Make your next winter holiday turkey incredibly juicy and aromatic with this Savory Herb Butter recipe. It delivers the classic holiday flavor without waiting for Thanksgiving.
Author:Elias Rodger
Prep Time:30 minutes
Cook Time:4 hours
Total Time:4 hours 30 minutes
Yield:10-12 servings
Category:Poultry
Method:Roasting
Cuisine:American
Diet:None
Ingredients
Scale
1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs)
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
3 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
2 tablespoons fresh sage, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh marjoram, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon coarse salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 large onion, quartered
2 carrots, roughly chopped
2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
Remove the turkey from its packaging and remove the neck and giblets. Pat the turkey completely dry, inside and out, with paper towels.
In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, rosemary, thyme, sage, marjoram, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully incorporated. This is your herb butter.
Gently loosen the skin over the turkey breast and thighs using your fingers, being careful not to tear the skin.
Rub about two-thirds of the herb butter directly onto the turkey meat under the skin. Rub the remaining butter all over the outside of the turkey skin.
Place the onion quarters, carrots, and celery inside the turkey cavity. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the roasting pan.
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
Roast the turkey until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F (74°C). A 14-pound turkey usually takes about 3.5 to 4 hours. Baste every hour with the pan drippings.
Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven. Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving.
Notes
Ensure the butter is truly softened, not melted, for easy spreading under the skin.
Patting the turkey very dry is key for crispy skin.
Use fresh herbs only; dried herbs will not provide the same intense aroma.
Resting the turkey is non-negotiable; it keeps the meat juicy.
Nutrition
Serving Size:6 oz cooked meat
Calories:Estimate based on serving size and added butter