Print

Herb Butter Roasted Whole Turkey Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This Herb Butter Roasted Whole Turkey is juicy, golden, and packed with flavor, the perfect centerpiece for your Christmas meals or holiday dinners. Fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon whipped into butter make every bite tender and rich. No fancy techniques, no dry meat, just a beautiful, foolproof roast turkey that’s pure festive magic.

Ingredients

Scale

Herb Butter:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

  • 4 garlic cloves, minced

  • 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped

  • 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves

  • 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped

  • 1 tbsp lemon zest

  • 2 tsp salt

  • 1 tsp black pepper

Turkey:

  • 1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs / 5.5–6.5 kg), thawed if frozen

  • 1 large onion, quartered

  • 1 lemon, halved

  • 1 head of garlic, halved horizontally

  • Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage) for stuffing cavity

  • 1 cup chicken broth or water (for roasting pan)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Position the rack in the lower third of your oven.

  2. Make herb butter: Combine softened butter with garlic, herbs, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth.

  3. Prepare turkey: Remove giblets, pat the turkey completely dry. Stuff cavity with onion, lemon, garlic, and herbs.

  4. Butter under skin: Gently lift the skin over the breast and spread two-thirds of the herb butter underneath. Rub the rest all over the outside.

  5. Truss & setup: Tie legs loosely with twine, tuck wings under, and place turkey on a rack in a roasting pan. Pour broth or water into the pan.

  6. Roast: Cook uncovered for about 2½–3 hours (depending on size), until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thigh.

  7. Baste: Spoon pan juices over turkey every 45 minutes for golden, crispy skin. If it browns too fast, tent loosely with foil.

  8. Rest: Remove from oven, cover loosely with foil, and rest 30 minutes before carving.

  9. Optional gravy: Use pan drippings to make quick gravy — whisk in flour and broth, simmer until smooth.

Notes

  • Bring turkey to room temperature 1 hour before roasting for even cooking.

  • Fresh herbs make a noticeable difference, but dried can be substituted (use ⅓ the amount).

  • Resting time is essential — it locks in juices!

  • Great with classic Christmas dinner side dishes like mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, and stuffing.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.wellnesswarrior.org/herb-butter-roasted-whole-turkey/