Roast Turkey with Garlic Herb Butter is a classic dish that is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive occasion. This recipe features a succulent turkey roasted to perfection, infused with a rich garlic herb butter that enhances the flavor and keeps the meat moist. With crispy skin and juicy meat, this turkey is sure to be the centerpiece of your holiday feast!

Ingredients List

For the Turkey:

• 12-14 lb (5.4-6.3 kg) whole turkey, thawed
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (for basting)

For the Garlic Herb Butter:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
• 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• Salt and pepper to taste

Timing

Preparing Roast Turkey with Garlic Herb Butter takes about 30 minutes of prep time and 3-4 hours of cooking time, depending on the size of the turkey.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter

1. Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
2. Chill: Place the garlic herb butter in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Turkey

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Clean the Turkey: Remove the turkey from its packaging and remove the giblets and neck from the cavity. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
3. Season the Turkey: Generously season the inside of the turkey cavity with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Apply Garlic Herb Butter

1. Loosen Skin: Carefully loosen the skin of the turkey breast without tearing it. You can use your fingers or a spoon to gently separate the skin from the meat.
2. Spread Butter: Take the chilled garlic herb butter and spread it under the skin of the turkey breast and over the outside of the turkey. Make sure to cover the entire surface for maximum flavor.
3. Truss the Turkey: Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wing tips under the body to prevent burning.

Step 4: Roast the Turkey

1. Place in Roasting Pan: Place the turkey breast side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan to keep the turkey moist.
2. Roast: Roast the turkey in the preheated oven, basting every 30 minutes with the pan juices. Cooking time will vary based on the size of the turkey:

• Approximately 13-15 minutes per pound.
• Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast and thigh.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

1. Rest the Turkey: Once the turkey reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the oven and tent it loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute.
2. Carve and Serve: Carve the turkey and serve with your favorite sides. Drizzle with pan juices for added flavor.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick glance at the nutritional profile of Roast Turkey with Garlic Herb Butter (per serving, based on 12 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	350
Protein	30g
Fat	24g
Carbohydrates	0g
Fiber	0g
Sugar	0g

Tips for Customization

• Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with other herbs such as parsley, dill, or tarragon for different flavor profiles.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the garlic herb butter for a bit of heat and smokiness.
• Stuffing: If desired, you can stuff the turkey with your favorite stuffing recipe before roasting.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Store any leftover roast turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.

Conclusion

Roast Turkey with Garlic Herb Butter is a flavorful and impressive dish that will be the highlight of any holiday meal. The combination of tender meat, crispy skin, and aromatic garlic herb butter creates a delicious experience that your guests will love. Enjoy this festive dish with your favorite sides for a truly memorable feast!

FAQs

Can I prepare the turkey the night before?

Yes, you can prepare the turkey and apply the garlic herb butter the night before. Cover and refrigerate it overnight for enhanced flavor.

How do I know when the turkey is done?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast and thigh.

What sides pair well with roast turkey?

Classic sides include mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, green beans, and dinner rolls.