Garlic Herb Butter Roast Turkey is more than just a dish; it’s the aroma of family gatherings and the tantalizing promise of juicy, golden-brown perfection. Imagine walking into your home, greeted by the savory scent of garlic mingling with herbs, wrapping you in a warm embrace that says, “Welcome! It’s time for deliciousness!” For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Butter Cheese Bombs recipe.
This turkey recipe has been my holiday hero for years, bringing smiles to my family’s faces and leaving them begging for seconds. There’s nothing quite like the sight of a beautifully roasted turkey glistening on the table, ready to steal the show at Thanksgiving or any festive occasion. Trust me; this Garlic Herb Butter Roast Turkey will make your taste buds dance with delight!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Garlic Herb Butter Roast Turkey is simple to prepare and packed with flavor
- Its golden-brown skin and juicy meat create an impressive centerpiece for any feast
- Versatile enough for holidays or Sunday dinners, it pairs beautifully with various sides
- The herb butter ensures each bite bursts with rich flavors while keeping the turkey moist and succulent
I remember one Thanksgiving when my cousin tried to sneak in some store-bought turkey. After one bite of my Garlic Herb Butter Roast Turkey, she quickly changed her mind!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Whole Turkey: A 12-14 pound turkey works best; look for one that’s fresh or properly thawed if frozen.
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Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter to easily blend with herbs and spices.
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Fresh Garlic: Choose plump cloves—fresh garlic adds an aromatic punch that dried can’t match.
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Fresh Herbs: Thyme, rosemary, and sage are ideal; their earthy flavors elevate your turkey game significantly.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; don’t skimp on this duo to enhance every flavor.
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Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the richness of the butter; it’s like sunshine in your turkey!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). This ensures even cooking throughout your turkey.
Prepare the Herb Butter: In a bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic and chopped fresh herbs until well combined. The aroma will have you dreaming of feasts!
Season the Turkey Inside Out: Pat dry your turkey with paper towels. Generously season both inside and out with salt and pepper for maximum flavor.
Stuff It Right!: If desired, stuff the cavity with leftover herbs or citrus slices. This adds an extra layer of flavor as it roasts.
Apply that Herb Butter!: Gently separate skin from meat using your fingers. Smear herb butter underneath the skin and all over the turkey’s exterior—this keeps it juicy!
Roast Away!: Place your seasoned turkey in a roasting pan breast side up. Roast for about 13-15 minutes per pound until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Baste occasionally!
You’ll know it’s done when golden brown skin adorns your bird like a beautiful crown! Let it rest before carving so those juices settle back into the meat.
And there you have it: Garlic Herb Butter Roast Turkey that will not only impress but also become a cherished memory at every gathering! Enjoy every crispy bite filled with herbaceous goodness! For more inspiration, check out this Crispy German Potato Pancakes recipe.
You Must Know
- Garlic Herb Butter Roast Turkey is a game-changer for the holidays
- The rich aroma fills your kitchen, making everyone gather around
- The crispy skin and juicy meat are a surefire way to impress family and friends at dinner
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by preparing the herb butter and loosening the skin of the turkey. Rub the butter underneath for maximum flavor, then roast at 325°F for about 13 minutes per pound.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in your favorite herbs like rosemary or thyme. Adding citrus slices inside the turkey brings a refreshing twist to the traditional flavors.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through, ensuring it stays juicy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve crispy skin, dry out your turkey overnight in the fridge before cooking
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety
- Basting every 30 minutes keeps your turkey moist and flavorful
Cooking Garlic Herb Butter Roast Turkey always reminds me of that one Thanksgiving when I accidentally set off the smoke alarm while basting. Everyone laughed, and I learned to be more careful!
FAQ
What is the best way to season Garlic Herb Butter Roast Turkey?
Use a blend of garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper for ultimate flavor.
How long should I let my turkey rest before carving?
Rest your turkey for at least 20-30 minutes to retain its juiciness.
Can I use this recipe for smaller turkeys?
Absolutely! Just adjust cooking time based on weight while keeping temperatures consistent.
Garlic Herb Butter Roast Turkey
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Approximately 10 servings 1x
Description
Garlic Herb Butter Roast Turkey is the ultimate centerpiece for your holiday feast, delivering a mouthwatering combination of juicy meat and crispy, golden-brown skin. Infused with aromatic garlic and fresh herbs, this turkey recipe guarantees to impress family and friends alike. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any festive gathering, it’s simple to prepare yet bursting with flavor. Elevate your holiday traditions with this unforgettable dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 1 (12-14 lb) whole turkey
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 6 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme (chopped)
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary (chopped)
- 2 tbsp fresh sage (chopped)
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, and chopped herbs until well combined.
- Pat dry the turkey with paper towels and season both inside and out with salt and pepper.
- Stuff the cavity with leftover herbs or citrus slices if desired.
- Gently separate the skin from the meat and smother herb butter beneath the skin and over the turkey's exterior.
- Place the turkey breast side up in a roasting pan and roast for approximately 13-15 minutes per pound until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Baste occasionally for extra moisture.
- Let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: Approximately 3 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 oz (85g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
