Print

Garlic Herb Butter Roast Turkey: The Incredible Ultimate Recipe for a Delicious Feast Recipe

4.9 from 121 reviews

This Garlic Herb Butter Roast Turkey recipe delivers a juicy, flavorful centerpiece perfect for family dinners or holiday feasts. The turkey is brushed with a fragrant blend of garlic, fresh herbs, and butter, then roasted to golden perfection with a moist, tender interior. Simple to prepare and impressively delicious, this method ensures a moist turkey with a crisp, aromatic skin.

Ingredients

Scale

Turkey and Butter Mixture

  • 1 whole turkey (1215 pounds)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 10 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh sage, finely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Additional Ingredients

  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • Fresh herbs (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for the initial roasting phase.
  2. Prepare Turkey: Remove the turkey from its packaging, take out the giblets and neck, then pat the turkey dry thoroughly with paper towels to help the skin crisp up.
  3. Make Garlic Herb Butter: In a bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, and black pepper until evenly combined to create a flavorful herb butter.
  4. Apply Herb Butter: Gently separate the skin from the turkey breasts by sliding your hand under the skin without tearing it. Spread half of the herb butter mixture under the skin onto the meat, then massage the remaining butter all over the outside of the turkey.
  5. Season the Cavity: Sprinkle additional salt and pepper inside the turkey cavity to season the interior for deeper flavor.
  6. Truss the Turkey: Tie the turkey legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wing tips under the bird to ensure even cooking and a tidy appearance.
  7. Place in Roasting Pan: Position the turkey breast side up in a roasting pan, then pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan to keep the environment moist during roasting.
  8. Roast the Turkey: Place the pan in the oven and roast for approximately 13 minutes per pound. Use a meat thermometer to check that the thickest part of the breast and thigh reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  9. Baste Periodically: Every 30 minutes, carefully baste the turkey with the pan juices to keep the meat juicy and the skin flavorful.
  10. Final Crisping: During the last hour, if the skin appears less golden than desired, loosely cover the breast with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning while allowing the turkey to finish roasting.
  11. Rest the Turkey: Remove the turkey from the oven and tent it with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 30 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist meat.
  12. Carve and Serve: After resting, carve the turkey and garnish with fresh herbs before serving for an impressive and aromatic presentation.

Notes

  • Allow the turkey to rest properly after roasting to ensure juiciness.
  • Using a meat thermometer is important to avoid under or overcooking.
  • Let the herb butter come to room temperature for easier spreading under the skin.
  • Chicken broth in the roasting pan helps maintain moisture and makes a flavorful base for gravy.
  • Trussing the turkey helps it cook evenly and maintain shape.

Keywords: Garlic Herb Butter Roast Turkey, Thanksgiving turkey, Roast turkey recipe, Holiday turkey, Herb butter turkey, Moist roast turkey