This Herb Butter Roasted Turkey is simply mouthwatering! It’s slathered in a tasty mix of herbs and butter, making the meat juicy and flavorful. Perfect for family gatherings!
Honestly, the aroma while it’s roasting is enough to make anyone hungry! I love serving this turkey with some fluffy mashed potatoes on the side. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey: A whole turkey (12-14 pounds) is ideal for this dish. If you’re cooking for a smaller gathering, opt for a 6- to 8-pound turkey. Butterball turkeys are pretty popular and come pre-brined, adding extra moisture.
Butter: Unsalted butter is the best choice since it lets you control the seasoning. If dairy is a concern, you can use plant-based butter or make a herby oil using olive oil as a substitute.
Fresh Herbs: Rosemary, sage, thyme, and parsley create a lovely flavor. You can use dried herbs in a pinch, but remember to use less, as dried herbs are more potent! If you only have one or two fresh herbs, don’t stress; just use what you have!
Garlic: Fresh garlic really enhances the overall flavor, but you can use garlic powder if fresh isn’t available. 1 teaspoon of garlic powder equals about 1 clove of fresh garlic.
How Do You Ensure Your Turkey Stays Juicy and Flavorful?
The secret to a juicy turkey is all in the preparation and cooking method. Start by applying that delicious herb butter mixture beneath the skin. This method not only infuses flavor but also keeps the meat moist during cooking.
- Make sure to rub butter all over the outside of the turkey too, covering every nook and cranny.
- Stuffing the cavity with lemon and onion adds a lovely aroma and further moistness.
- Monitor the cooking time closely. Each turkey cooks at a slightly different rate, so using a meat thermometer is key for ensuring it’s fully cooked without drying out.
- Lastly, don’t skip the resting step! Allowing the turkey to rest helps the juices redistribute, making for tender and juicy slices.
Herb Butter Roasted Turkey
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds), thawed if frozen
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water (for the roasting pan)
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, sage, thyme, parsley) for garnish
- Optional: Herb butter sauce for serving (made from pan drippings, butter, and herbs)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 30 minutes of prep time and approximately 2 to 3 hours of cooking time, depending on the size of the turkey. Make sure to let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. Altogether, plan a good half-day for this delightful dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Turkey:
First, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). While that’s happening, take your turkey out of the fridge and pat it dry with paper towels. This helps the skin get crispy during cooking!
2. Making the Herb Butter:
In a medium bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, sage, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir it well so all the flavors blend together nicely.
3. Buttering the Turkey:
Next, carefully slide your fingers between the turkey skin and the meat on the breast and legs to gently loosen the skin. Be careful not to tear it! Take about half of the herb butter and spread it under the skin. Then, rub the rest of the butter on the outside of the turkey.
4. Stuffing the Turkey:
Now it’s time to give the turkey some flavor from the inside out! Stuff the cavity with the lemon halves and onion quarters. These will add moisture and delicious taste while it cooks!
5. Roasting the Turkey:
Place the 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 while it roasts.
6. Tent and Roast:
Loosely cover the turkey with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Roast for about 13-15 minutes per pound. To know when it’s done, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh—it should read 165°F (74°C).
7. Browning the Skin:
About 45 minutes before the turkey is fully cooked, remove the foil. This will allow the skin to brown and get that lovely crispy texture.
8. Letting it Rest:
Once the turkey is done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for at least 20 minutes. This is super important because it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making for juicy slices!
9. Making the Herb Butter Sauce (Optional):
If you want a flavorful sauce, skim off some of the fat from the pan drippings, then add more fresh herbs and a pat of butter. Gently heat it until everything is melted and well combined.
10. Serving:
Now, carve your beautifully roasted turkey, garnish it with fresh herbs, and serve it alongside your herb butter sauce for an extra flavor kick. Enjoy your succulent Herb Butter Roasted Turkey with your favorite sides!
This delightful turkey will surely be a centerpiece for your dining table and a favorite among your family and friends!
Can I Use Frozen Turkey for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use a frozen turkey! Just be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator several days prior to cooking. A general rule is to allow 24 hours of thawing time for every 4-5 pounds of turkey.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Herbs?
No problem at all! You can substitute dried herbs in this recipe. Use about 1/3 of the amount specified for fresh herbs, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.
How Can I Keep the Turkey Moist While Roasting?
To keep the turkey moist, make sure to baste it with its own juices every 30 minutes during roasting. The addition of chicken broth or water in the pan helps, too, creating steam that keeps the meat tender.
Can I Prepare the Herb Butter Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can mix the herb butter up to a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge, covered. This way, you can easily spread it on the turkey right before roasting!
