Easy Roasted Herb Butter Turkey Recipe
This Easy Roasted Turkey Recipe delivers a flavorful, juicy turkey with a crispy, herb-infused skin. Perfect for holiday dinners or special family meals, this recipe uses a seasoned herb butter rubbed under and over the skin to ensure maximum flavor penetration. The turkey is roasted to golden perfection in the oven, with aromatic vegetables and fresh herbs enhancing the natural flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Turkey and Seasoning
- 11–12 pound whole turkey
- 5 Tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons fresh herbs (chopped; can include parsley, thyme, rosemary)
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Cavity Seasoning and Vegetables
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 large yellow onion (peeled and sliced in half, divided)
- 2 stalks celery (chopped into thirds)
- 1 large carrot (peeled and chopped into thirds)
- 3 cloves garlic (peeled)
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 3–4 sprigs fresh parsley
- 1 medium yellow onion (peeled and chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) and prepare a roasting pan fitted with a rack for the turkey.
- Make Herb Butter: In a small bowl, combine 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1 teaspoon paprika. Mix into a smooth paste and set aside while prepping the turkey.
- Prepare the Turkey: Remove the giblets from the turkey cavity. Pat the turkey dry inside and out with paper towels to ensure crispy skin during roasting.
- Apply Herb Butter: Place the turkey on the rack inside the roasting pan. Using your hands or a spatula, rub the prepared herb butter mixture all over the turkey, spreading it under the skin as well as on top for deep seasoning.
- Season the Cavity: In a small bowl, mix ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon onion powder. Sprinkle this seasoning evenly inside the turkey’s cavity.
- Add Aromatics to the Cavity: Stuff the turkey cavity with halved yellow onions, chopped celery, chopped carrots, garlic cloves, fresh thyme, and fresh parsley sprigs to infuse fragrant flavors during roasting.
- Start Roasting: Place the turkey in the preheated oven and roast at 425°F (218°C) for 20 minutes to develop color and initial crust.
- Lower Temperature and Continue Roasting: Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (163°C). Continue roasting the turkey, estimated around 13 minutes per pound, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Protect from Overbrowning: About 2 hours into cooking, check the turkey’s color. If it has browned sufficiently, tent loosely with foil to prevent burning while continuing to cook through.
- Rest the Turkey: Remove the turkey from the oven when it reaches 165°F. Let it rest in the roasting pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cutting board and rest uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows juices to redistribute for moist meat.
Notes
- Note 1: Fresh herbs can be a mix of thyme, parsley, and rosemary or your favorite herbs.
- Note 2: Using kosher salt helps with even seasoning and enhances flavor absorption.
- Note 3: Giblets can be used to make homemade stock or gravy if desired.
- Always ensure the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Keywords: roasted turkey, holiday turkey recipe, herb butter turkey, oven roasted turkey, Thanksgiving turkey
Find it online: https://nataliereeve.com/easy-roasted-herb-butter-turkey-recipe/
