Roast Turkey with Herb Butter Recipe: Step By Step Guide

How to Make Roast Turkey with Herb Butter: A Step-by-Step Recipe

A perfectly roasted turkey is the centerpiece of any festive holiday meal, and adding a rich herb butter elevates it to the next level. Herb butter not only adds incredible flavor but also keeps the turkey moist and tender. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you prepare a show-stopping roast turkey with herb butter.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Turkey:

1 whole turkey (12–14 pounds), thawed
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 large onion, quartered
1 lemon, halved
3 garlic cloves, smashed
A few sprigs of fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage

For the Herb Butter:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Gravy (Optional):

Pan drippings from the turkey
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1–2 cups chicken or turkey stock

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Herb Butter

In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with parsley, thyme, rosemary, sage, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Stir until well combined, then set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Turkey

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
Remove the turkey’s giblets and neck from the cavity. Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water, then pat dry with paper towels.

Step 3: Season the Turkey

Generously season the cavity with salt and pepper.
Stuff the cavity with onion quarters, lemon halves, smashed garlic, and herb sprigs.

Step 4: Apply the Herb Butter

Gently loosen the skin over the turkey breast by sliding your fingers under it. Be careful not to tear the skin.
Spread half of the herb butter evenly under the skin over the turkey breast.
Rub the remaining herb butter all over the outside of the turkey, ensuring even coverage.

Step 5: Roast the Turkey

Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan, breast side up. Tuck the wings under the body to prevent burning.
Roast the turkey in the preheated oven for 3–3.5 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (74°C).

Step 6: Baste the Turkey

Every 30 minutes, baste the turkey with the pan drippings to keep it moist and flavorful.
If the skin starts to brown too quickly, tent the turkey with aluminum foil.

Step 7: Rest the Turkey

Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 20–30 minutes.
This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful turkey.

Optional: Make the Gravy

Pour the pan drippings into a saucepan, discarding any excess fat.
Stir in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1–2 minutes.
Gradually whisk in the stock, simmering until the gravy thickens.

Tips for Success

Choose the Right Turkey: A fresh or properly thawed turkey is key for even cooking.
Use a Meat Thermometer: This ensures your turkey is cooked to the perfect internal temperature.
Let It Rest: Never skip the resting step, as it makes a huge difference in juiciness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Juicy: The herb butter locks in moisture and adds a depth of flavor.
Show-Stopping Presentation: Golden-brown skin and aromatic herbs make this dish a holiday centerpiece.
Versatile Leftovers: The turkey meat can be repurposed for soups, sandwiches, and more.

Impress your guests with this classic Roast Turkey with Herb Butter recipe. With its aromatic herbs and rich flavor, it’s sure to be the star of your holiday feast!