This Herb Butter Roasted Turkey is a show-stopper! The turkey is slathered with a rich, buttery herb mix for a tasty, golden skin that’s sure to impress everyone at the table.
Honestly, the smell while it’s roasting is almost as good as eating it! I love serving it with some creamy mashed potatoes for that perfect holiday feast. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey: For best results, use a fresh turkey, but frozen works just fine too. If you’re cooking for a smaller group, a smaller turkey around 10 pounds will still be delicious! You can also opt for organic or free-range if you want a richer flavor.
Unsalted Butter: I recommend unsalted butter for cooking so you can control the salt level. However, if you’re out, you can use margarine or a plant-based butter alternative. Just make sure it’s softened for easier spreading!
Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage are key for that classic flavor. If fresh herbs aren’t available, dried herbs can be used, but cut the amounts by about a third. I personally love the aroma of fresh herbs wafting through the kitchen!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for this recipe, but you could use garlic powder in a pinch. About 1 teaspoon of garlic powder would equal 1 clove of fresh garlic.
Lemon: Fresh lemon adds brightness! If you don’t have it, a splash of lemon juice or some vinegar could work too, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.
How Do You Get the Skin Crispy and Golden?
Getting that crispy, golden-brown skin requires a few key steps. First, drying the turkey well after rinsing is essential; moisture will prevent browning. The butter mixture not only adds flavor but also aids in achieving that crunchy finish.
- While roasting, basting the turkey with pan juices every 30-45 minutes helps develop color.
- If you see the skin browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil to protect it.
- Make sure the turkey is cooked evenly by placing it breast-side up and using a meat thermometer for accurate readings.
Follow these tips for that perfect roast, and your turkey will be the star of the meal!
Herb Butter Roasted Turkey
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs), thawed if frozen
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage leaves, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 1 lemon, halved
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water (for the roasting pan)
- Fresh herb sprigs (thyme, rosemary, sage) for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Herb Butter Roasted Turkey will take about 30 minutes to prepare and an additional 3 to 3.5 hours to roast, depending on the size of your turkey. Don’t forget to let it rest for 20 to 30 minutes after roasting before carving. Overall, you’ll spend about 4 hours for a beautifully golden turkey!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, let’s get your oven ready! Preheat it to 325°F (165°C). This is the perfect roasting temperature for your turkey.
2. Prepare the Turkey:
Remove the giblets from the turkey cavity. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels inside and out. This will help the skin get nice and crispy while it roasts.
3. Make the Herb Butter:
In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter with the chopped thyme, rosemary, sage, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix it well until everything is incorporated. This butter is what will make your turkey super flavorful!
4. Season Under the Skin:
Carefully loosen the skin over the turkey breast by sliding your fingers between the skin and the meat. Be gentle so you don’t tear it! Spread about two-thirds of that tasty herb butter mixture under the skin, covering the breast and thighs.
5. Butter Up the Outside:
Rub the remaining herb butter all over the outside of the turkey. This will help to give it a beautiful golden color as it roasts.
6. Flavor the Inside:
Season the inside of the turkey cavity with salt and pepper, then stuff it with the quartered onion and lemon halves. This adds lots of flavor from the inside out!
7. Tie It Up:
Tie the turkey legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wing tips under the body to help keep everything neat and tidy!
8. Roast the Turkey:
Place your turkey breast-side up on a rack in a large roasting pan. Pour the chicken broth or water into the bottom of the pan to help keep the turkey moist as it roasts. Roast it uncovered for about 3 to 3.5 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the thigh. Be sure to baste it with the pan juices every so often for that great flavor.
9. Keep an Eye on the Skin:
If the skin starts to darken too much before the turkey is finished cooking, simply tent it loosely with aluminum foil to protect it from burning.
10. Let It Rest:
Once it’s done roasting, take the turkey out of the oven. Let it rest for about 20 to 30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to settle, so the turkey stays moist when you cut it.
11. Serve:
Finally, garnish the serving platter with fresh herb sprigs around the turkey and serve it with your favorite sides and gravy. Enjoy a beautiful feast!
Bon appétit! Enjoy your golden, fragrant Herb Butter Roasted Turkey!
Can I Use a Different Type of Fat Instead of Butter?
Yes, you can use olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative if you’d like a dairy-free option. Just make sure it’s a flavorful fat, as it plays a key role in keeping the turkey moist and delicious!
How Do I Know When the Turkey is Fully Cooked?
The best way to know if your turkey is done is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh, and it should read 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat. This will also help keep your turkey juicy and perfectly cooked!
Can I Prepare This Turkey the Night Before?
Absolutely! You can prepare the herb butter and even rub it under the skin the night before. Just cover the turkey with plastic wrap and refrigerate. This gives the flavors time to infuse into the meat. Make sure to bring it to room temperature before roasting for the best results!
What Should I Do with Leftover Turkey?
Leftover turkey can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can use it in sandwiches, salads, or soups. To reheat, gently warm it in the oven or microwave, adding a bit of broth to keep it moist!
