If you are looking for a truly show-stopping centerpiece that’s packed with flavor and incredibly juicy, this Roasted Herb Butter Turkey Recipe is an absolute winner. Infused with a fragrant blend of herbs and the richness of butter, this turkey turns out tender with a beautifully crisped skin that everyone at the table will rave about. It’s the perfect recipe to bring people together, whether it’s a holiday feast or any special occasion where you want to impress without stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, yet thoughtfully chosen, each ingredient here plays a key role in building the rich depth of flavor that makes this roast turkey unforgettable. From aromatic herbs to the zesty lemon, everything is essential for taste, texture, and that gorgeous golden brown finish.
- 1 whole turkey (12–14 pounds): The star of the show; make sure it’s fully thawed for even cooking.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened): This moistens and flavors the turkey while helping the skin crisp beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the natural flavors.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick of warmth and depth.
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder: Gives a savory backbone to the herb butter.
- 1 tablespoon onion powder: Brings subtle sweetness and complexity.
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme: A classic earthy herb integral to traditional turkey seasoning.
- 2 teaspoons dried rosemary: Imparts piney, fragrant notes that elevate the dish.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds warmth and a touch of color to the skin.
- 1 onion (quartered): Pierces the cavity with moisture and gentle sweetness.
- 1 lemon (halved): Brightens the turkey’s flavor with citrusy freshness.
- 1 head of garlic (halved crosswise): Roasts inside the turkey to add subtle garlic aroma.
- 2–3 sprigs each of fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage: Infuse the bird from the inside out with fresh herbal fragrance.
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (for roasting pan): Keeps the bird moist and produces delicious pan drippings for gravy.
How to Make Roasted Herb Butter Turkey Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Turkey
Start by heating the oven to 325°F, a perfect roasting temperature that cooks the turkey gently for juicy results. Remove the giblets and neck from inside the turkey, then pat the bird dry with paper towels to ensure the skin crisps up beautifully during roasting.
Step 2: Create Your Herb Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and paprika. This flavorful blend will deeply season the turkey and help develop that irresistible crust on the skin.
Step 3: Rub and Stuff the Turkey
Take that herb butter and lovingly rub it all over the turkey’s skin, making sure to get underneath the breast skin as well for extra flavor and moisture. Next, fill the cavity with the quartered onion, halved lemon, halved garlic head, and fresh sprigs of rosemary, thyme, and sage. These aromatics work magic from the inside, infusing the meat as it roasts.
Step 4: Roast to Perfection
Place your turkey breast-side up on a rack inside a roomy roasting pan. Pour the chicken broth into the pan bottom — this keeps the environment moist and helps catch flavorful drippings. Tent the whole bird loosely with foil, then roast for about fifteen minutes per pound, typically three to three and a half hours for this size. Remove the foil during the last 45–60 minutes to let the skin crisp and brown gloriously.
Step 5: Let It Rest
Once your turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F in the thigh, pull it from the oven and tent it gently with foil. Let it rest for at least 20–30 minutes before carving—this step locks in all the juicy goodness and makes slicing easier and cleaner.
How to Serve Roasted Herb Butter Turkey Recipe
Garnishes
A beautiful turkey deserves an equally lovely presentation. Garnish your sliced turkey with fresh herb sprigs and thin lemon slices for a bright, festive look that’s as inviting as the flavors inside.
Side Dishes
Pair this Roasted Herb Butter Turkey Recipe with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or a vibrant cranberry sauce for balance and tradition. A crisp green salad or buttery dinner rolls round out the meal perfectly, offering different textures and flavors to complement the roast.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests visually? Arrange the carved turkey slices on a large platter with seasonal fruits like pomegranate seeds or sliced apples for pops of color and sweetness. Elevate the experience further by drizzling some of the pan drippings or homemade gravy over the slices right before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your feast, any leftover turkey should be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated within two hours. Properly stored, it can last up to four days while retaining great flavor and moisture.
Freezing
If you want to keep your turkey longer, slice or chop it before freezing in tightly sealed freezer bags or containers. Frozen cooked turkey will stay delicious for up to three months and makes for convenient quick meals later on.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the turkey gently in a covered dish at 325°F in the oven to preserve its tenderness. You can also reheat slices in a pan with a splash of broth to keep them moist, avoiding dryness that often happens with leftover poultry.
FAQs
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried in this recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh herbs bring an even more vibrant flavor, especially when tucked inside the turkey cavity for aroma. Just remember that dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor, so use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried for balance.
How do I know when the turkey is fully cooked?
The most reliable way is to use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone. When it reaches 165°F, your turkey is perfectly cooked and safe to eat.
Is it necessary to baste the turkey during roasting?
While basting every 45 minutes helps keep the turkey moist and adds flavor to the skin, the herb butter under the skin already does a fantastic job. If you have time, baste for extra richness, but it’s optional.
Can I prepare the herb butter mixture in advance?
Yes, you can mix the herb butter a day before roasting and keep it refrigerated. This makes the morning of cooking easier and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What can I do with the pan drippings?
The pan drippings are liquid gold! Use them to make a flavorful gravy by thickening with a bit of flour or cornstarch, or simply drizzle some over your carved turkey for added moisture and taste.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the warm, inviting aroma of this Roasted Herb Butter Turkey Recipe wafting through your kitchen. It’s a recipe that brings comfort, joy, and plenty of delicious memories to your table. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or simply craving a standout roast, this turkey will deliver every time — so go ahead and make this your next signature dish!
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Roasted Herb Butter Turkey Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A classic roasted turkey recipe featuring a flavorful herb butter rub and aromatic stuffing, perfect for Thanksgiving or holiday celebrations. This juicy and tender turkey is roasted to golden perfection, delivering a delicious main course that impresses family and guests alike.
Ingredients
Turkey and Herb Butter
- 1 whole turkey (12–14 pounds), thawed if frozen
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Stuffing and Aromatics
- 1 onion, quartered
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 head of garlic, halved crosswise
- 2–3 sprigs each of fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage
Roasting Liquids
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (for roasting pan)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Turkey: Preheat the oven to 325°F. Remove the giblets and neck from inside the turkey cavity and pat the entire bird dry thoroughly using paper towels to ensure the skin crisps during roasting.
- Make Herb Butter and Rub: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and paprika. Rub this herb butter mixture all over the turkey, including spreading some under the skin of the breast for extra flavor and moisture retention.
- Stuff the Turkey Cavity: Stuff the turkey cavity with the quartered onion, halved lemon, halved garlic, and the fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage sprigs to infuse additional aromatics during roasting.
- Set Up for Roasting: Place the turkey breast-side up on a rack inside a large roasting pan. Pour 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth into the bottom of the pan to keep the environment moist and catch drippings.
- Roast the Turkey: Tent the turkey loosely with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning early on. Roast the turkey for approximately 15 minutes per pound, which translates to about 3 to 3½ hours for a 12 to 14-pound bird. During the last 45 to 60 minutes, remove the foil tent to allow the skin to brown and crisp.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the thigh; the internal temperature should reach 165°F for safe consumption.
- Rest the Turkey: Remove the turkey from the oven and tent it loosely with foil. Let it rest for 20 to 30 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute and keep the meat moist before carving.
Notes
- Use the pan drippings to make a flavorful gravy to accompany the turkey.
- Baste the turkey every 45 minutes during roasting to maintain moisture and enhance flavor.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste preferences, and consider adding cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
