This Herb Butter Roasted Turkey is a holiday favorite! It’s juicy and packed with flavor, thanks to the herb butter that melts into every bite. Perfect for impressing your guests!
Who doesn’t love a turkey that’s golden and crispy on the outside, yet tender on the inside? I enjoy slathering the leftover turkey on sandwiches, making every bite deliciously memorable!
Making this turkey is easier than you think! Just rub the herb butter all over and let it roast. The wonderful smell will have everyone gathering in the kitchen in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey: A whole turkey around 12-14 pounds works best for roasting. For smaller gatherings, you can use a smaller bird or even a turkey breast. Just adjust cooking times accordingly!
Unsalted Butter: This is crucial for keeping the turkey moist. If you want a dairy-free option, try using olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute. You might miss the creaminess, but it will still be tasty!
Fresh Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, and sage add amazing flavor. If fresh herbs aren’t available, you can use dried herbs. Just use about 1 teaspoon of each dried herb instead of the fresh ones.
Lemon Zest: This adds a lovely brightness. If you don’t have lemons, use a bit of orange zest or skip it altogether. The herbs do most of the heavy lifting flavor-wise!
Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth keeps things flavorful without too much salt. You can swap it for vegetable broth or even just water if you’re in a pinch, though broth is preferable.
How Do I Get Perfectly Crispy Skin on My Turkey?
Achieving crispy skin is all about proper preparation and cooking! Here’s how you can ensure that your turkey’s skin turns out golden and crisp.
- Make sure to dry the turkey thoroughly with paper towels before seasoning. Moisture is the enemy of crispy skin!
- Apply the herb butter generously, as this adds flavor and aids browning. Don’t be shy!
- Roast the turkey at a steady temperature of 325°F (163°C). If you start too hot, it can brown too quickly and may burn.
- Baste occasionally, but don’t overdo it. Every time you open the oven, heat escapes, which can lead to uneven cooking.
- If the skin is browning too fast, tent the turkey with foil. This shields it while allowing the meat to cook through.
Letting the turkey rest after roasting is also important for keeping it juicy and helps the skin maintain its crispiness! Enjoy your turkey meal!”
Herb Butter Roasted Turkey
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Turkey:
- 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds), thawed if frozen
- For the Herb Butter:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons fresh sage, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- For Stuffing the Turkey:
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 head garlic, halved horizontally
- For the Roasting:
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or turkey broth)
- Fresh herb sprigs (rosemary, thyme, sage) for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
To prepare this delicious Herb Butter Roasted Turkey, you’ll need about 30 minutes for prep and about 3 to 3.5 hours for roasting. Be sure to let the turkey rest for 20 to 30 minutes after roasting for the best results. So overall, plan for about 4 hours from start to table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Turkey:
First, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Next, remove any giblets from the turkey and pat the outside dry with paper towels. A dry turkey will have crispier skin!
2. Make the Herb Butter:
In a medium bowl, mix together the softened butter, chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. This fragrant mix is going to make your turkey super tasty!
3. Apply the Herb Butter:
Gently loosen the skin on the turkey breast by sliding your hand underneath it. Be careful not to tear the skin! Spread about half of the herb butter underneath the skin right on the breast meat. Then, rub the rest of the herb butter all over the outside of the turkey, including the legs and wings. It’s going to be buttery delicious!
4. Season the Inside:
Season the turkey cavity with salt and pepper. Then stuff it with the quartered onion, lemon halves, and the halved garlic head. This adds even more flavor from the inside out!
5. Setting Up for Roasting:
Place the turkey breast-side up on a roasting rack inside a large roasting pan. Tuck the wing tips under the turkey’s body to help keep everything in place as it cooks.
6. Add Chicken Broth:
Pour about 2 cups of chicken broth into the bottom of the pan. This helps keep the turkey moist while also creating tasty drippings for gravy!
7. Roast the Turkey:
Now it’s time to roast! Put the turkey in the preheated oven and roast until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) when checked in the thickest part of the thigh, which should take about 3 to 3.5 hours. Don’t forget to baste it occasionally with the pan juices!
8. Tent If Necessary:
If the skin starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil. This will protect it from burning while the rest of the turkey cooks through.
9. Resting the Turkey:
When it’s perfectly cooked, take the turkey out of the oven and let it rest for 20 to 30 minutes before carving. This helps all those yummy juices stay in the meat!
10. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer the turkey to a serving platter and garnish with some fresh herb sprigs for a beautiful presentation. Optionally, you can use the pan drippings to make a tasty gravy!
11. Enjoy!
Now dig in and enjoy your beautifully roasted Herb Butter Turkey with its golden crispy skin and juicy, flavorful meat! Perfect for gatherings or special occasions!
Can I Use a Frozen Turkey for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw it before cooking. Thawing in the fridge is best, which can take a few days. If you’re short on time, submerge the turkey in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until it’s thawed.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Herbs?
No worries! You can substitute dried herbs instead. Use about 1 teaspoon of each dried herb for every tablespoon of fresh herbs needed. Just remember that dried herbs are more concentrated, so adjust accordingly!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover turkey in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To keep it moist when reheating, add a splash of broth or water to the container and cover it. You can reheat in the microwave or oven at a low temperature.
Can I Prepare This Turkey the Night Before?
Absolutely! You can prepare the herb butter and apply it under the skin the night before. Just keep the turkey covered in the refrigerator. This lets the flavors penetrate the meat for even better taste!
