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Perfect Herb Butter Roasted Turkey: Best Thanksgiving Recipe

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This herb butter roasted turkey is incredibly juicy with crispy, golden skin. It’s the foolproof Thanksgiving centerpiece that will make you look like a hero without the all-day stress.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 3 tablespoons fresh sage, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced or grated
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt (Diamond Crystal preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 whole turkey, 12 to 14 pounds
  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt, for seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 lemon, halved
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 4 sprigs fresh sage
  • 6 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken or turkey broth

Instructions

  1. Make the herb butter (up to 3 days ahead): In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, chopped rosemary, sage, thyme, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Mix until evenly distributed. Cover and refrigerate if making ahead, but bring to room temperature before using.
  2. Prepare the turkey (one day ahead is ideal): Remove the turkey from packaging. Take out the giblets and neck. Pat the turkey completely dry with paper towels inside and out.
  3. Season the cavity: Sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of kosher salt and ½ teaspoon pepper inside the cavity. Stuff with the halved lemon, quartered onion, and remaining fresh herb sprigs.
  4. Apply the herb butter: Using your fingers, gently loosen the skin over the turkey breast. Push about two-thirds of the herb butter under the skin, spreading evenly over both breasts. Rub the remaining butter all over the outside of the turkey, including legs and wings.
  5. Season the exterior: Sprinkle the remaining 1 tablespoon of salt and ½ teaspoon pepper all over the outside of the turkey.
  6. Truss the turkey (optional but recommended): Cut a piece of kitchen twine about 3 feet long. Cross the turkey’s legs and tie them together at the ankles. Tuck the wing tips under the body.
  7. Rest overnight (optional but game-changing): Place the seasoned turkey on a rack over a baking sheet and refrigerate uncovered for 8 to 24 hours.
  8. Preheat and prepare: About 45 minutes before roasting, take the turkey out of the fridge to come to room temperature. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place turkey on the rack in your roasting pan. Pour 2 cups of broth into the bottom of the pan.
  9. Roast at high heat: Roast at 425°F for 30 minutes.
  10. Reduce heat and continue roasting: Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Continue roasting, basting every 30 to 45 minutes with pan juices. Total roasting time for a 12 to 14 pound turkey is about 2.5 to 3 hours.
  11. Check for doneness: Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding bone. Target 165°F (74°C). Check the breast—it should register 160°F (71°C).
  12. Rest the turkey: Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for at least 30 minutes, uncovered.
  13. Make gravy while it rests: Pour pan drippings through a fine-mesh strainer into a fat separator. Let fat rise, skim off, and use remaining juices as base for gravy.

Notes

Don’t skip drying the turkey thoroughly for crispy skin. Let butter soften to room temperature for easy spreading. Baste every 30-45 minutes, not more often. Use a thermometer, not a timer. Let the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before carving.

Nutrition

Keywords: herb butter roasted turkey, Thanksgiving turkey, juicy turkey, crispy skin turkey, holiday turkey recipe

Find it online: https://willarecipes.com/perfect-herb-butter-roasted-turkey-best-thanksgiving-recipe/