Name: Perfect Roast Turkey with Herb Butter
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 3 h 30 min
Total time: 4 h 50 min
Yield: 10
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs), thawed; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped; 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped; 2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 lemon, halved; 1 onion, quartered; 3 cups chicken broth (for basting)

Elevate your Christmas dinner with this juicy, golden-brown roast turkey infused with herb butter. This recipe combines fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage with creamy butter, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. Roasted to perfection with a crisp skin and tender meat, it’s an ideal centerpiece for holiday celebrations. The secret lies in seasoning the bird generously and basting it regularly. Paired with classic sides, this turkey is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or an intimate dinner, this foolproof recipe ensures your holiday meal is both delicious and memorable.

Recipe Tips and Tricks:

Allow the turkey to rest after roasting for juicy meat.
Use a meat thermometer for precise cooking.
Rub herb butter under the skin for deeper flavor.
Let the turkey brine overnight for extra tenderness.

Yield: Serves 10

Perfect Roast Turkey with Herb Butter

Golden-brown roast turkey with herb butter, juicy and flavorful, perfect for Christmas or any festive holiday dinner.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 3 hours 30 minutes

Additional Time 1 hour

Total Time 4 hours 50 minutes

Ingredients

1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs), thawed
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 lemon, halved
1 onion, quartered
3 cups chicken broth (for basting)

Instructions

Prepare Turkey: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove giblets and pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
Make the Herb Butter: In a bowl, mix butter, rosemary, thyme, sage, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Season the Turkey: Gently loosen the turkey skin and rub half the herb butter underneath. Rub the remaining butter over the outside.
Stuff and Prep: Stuff the cavity with lemon halves and onion quarters for added flavor. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine.
Roast the Turkey: Place the turkey in a roasting pan. Add 2 cups of chicken broth to the pan to keep it moist. Cover with foil and roast for 2 hours.
Baste and Crisp: Remove foil, baste the turkey with pan drippings, and continue roasting uncovered for 1–1.5 hours, basting every 30 minutes.
Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh; it should read 165°F (74°C).
Rest and Serve: Let the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes before carving. This locks in the juices for a perfect finish.

Notes

Use high-quality, fresh herbs for the best flavor.
Keep the basting liquid warm to avoid cooling the turkey during cooking.
Leftovers make excellent sandwiches or soup bases.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 183Total Fat 19gSaturated Fat 12gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 6gCholesterol 53mgSodium 749mgCarbohydrates 3gFiber 1gSugar 1gProtein 2g

The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.