How to Make the Perfect Herb Roasted Turkey with Garlic Butter
American · Hard · 270 min · 12 servings
This classic herb roasted turkey is basted with a rich garlic butter mixture that creates a golden, crispy skin while keeping the meat incredibly juicy and flavorful. It is the centerpiece dish that will impress every guest at your Thanksgiving table.
Why this recipe works
This Herb Roasted Turkey with Garlic Butter recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 270 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 480 calories with 62g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 14 lbs whole turkey
- 8 tbsp unsalted butter softened
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter
In a bowl combine the softened butter with minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, and kosher salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated into a smooth compound butter. Set aside at room temperature.
Step 2: Prep the Turkey
Pat the turkey completely dry with paper towels inside and out. Carefully loosen the skin over the breast and thighs using your fingers, then spread half the herb butter directly onto the meat under the skin. Rub the remaining butter all over the outside of the turkey.
Step 3: Roast the Turkey
Place the turkey breast-side up on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan. Roast in a preheated 325F oven, basting every 45 minutes with pan drippings, until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165F, approximately 3 to 4 hours.
Step 4: Rest and Carve
Remove the turkey from the oven and tent loosely with aluminum foil. Allow it to rest for at least 30 minutes before carving so the juices redistribute throughout the meat. Carve and serve immediately with pan drippings on the side.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- fresh rosemary → 1 tsp dried rosemary works well when fresh is unavailable
- unsalted butter → olive oil can be used for a dairy-free alternative
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Skipping the resting period which causes all the juices to run out when carved
- Not drying the turkey skin thoroughly which prevents it from becoming crispy
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 480 calories, 62g protein, 2g carbs, 24g fat, 0g fiber.
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