This Herb Butter Roasted Turkey is a juicy showstopper, perfect for family gatherings! The rich butter and fragrant herbs give it a wonderful flavor that everyone will love.
Every bite is like a cozy hug! When I make this turkey, the kitchen smells amazing, and I can’t wait to serve it with all the delicious sides. It’s truly a holiday favorite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey: A 12 to 14-pound turkey is perfect for most gatherings. If it’s not available, consider a smaller size or even a turkey breast for a quicker meal. Remember to thaw it well if frozen!
Butter: Unsalted butter is the best choice here to control salt levels. If dairy-free, use vegan butter or olive oil, but your turkey might not be quite as rich.
Fresh Herbs: Using fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, sage, and parsley makes a difference in flavor. If you can’t find fresh herbs, use dried versions—about one-third the amount is usually enough.
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings a lovely punch to the recipe. You can substitute garlic powder in a pinch (1/8 teaspoon equals one clove). I love the aroma of fresh garlic when cooking!
How Do You Ensure the Turkey Stays Moist and Flavorful?
One key to keeping your turkey juicy is the herb butter application. Make sure to rub it under the skin, which allows the flavors to infuse deeply into the meat while cooking. Here’s a step-by-step to ensure success:
- Loosely lift the skin on the breast and legs with your fingers to create pockets for the butter.
- Spread about half of the herb butter directly on the meat for maximum flavor.
- Cover the turkey with more butter on the skin to add richness and create a beautiful crispy exterior.
Basting the turkey during roasting also helps. Every 45 minutes, carefully spoon the pan juices over the turkey. This not only keeps the skin moist but also enhances that golden color!
Lastly, let the turkey rest after roasting. This gives the juices a chance to redistribute, ensuring each slice is tender and juicy. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Herb Butter Roasted Turkey
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Turkey:
- 1 whole turkey (12 to 14 pounds), thawed if frozen
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken or turkey broth (for basting and roasting pan)
For the Herb Butter:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
To Stuff the Turkey:
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 head garlic, halved crosswise
- Fresh herb sprigs (rosemary, thyme, sage) for garnish and inside cavity
How Much Time Will You Need?
This herb butter roasted turkey takes about 30 minutes of preparation time and about 2 to 4 hours of roasting time, depending on the size of your turkey. Don’t forget to allow an additional 20-30 minutes for resting before carving. With a little patience, you’ll have a delicious centerpiece for your table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Herb Butter:
In a medium bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, parsley, lemon zest, and a generous amount of salt and pepper. Stir well until everything is nicely combined. This rich mixture will add lots of flavor!
2. Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 325°F (163°C) so it gets nice and hot while you prepare your turkey.
3. Prepare the Turkey:
Take the turkey out of its packaging and remove any giblets from the cavity. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels, both inside and out. Gently loosen the skin on the breast and legs using your fingers—be careful not to tear it!
4. Apply the Herb Butter:
Rub a few tablespoons of the herb butter mixture directly under the skin, focusing on the breast and legs. This is where the flavor really seeps in! Then, rub the remaining butter all over the outside of the turkey so it gets a lovely golden color as it roasts.
5. Season the Cavity:
Sprinkle salt and pepper into the turkey’s cavity, then stuff it with the quartered onion, lemon halves, halved garlic head, and a few fresh herb sprigs. This will add moisture and extra flavor while it cooks!
6. Truss the Turkey:
Using kitchen twine, tie the legs together and tuck the wing tips under the body. This helps the turkey cook evenly and makes for a lovely presentation!
7. Roast the Turkey:
Place the turkey breast side up on a rack in a large roasting pan. Pour enough broth into the bottom of the pan to cover it (about 2 cups). This moisture keeps the turkey juicy and helps create delicious drippings for gravy.
8. Start the Roasting:
Tent the turkey loosely with aluminum foil and put it in the preheated oven. Roast it for about 13-15 minutes per pound, basting every 45 minutes with the pan juices to keep it moist.
9. Remove the Foil:
About 45 minutes before the turkey is done, take off the foil to let the skin brown and crisp up nicely.
10. Check the Temperature:
The turkey is ready when a meat thermometer placed into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (74°C). This ensures it’s cooked safely!
11. Rest the Turkey:
Once removed from the oven, transfer the turkey to a cutting board and tent it loosely with foil. Let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving. This helps keep all those delicious juices inside!
12. Serve:
Garnish the serving platter with fresh herb sprigs for decoration. Slice and serve your beautifully roasted turkey with your favorite gravy made from the pan drippings. Enjoy each flavorful bite!
With this method, your turkey will be tender, juicy, and bursting with herbaceous flavor—perfect for that special gathering!
Can I Use a Frozen Turkey?
Absolutely! Just make sure to allow ample time for thawing. The best methods are to place it in the refrigerator for several days prior or submerge it in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. This ensures that it is fully thawed before cooking!
Can I Prepare the Herb Butter Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the herb butter up to a day in advance! Just mix it up and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Allow it to soften at room temperature before using it on the turkey.
What Should I Do If I Need to Cook a Smaller Turkey?
If you’re cooking a smaller turkey, simply adjust the cooking time. You’ll want to roast it for about 15-18 minutes per pound. Always check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover turkey in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, keep it covered in the oven or microwave to retain moisture, and enjoy those delicious flavors all over again!