Introduction

This Herb-Butter Roast Turkey recipe delivers a perfectly juicy, flavorful centerpiece for any holiday table. The aromatic herb butter infused under the skin ensures every bite is moist and rich. For more comforting holiday sides, try the Mini Chicken Pot Pie Muffins Recipe or the Cheesy Hot Bacon Dip Recipe to complete your festive spread.

Ingredients

This Herb-Butter Roast Turkey recipe delivers incredibly juicy, flavorful meat with a golden-brown, aromatic skin that will fill your kitchen with the comforting scent of herbs and butter.

• 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds), thawed
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh sage, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 1 large onion, quartered
• 3 carrots, roughly chopped
• 3 celery stalks, roughly chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Timing

Prep Time	30 minutes
Cook Time	3 hours
Total Time	3 hours 30 minutes

Context: This Herb-Butter Roast Turkey recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes due to the efficient butter application method.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Herb Butter

Combine 1 cup of softened unsalted butter with ¼ cup of finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, sage, and thyme. Add 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 2 — Prepare the Turkey

Remove the turkey from its packaging and pat it completely dry with paper towels. Place it on a rack inside a roasting pan. Gently loosen the skin over the breast and thighs by sliding your fingers underneath, being careful not to tear it.

Step 3 — Apply the Herb Butter

Spread about two-thirds of the herb butter directly under the loosened skin, massaging it evenly over the breast and thigh meat. Rub the remaining herb butter all over the outside of the turkey skin for a flavorful, golden-brown crust.

Step 4 — Truss and Season

Tuck the wing tips behind the turkey’s back and tie the legs together with kitchen twine. This helps the Herb-Butter Roast Turkey cook evenly. Season the outside generously with additional salt and pepper.

Step 5 — Preheat and Roast

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the turkey in the oven and roast, calculating roughly 13–15 minutes per pound. Begin checking for doneness about halfway through the estimated cooking time.

Step 6 — Check the Temperature

The Herb-Butter Roast Turkey is done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (74°C) and the breast reads 160°F (71°C). The juices should run clear, not pink.

Step 7 — Rest the Turkey

Once cooked, transfer the turkey to a cutting board or platter. Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 20–30 minutes before carving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in moist, tender meat.

Step 8 — Make Gravy (Optional)

While the turkey rests, you can make a simple pan gravy. Pour the pan drippings into a measuring cup, skim off the fat, and place the roasting pan on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a few tablespoons of the skimmed fat back to the pan, whisk in an equal amount of flour to make a roux, then gradually whisk in broth or stock and the remaining drippings until the gravy thickens.

Step 9 — Carve and Serve

Carve the Herb-Butter Roast Turkey by first removing the legs and wings, then slicing the breast meat against the grain. Serve immediately with your favorite sides and gravy.

Nutritional Information

Calories	320
Protein	48g
Carbohydrates	2g
Fat	14g
Fiber	0g
Sodium	380mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Chicken or Cornish hens — Smaller poultry options that cook faster while maintaining the herb-butter flavor profile.
• Turkey breast only — A leaner cut that reduces overall fat while keeping the classic Herb-Butter Roast Turkey taste.
• Olive oil instead of butter — A dairy-free alternative that still provides rich flavor for basting.
• Low-sodium broth for basting — Reduces salt content while keeping the turkey moist during roasting.
• Fresh herbs instead of salted butter — Intensifies flavor naturally without adding extra sodium.
• Cauliflower mash instead of stuffing — A lower-carb side that complements the Herb-Butter Roast Turkey beautifully.
• Nutritional yeast in herb blend — Adds savory, cheesy notes for dairy-free diets.
• Arrowroot powder for gravy — A gluten-free thickener that creates smooth, rich gravy.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with classic sides like garlic mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, and cranberry sauce for a traditional holiday feast.
• Serve alongside a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the rich herb-butter flavors.
• Complement with savory stuffing and gravy made from the turkey pan drippings for a cohesive meal.
• Offer with crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the delicious herb-butter juices.
• Accompany with a glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Noir to enhance the dining experience.
• Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive gathering where a show-stopping centerpiece is desired.

For an elegant presentation, carve the Herb-Butter Roast Turkey at the table and garnish the platter with fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Not drying the skin thoroughly before roasting. Fix: Pat the turkey completely dry with paper towels to ensure the skin crisps up beautifully.
• Mistake: Applying herb butter to cold, wet skin. Fix: Let the turkey sit at room temperature for about an hour, then apply the butter to dry skin for maximum flavor adhesion.
• Mistake: Roasting straight from the fridge. Fix: Allowing the bird to temper for 60-90 minutes promotes more even cooking from the outside in.
• Mistake: Basting too frequently, which lowers oven temperature. Fix: Baste only 2-3 times during cooking to maintain a consistent, high heat for browning.
• Mistake: Relying solely on pop-up timers for doneness. Fix: Use a reliable meat thermometer; the breast should read 165°F and the thigh 175°F.
• Mistake: Not seasoning under the skin. Fix: Gently loosen the skin and rub herb butter directly onto the meat for deeply seasoned, juicy results.
• Mistake: Carving immediately after roasting. Fix: Let the Herb-Butter Roast Turkey rest for at least 30 minutes so juices can redistribute.
• Mistake: Overcrowding the roasting pan with vegetables. Fix: Use a rack to elevate the turkey, allowing hot air to circulate for even browning.
• Mistake: Skipping the trussing step. Fix: Trussing the legs helps the turkey cook evenly and keeps the herb butter from dripping out.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Refrigerate leftover Herb-Butter Roast Turkey within 2 hours of cooking. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the turkey in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Reheat slices in a covered oven-safe dish at 325°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Always use a food thermometer to ensure your Herb-Butter Roast Turkey is safely reheated to the recommended temperature.

Conclusion

This Herb-Butter Roast Turkey delivers incredible flavor and juicy results perfect for holiday meals. For another classic preparation, try this Roast Turkey. Give this recipe a try and share your experience in the comments below!

Print

FAQs

How do I ensure the Herb-Butter Roast Turkey stays moist?

Generously rub the herb butter under and over the turkey skin before roasting. Basting the turkey with pan juices every 30-45 minutes during cooking also helps keep the meat moist and flavorful.

Can I prepare the herb butter ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the herb butter mixture up to two days in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator until you are ready to prepare your Herb-Butter Roast Turkey.

What is the best way to check if the turkey is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone. The Herb-Butter Roast Turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).