Herb-Butter Roasted Turkey
Herb-Butter Roasted Turkey is a showstopper that transforms your holiday table into a gourmet feast. With its golden-brown, herb-infused skin and juicy, flavorful meat, this turkey will be the highlight of any gathering. Perfect for Thanksgiving or family dinners, this easy-to-follow recipe creates unforgettable moments around the table.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: Approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes
- Total Time: 21 minute
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 whole turkey (12–14 pounds)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 tablespoons fresh rosemary (finely chopped)
- 3 tablespoons fresh thyme (finely chopped)
- 3 tablespoons fresh sage (finely chopped)
- 6 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 onion (roughly chopped)
- 2 carrots (roughly chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Rinse the turkey inside and out under cold water and pat dry.
- In a bowl, mix softened butter with herbs, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
- Loosen the turkey skin over the breast and rub half of the herb-butter mixture beneath it.
- Optionally stuff the cavity with onion and lemon.
- Place the turkey breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Roast for about 13 minutes per pound until an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) is reached in the thigh.
- Baste every 30 minutes with pan juices for optimal moisture and color.
- Let rest for at least 20 minutes before carving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 170g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: For enhanced flavor, marinate the turkey overnight with herb butter. Feel free to experiment with different herbs like dill or citrus fruits like orange for a unique twist.