Herb-Butter Roasted Turkey
Herb-Butter Roasted Turkey is the ultimate Thanksgiving centerpiece, featuring a golden-brown, crispy skin and juicy, flavorful meat. Infused with aromatic herbs and rich butter, this recipe elevates your holiday meal. With a prep time of 30–45 minutes and a cook time of 3–4 hours, it’s perfect for creating a memorable feast. Garnish with fresh herbs, lemon slices, and cranberries for a stunning presentation that delights both the eyes and taste buds.
Equipment
- Roasting Pan Large enough to accommodate the turkey with a rack to elevate it.
- Basting Brush For applying the herb-infused butter.
- Meat Thermometer To ensure the turkey is cooked perfectly.
- Knife and Carving Set For clean cuts when serving or styling for the image.
- Mixing Bowls For preparing the herb butter and garnishes.
- Cutting Board For chopping herbs and slicing lemons.
- Kitchen Twine For trussing the turkey.
- Foil or Parchment Paper To tent the turkey if needed during roasting
Ingredients
- 12-14 lbs Whole turkey Adjust cooking time for larger birds
- 1 cup Unsalted butter Softened at room temperature
- 2 tbsp each Fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage Finely chopped for maximum aroma
- 6-8 cloves Garlic cloves Minced
- To taste Salt and black pepper Adds balance to flavors
- 1 whole Lemon Sliced for aromatic stuffing
- 1 whole Onion Quartered, enhances overall flavor
Instructions
Preparing Your Herb-Butter TurkeyAchieving the perfect turkey requires careful preparation. These steps ensure that every part of the bird absorbs the rich flavors of the herb butter, making each slice a delight.
- Begin by thawing your turkey in the fridge, giving it enough time based on its size (roughly 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds). Once thawed, pat the bird dry with paper towels. Dry skin helps achieve a crispy, golden finish.
- In a bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, chopped herbs, salt, and black pepper. Ensure that the butter is smooth and spreadable, as this will make it easier to apply under and over the skin.
- To maximize flavor, gently lift the skin of the turkey and spread the herb butter directly on the meat, taking care not to tear the skin. Apply the remaining butter evenly over the skin and legs to promote even browning.
- For an extra layer of flavor, place lemon slices, onion quarters, and additional herbs inside the cavity. These ingredients release a wonderful aroma as they roast, enhancing the overall taste.
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the turkey breast side up in a roasting pan.Roasting Time: A 12-14 lb turkey generally requires 3-4 hours. For accurate timing, allow roughly 15 minutes per pound.Basting: Every 30 minutes, baste the turkey with the pan drippings to keep it moist and flavorful. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The turkey is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast.
Notes
Pro Tip: If the turkey browns too quickly, tent it loosely with foil.