Herb Butter Roast Turkey Recipe: Juicy & Flavorful Feast!

Following in the footsteps of our crowd-pleasing Garlic Herb Butter Chicken and Beef Tenderloin Roasts, this Herb Butter Roast Turkey takes center stage. Tender and juicy on the inside with golden, buttery skin that’s packed with flavor, it’s the perfect showstopper for your holiday table.

What Sets This Herb Butter Roast Turkey Apart

After the success of our Garlic Herb Butter Roast Chicken, we’re excited to bring you our incredible Herb Butter Roast Turkey. This roast turkey delivers succulent meat and perfectly crisp, golden skin without the frustration of traditional techniques. No dry roast turkey here! Our straightforward method, paired with a savory garlic herb butter, guarantees bold flavors and juicy results every time.

• No Brining Required: Forget the extra steps! Our recipe skips the brining process without sacrificing flavor or tenderness, saving you time and effort during your holiday prep.
• Rich Flavor Infusion: With garlic, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon in the cavity, every bite bursts with vibrant, aromatic goodness. Similar to our Garlic Herb Butter Roast Chicken, it’s all about layering flavors perfectly.
• Irresistible Crispy Skin: The Garlic Herb Butter transforms the turkey’s skin into a golden-brown masterpiece—crispy, buttery, and utterly addictive. If you loved our Maple Glazed Ham, you’ll know exactly what we mean!

Pair this festive centerpiece with Mashed Potatoes or Honey Roasted Carrots to round out your holiday feast and end with an Easy Apple Crumble for dessert. At Cafe Delites, we combine simplicity and flavor to create unforgettable dishes. What’s on your menu next?

Herb Butter Roast Turkey: Key Ingredients

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The secret to the perfect Herb Butter Roast Turkey lies in the ingredients. Fresh garlic and fragrant herbs infuse every bite with bold flavor, creamy butter ensures juicy meat and golden, crispy skin, and a squeeze of fresh lemon brings a bright, zesty balance. Simple staples, unforgettable results!

• Whole Turkey: Choose a high-quality, fresh turkey for a roast turkey with the best flavor and texture possible. Free-range or organic birds often have more tender meat and richer taste. Pat it dry before seasoning to help achieve that perfect crispy skin.
• Garlic: Use fresh garlic cloves for maximum aroma and flavor. Mince or crush them to release their natural oils, ensuring they evenly infuse the meat with delicious depth.
• Lemon: Select fresh, juicy lemons with firm skin—they’ll release plenty of steam as they roast, keeping the meat moist. Lemon slices in the cavity also brighten the flavors beautifully.
• Olive Oil: Opt for extra virgin olive oil for its robust flavor and high-quality texture. Drizzle generously over the skin to lock in moisture and achieve an even golden-brown crust during roasting.

*Note – See recipe card at the bottom for full list of ingredients and measurements

Cooking Herb Butter Roast Turkey: Step-By-Step

Let’s jump right in! With just a handful of ingredients and an easy-to-follow method, you’ll have a perfectly juicy Herb Butter Roast Turkey that’s golden, flavorful, and ready to wow your guests. Let’s make it happen!

1. Defrost the Turkey: Allow the turkey to fully thaw in the fridge (24 hours per 3-4 lbs/1.5-2 kg). Keep it in its packaging in a deep pan to catch drippings. Remove neck and giblets, rinse inside and out, then pat dry.

2. Herb Butter: Mix softened butter, minced garlic, chopped thyme, salt, and pepper until smooth. Reserve half for later.

• *Pro Tip: For faster thawing, place the turkey in a sealed, leak-proof bag. Submerge it in cold water, allowing 30 minutes per pound (500g). Change the water every 30 minutes to keep it cold. Let the turkey rest at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before cooking.

3. Prepare to Roast: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange halved garlic heads and herbs in a roasting pan for a makeshift rack. Place the turkey breast-side down on top to keep it moist during roasting.

4. Roast the Turkey: Cook uncovered for 30 minutes (<13 lbs/6 kg) or 45 minutes (>14 lbs/7 kg). Flip turkey breast-side up, baste with pan juices, and spread half the reserved butter. Lower oven to 325°F (165°C) and roast for another hour, basting often. Add remaining butter and roast for an additional 30 minutes.

5. Rest the Turkey: Transfer to a cutting board or serving plate. Tent with foil and rest for 15-30 minutes before carving.

6. Make the Gravy: Strain drippings from the pan. Make a roux by melting butter and stirring in flour. Gradually whisk in drippings, adding chicken stock if needed.

• *Pro Tip: Season to taste with salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, or herbs.

Sides are what truly bring a roast turkey feast together! Pair your juicy Herb Butter Roast Turkey with our rich and savory Sausage Stuffing or sweet and caramelized Honey Garlic Roasted Carrots. For comfort classics, whip up creamy Mashed Potatoes or an indulgent Sweet Potato Casserole.

Want more variety? Try buttery Corn On The Cob With Garlic Butter, crispy Roasted Brussel Sprouts With Bacon, or silky Creamed Spinach. For a refreshing touch, a tart Cranberry Sauce is always a winner. And don’t forget dessert—our decadent Chocolate Pecan Pie is the perfect sweet ending! Stay inspired and make every part of your meal unforgettable.