Roast Turkey with Herb Butter

Thanksgiving or not, there’s something magical about a perfectly roasted turkey—it’s the centerpiece of any special gathering! This Roast Turkey with Herb Butter is succulent, flavorful, and boasts crispy golden skin that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.

The secret? A rich herb-infused butter that’s generously slathered under and over the skin. This simple method ensures juicy, tender meat and incredible flavor in every bite. Ready to impress your guests? Let’s get roasting!

Why I Love This Recipe

This turkey recipe is my go-to for special occasions. The herb butter keeps the meat moist and flavorful, while the golden skin gives it that picture-perfect look. It’s simple enough for beginners but guaranteed to wow even the most seasoned turkey enthusiasts. Plus, the leftovers make amazing sandwiches!

Ingredients

For the Turkey:

• 12-14 lb whole turkey (thawed if frozen)
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

For the Herb Butter:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)

Optional for the Cavity:

• 1 small onion, quartered
• 1 lemon, halved
• 2 sprigs each of rosemary and thyme

How to Make It

• Preheat the Oven:
  Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Position a rack in the lower third of the oven to ensure even roasting.
• Prepare the Turkey:
  Remove the turkey from its packaging and take out the neck and giblets (usually found in the cavity). Pat the turkey dry with paper towels—this step helps achieve crispy skin. Season the cavity with salt and pepper.
• Make the Herb Butter:
  In a bowl, combine the softened butter, garlic, parsley, rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, and paprika. Mix until well combined.
• Butter the Turkey:
  Gently loosen the skin of the turkey by sliding your hands under it, being careful not to tear it. Spread half of the herb butter under the skin and the other half over the top. Rub any leftover butter on the legs and wings for extra flavor.
• Stuff the Cavity (Optional):
  Fill the cavity with onion, lemon halves, and herb sprigs for added aroma and flavor.
• Roast the Turkey:
  Place the turkey breast-side up on a roasting rack set inside a roasting pan. Roast for 13-15 minutes per pound, basting every 45 minutes with the drippings. If the skin browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.
• Check for Doneness:
  Use a meat thermometer to check the turkey’s internal temperature. The thickest part of the breast should read 165°F (74°C), and the thickest part of the thigh should be 175°F (79°C).
• Rest the Turkey:
  Once done, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving. This step allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy.

Pro Tips

• Thaw Properly: If using a frozen turkey, plan ahead! Allow 24 hours of thawing time in the fridge for every 4-5 pounds of turkey.
• Enhanced Flavor: For extra flavor, brine the turkey overnight in a saltwater solution before roasting.
• Gravy Boost: Use the drippings from the roasting pan to make a rich, flavorful gravy.

Storage

• Fridge: Store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze carved turkey meat in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Tools For This Recipe

• Roasting pan with rack
• Meat thermometer
• Mixing bowl for herb butter
• Basting brush or spoon
• Aluminum foil

This Roast Turkey with Herb Butter will elevate any celebration, bringing warmth, flavor, and a touch of elegance to your table. Try it for your next special occasion—you’ll love the results! 😊