Description
A flavorful and festive roast turkey enhanced with herb butter, perfect for holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
- Whole turkey: 1 (12-14 lbs)
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup (softened)
- Fresh rosemary: 2 tablespoons (chopped)
- Fresh thyme: 2 tablespoons (chopped)
- Fresh sage: 2 tablespoons (chopped)
- Garlic: 4 cloves (minced)
- Salt: 2 teaspoons (or to taste)
- Black pepper: 1 teaspoon (or to taste)
- Lemon: 1 (juiced and zested)
- Onion: 1 large (quartered)
- Carrots: 2 (peeled and cut into large chunks)
- Celery: 2 stalks (cut into large chunks)
- Chicken broth: 4 cups (low sodium)
Instructions
- Prepare the turkey by thawing it if frozen, removing giblets, and patting it dry.
- Make the herb butter by mixing softened butter with chopped herbs, garlic, lemon juice, zest, salt, and pepper.
- Season the turkey by loosening the skin and spreading half of the herb butter under the skin, then rub the remaining butter all over the turkey.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and prepare a roasting pan with vegetables. Place the turkey on top and pour chicken broth into the pan.
- Roast the turkey for 13-15 minutes per pound until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), basting every 30-45 minutes.
- Let the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes before carving and serving with pan juices.
Notes
- Choose a fresh turkey for better flavor.
- Consider brining the turkey a day before for added moisture.
- Use leftover turkey creatively in sandwiches, salads, or soups.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 to 3.5 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Herb Butter, Roast Turkey, Holiday Recipe, Festive Meal