Description
A delicious herb butter roasted turkey recipe perfect for any festive occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 whole turkey (10–20 pounds)
- 1 cup salted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 orange, quartered (plus zest for herb butter)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional for basting)
- 2 cups chicken or turkey broth
- 3 cups stuffing (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove giblets and neck from turkey cavity. Pat turkey dry with paper towels.
- In a bowl, mix butter with minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, sage, and orange zest.
- Loosen turkey skin gently and rub herb butter under and over the skin. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Stuff cavity loosely with stuffing or aromatics like onion and orange wedges if not using stuffing.
- Place turkey breast-side up on a rack in a large roasting pan. Add chopped carrots, celery, and onion underneath the rack.
- Roast turkey, basting every 45 minutes with pan juices or a mixture of butter and broth.
- Cook for 13–15 minutes per pound, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and tent with foil. Let rest for at least 30 minutes.
- Carve turkey and arrange on a platter with fresh herbs, cranberries, and citrus slices for presentation.
Notes
- For best results, allow the turkey to come to room temperature before roasting.
- Adjust seasoning according to your taste preference.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg