Herb-roasted turkey with garlic butter is a classic and savory choice for holiday gatherings or special occasions. This turkey recipe combines a rich garlic butter rub infused with fresh herbs, resulting in a beautifully golden, juicy bird with a crisp, flavorful skin. Roasting with aromatic herbs and garlic adds depth to the flavor, making each bite tender and memorable.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the steps to prepare this show-stopping herb-roasted turkey with garlic butter, along with tips for keeping it juicy and ensuring a beautiful roast.

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1. Ingredients for Herb-Roasted Turkey with Garlic Butter

Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful turkey:

• Whole Turkey – 12-14 lbs, thawed if frozen
• Butter – 1 cup (2 sticks), softened
• Garlic – 6 cloves, minced
• Fresh Herbs – 2 tablespoons each, chopped (parsley, rosemary, thyme, and sage)
• Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons
• Salt and Black Pepper – to taste
• Lemon – 1, halved
• Onion – 1, quartered
• Carrots and Celery – 2-3 stalks each, cut into large chunks (for roasting pan)

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2. Step-by-Step Instructions for Herb-Roasted Turkey with Garlic Butter

Follow these steps to make a golden, juicy, herb-roasted turkey:

Step 1: Prepare the Turkey

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Remove the turkey’s giblets and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan. Tuck the wings under the body to prevent burning.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Herb Butter

1. In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs, salt, and black pepper.
2. Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Season the Turkey with Garlic Herb Butter

1. Loosen the turkey skin by gently running your fingers between the skin and the breast meat, being careful not to tear the skin.
2. Rub half of the garlic herb butter mixture under the skin on the turkey breast. Spread the remaining butter all over the turkey skin, coating evenly.
3. Season the inside of the cavity with salt and black pepper, then stuff it with the lemon halves, onion, and any leftover fresh herbs.

Step 4: Add Vegetables to the Roasting Pan

1. Arrange carrots, celery, and any remaining onion pieces around the turkey in the roasting pan. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Roast the Turkey

1. Roast the turkey in the preheated oven, basting every 45 minutes with the pan drippings. (Use a spoon or baster to drizzle the juices over the turkey to keep it moist.)
2. Roast for 13-15 minutes per pound or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast and 175°F (80°C) in the thigh.
3. If the turkey browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil for the remaining roasting time.

Step 6: Rest and Carve the Turkey

1. Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender.
2. Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges, if desired. Carve and serve warm.

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3. Tips for Perfect Herb-Roasted Turkey with Garlic Butter

3.1 Pat the Turkey Dry

Patting the turkey dry ensures the skin roasts to a crisp golden brown and allows the butter to stick.

3.2 Season Under the Skin

Rubbing the herb butter under the skin infuses the meat with flavor while keeping it moist and tender.

3.3 Use a Meat Thermometer

For accuracy, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. This helps avoid overcooking or undercooking.

3.4 Baste for Extra Moisture

Basting every 45 minutes keeps the turkey moist and enhances the flavor with pan drippings.

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4. Flavor Variations

4.1 Lemon and Garlic Herb Turkey

Add extra lemon zest to the garlic butter for a bright, citrusy note that complements the herbs.

4.2 Maple Herb-Butter Turkey

Mix in a tablespoon of maple syrup with the butter for a hint of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the herbs.

4.3 Smoky Herb Turkey

Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the herb butter for a subtle smoky flavor that complements the roasted garlic.

4.4 Sage and Apple-Stuffed Turkey

Add chopped apples along with the herbs and lemon inside the turkey cavity for a sweet, fragrant twist.

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5. Serving Suggestions

Herb-roasted turkey pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are some classic pairings:

• With Mashed Potatoes: A must-have classic for a creamy, comforting addition.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans for color and texture.
• With Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce balances the richness of the turkey.
• With Stuffing and Gravy: Traditional stuffing and gravy complete the classic turkey dinner spread.

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6. Storing Leftovers

Store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Reheat gently to keep the meat tender.

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7. Making Ahead for Gatherings

Preparing the herb-roasted turkey in advance is easy with these steps:

1. Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter: Mix the herb butter up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate.
2. Season the Turkey: Rub the turkey with the herb butter, cover, and refrigerate up to a day before roasting.
3. Roast on the Day of Serving: Bring the turkey to room temperature for 1 hour before roasting to ensure even cooking.

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FAQ

1. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, use half the amount of dried herbs as they are more concentrated in flavor than fresh herbs.

2. Should I brine the turkey?

Brining can add extra moisture and flavor but is optional. This garlic butter recipe keeps the turkey juicy without brining.

3. How do I prevent the turkey from drying out?

Basting with pan drippings and covering with foil if it browns too quickly helps retain moisture.

4. Can I use salted butter for the garlic herb butter?

Yes, but reduce added salt in the recipe to avoid over-seasoning.

5. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free butter alternative or olive oil instead of butter for the herb rub.

6. What size turkey should I buy?

For this recipe, a 12-14 lb turkey serves approximately 8-10 people.

7. Can I use this recipe for a turkey breast instead of a whole turkey?

Yes, adjust the cooking time based on the weight of the turkey breast (about 20 minutes per pound).

8. How do I carve a turkey properly?

Let it rest, then start by removing the legs and wings. Slice breast meat against the grain for tender, juicy slices.

9. How can I keep the turkey warm before serving?

Cover loosely with foil after resting to retain warmth, or keep it in a 200°F oven until ready to serve.

10. What do I do with the pan drippings?

Use the flavorful drippings to make a delicious gravy or drizzle over the turkey slices for added moisture.

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Herb-roasted turkey with garlic butter is a flavorful, golden centerpiece that’s easy to make and perfect for gatherings. With tender meat, crispy skin, and the aromatic infusion of herbs and garlic, this turkey is sure to be a hit at any special occasion or holiday feast. Enjoy!