: Season and Stuff the Turkey

1. Carefully loosen the skin over the breast and thighs.
2. Spread half of the herb butter under the skin, directly onto the meat.
3. Rub remaining butter over the outside of the turkey.
4. Season cavity with salt and pepper.
5. Stuff cavity with lemon, onion, garlic, and herb sprigs.

Step 4: Roast the Turkey

1. Place turkey breast-side up on a rack in a large roasting pan.
2. Tent loosely with aluminum foil.
3. Roast at 325°F (165°C), about 15 minutes per pound, until the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Remove foil during last 45 minutes for crispy, golden skin.
5. Baste occasionally with pan juices for extra flavor.

Step 5: Rest and Carve

1. Remove from oven and let turkey rest, covered loosely with foil, for 20–30 minutes before carving.
2. Serve with gravy and sides.

How to Serve

• Carve the turkey at the table for a festive touch.
• Pair with mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, roasted vegetables, and gravy made from the drippings.
• Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon slices for a beautiful presentation.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
• Don’t skip resting—the juices redistribute for moist turkey.
• For extra crispy skin, dry the turkey in the refrigerator (uncovered) overnight before roasting.
• Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the roasting pan for flavorful drippings.

Variations

• Garlic Butter Turkey – Add roasted garlic to the butter for deeper flavor.
• Citrus Herb Turkey – Add orange zest and juice for a brighter profile.
• Spiced Turkey – Mix paprika, cayenne, or chili powder into the butter for a smoky kick.
• Stuffed Turkey – Add traditional bread stuffing inside (ensure safe cooking temperature).

Freezing & Storage

• Storage: Leftover turkey can be refrigerated in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze carved meat in portions for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in foil and store in freezer bags.
• Reheating: Reheat gently with a splash of broth to prevent drying out.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large roasting pan with rack
• Aluminum foil
• Meat thermometer
• Basting brush or spoon
• Carving knife and fork

Conclusion

This Roast Turkey with Herb Butter is more than just a dish—it’s the centerpiece of tradition, family, and festive joy. The aromatic herbs, golden crispy skin, and juicy meat make it unforgettable. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a celebratory feast, this turkey will bring everyone to the table with smiles and anticipation. A recipe worth keeping for generations!

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Roast Turkey with Herb Butter Recipe

Author: admin Cuisine: American Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 30 mins Cook Time 4 hrs Rest Time 30 mins Total Time 5 hrs

Servings: 10 Calories: 450 kcal

Description

Nothing says celebration like the aroma of a golden, crispy-skinned Roast Turkey with Herb Butter emerging from the oven. This dish is a centerpiece of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and festive family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Turkey

• 1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 lemon, halved
• 1 onion, quartered
• 1 head of garlic, halved crosswise
• 2 sprigs 2–3 fresh rosemary
• 2 sprigs 2–3 fresh thyme
• 2 sprigs 2–3 fresh parsley

For the Herb Butter

• 1 cup (2 sticks)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Turkey : If brining, remove from brine, rinse, and pat dry. Remove giblets and neck from cavity. Pat turkey dry with paper towels.
2. Step 2: Make the Herb Butter : In a small bowl, mix softened butter with garlic, chopped herbs, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Step 3: Season and Stuff the Turkey : Carefully loosen the skin over the breast and thighs. Spread half of the herb butter under the skin, directly onto the meat. Rub remaining butter over the outside of the turkey. Season cavity with salt and pepper. Stuff cavity with lemon, onion, garlic, and herb sprigs.
4. Step 4: Roast the Turkey : Place turkey breast-side up on a rack in a large roasting pan. Tent loosely with aluminum foil. Roast at 325°F (165°C), about 15 minutes per pound, until the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove foil during last 45 minutes for crispy, golden skin. Baste occasionally with pan juices for extra flavor.
5. Step 5: Rest and Carve : Remove from oven and let turkey rest, covered loosely with foil, for 20–30 minutes before carving. Serve with gravy and sides.

Keywords: Roast Turkey with Herb Butter