Dinner

Roast Turkey with Herb Butter

Name: Roast Turkey with Herb Butter
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 3 h 30 min
Total time: 4 h
Yield: 12
Ingredients: 1 whole turkey; Salt and freshly ground black pepper; 1 large onion, quartered; 1 lemon, halved; 1 head garlic, halved; 3 sprigs 3–4 fresh rosemary; 3 sprigs 3–4 fresh thyme; 2 sprigs 2–3 fresh sage; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped; 2 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped; 2 tbsp fresh sage, finely chopped; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped; 1 of Zest lemon; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; Turkey drippings; 2 tbsp flour; 2 cups chicken or turkey stock

Servings: 12 Total Time: 4 hrs Difficulty: Beginner

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Introduction

Roast Turkey with Herb Butter is the ultimate centerpiece for holiday feasts, family gatherings, or any special occasion where you want to impress with flavor, aroma, and presentation. The herb butter — rich with fresh garlic, rosemary, thyme, sage, and parsley — is spread under the skin and all over the bird, ensuring moist, juicy meat with a perfectly golden, crispy skin. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a celebratory dinner, this dish embodies tradition, warmth, and togetherness.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it transforms a simple turkey into something unforgettable. The herb butter melts into the meat as it roasts, basting it from the inside out, making every bite flavorful and succulent. The fragrance of herbs filling the kitchen as the turkey cooks is pure comfort.

This recipe also feels special because it’s about more than just food — it’s about gathering around the table, carving into something that’s been lovingly prepared, and sharing it with the people you care about. For me, the crispy golden skin and the tender, juicy meat are a reminder of holiday joy and family traditions.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This recipe is a must-try because it’s:

Classic yet simple – an approachable way to make a turkey taste like it came from a gourmet kitchen.
Flavorful and moist – no dry turkey here thanks to the butter and herbs.
Perfectly festive – an impressive showstopper for holidays.
Customizable – you can adapt the herbs or aromatics to your taste.

Preparation & Cooking Time

Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus optional overnight brining)
Cooking Time: 3 – 3.5 hours (for a 12–14 lb turkey)
Resting Time: 20–30 minutes
Total Time: ~4 hours
Servings: 12–14 people
Calories: ~450 per serving (based on 6 oz turkey meat with skin)

Cuisine & Course

Cuisine: American / Western
Course: Main Course / Holiday Entrée

Ingredients

For the Turkey

1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs), thawed if frozen
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 large onion, quartered
1 lemon, halved
1 head garlic, halved
3–4 sprigs fresh rosemary
3–4 sprigs fresh thyme
2–3 sprigs fresh sage

For the Herb Butter

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
2 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
2 tbsp fresh sage, finely chopped
2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper

Optional Pan Gravy

Turkey drippings
2 tbsp flour
2 cups chicken or turkey stock

Simple Directions

Make herb butter and set aside.
Season turkey inside and out, stuff with aromatics.
Rub herb butter under skin and all over turkey.
Roast at 325°F (160°C) until golden and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
Rest before carving and serve.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Turkey

Remove giblets and pat turkey dry with paper towels.
Season cavity with salt and pepper.
Stuff cavity with onion, lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs.

Step 2: Make Herb Butter

Mix softened butter with garlic, rosemary, thyme, sage, parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Butter the Turkey

Carefully loosen skin over breasts and thighs with your fingers.
Spread herb butter under the skin directly onto the meat.
Rub remaining butter all over outside of turkey.

Step 4: Roast

Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
Place turkey breast-side up on a roasting rack in a large pan.
Roast for 15 minutes per pound, basting occasionally with pan drippings.
Cover loosely with foil if skin browns too quickly.

Step 5: Check Doneness

Turkey is done when the thickest part of thigh registers 165°F (74°C) on a meat thermometer.

Step 6: Rest and Carve

Remove from oven, tent with foil, and rest 20–30 minutes before carving.

How to Serve

Slice and arrange turkey on a platter with fresh herbs and citrus for garnish.
Serve with pan gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or cranberry sauce.

Additional Recipe Tips

Let butter soften completely for easy spreading.
Don’t skip resting — it locks in juices.
Brining the turkey overnight adds extra moisture and flavor.
Use a roasting rack for even cooking.

Variations

Garlic Butter Turkey – Add extra roasted garlic to the butter.
Citrus Herb Turkey – Add orange zest and juice to herb butter.
Spiced Turkey – Mix smoked paprika or chili flakes into the butter for heat.
Bacon-Wrapped Turkey – Cover breast with bacon strips for added flavor.

Freezing & Storage

Storage: Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze sliced turkey meat (without skin) for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge before reheating.

Special Equipment Needed

Large roasting pan with rack
Meat thermometer
Aluminum foil
Sharp carving knife

Conclusion

Roast Turkey with Herb Butter is the perfect holiday centerpiece — juicy, aromatic, and golden brown with irresistible flavor. The herb butter ensures every bite is tender and rich, while the presentation makes it a showstopper. Whether it’s for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a special dinner, this recipe will bring comfort, tradition, and celebration to your table.

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