This herb butter roasted whole turkey is the perfect centerpiece for your Thanksgiving main course or cozy holiday dinner. With a rich garlic herb flavor and a delicious herb butter glaze, this turkey achieves a golden crispy skin that will impress your guests.

Roasting a whole turkey may seem daunting, but this recipe simplifies the process, ensuring a juicy and flavorful bird that will be the highlight of your family feast.

Perfectly Roasted Whole Turkey with Herb Butter

This recipe features a whole roasted turkey slathered in a savory herb butter mixture, resulting in a beautifully browned skin and tender meat. It takes about 4 hours from start to finish and serves 8-10 people, making it ideal for a festive centerpiece at your holiday gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds), thawed
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 onion, quartered
• 1 lemon, quartered
• Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prep the Turkey: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the turkey giblets and pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
2. Make the Herb Butter: In a bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Season the Turkey: Gently loosen the skin of the turkey over the breast and thighs. Spread half of the herb butter mixture directly under the skin, and rub the remaining butter all over the outside of the turkey.
4. Stuff the Turkey: Place the quartered onion and lemon inside the cavity of the turkey.
5. Roast the Turkey: Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan. Roast the turkey for about 13-15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast and thigh.
6. Baste: Every 30-45 minutes, baste the turkey with the pan juices to keep it moist and enhance the flavor.
7. Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 3.5 hours
• Total Time: 4 hours

Nutrition Information

• Servings: 8-10 servings
• Calories: 350kcal
• Fat: 22g
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 0g