Garlic and herb butter roast turkey is a mouth-watering, golden-brown bird that’s infused with rich garlic flavor, fresh herbs, and plenty of butter. This classic preparation is simple but elegant, resulting in a juicy, flavorful turkey with crisp, golden skin. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive meal, this roast turkey recipe will impress your family and friends while filling your home with the delicious aroma of herbs and garlic.

In this guide, we’ll cover how to make garlic and herb butter roast turkey, with tips for juicy meat, crispy skin, and variations to suit your flavor preferences.

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1. Ingredients for Garlic and Herb Butter Roast Turkey

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

For the Turkey:

• Whole Turkey – 12-14 lbs (adjust cooking time for a larger or smaller bird)
• Salt and Black Pepper – to taste (for seasoning the cavity and outside)

For the Garlic and Herb Butter:

• Unsalted Butter – 1 cup (2 sticks), softened
• Garlic – 6 cloves, minced
• Fresh Herbs – 1/4 cup, finely chopped (a mix of rosemary, thyme, sage, and parsley)
• Lemon Zest – 1 tablespoon (from 1 lemon)
• Salt and Black Pepper – to taste

For the Cavity and Garnish:

• Lemon – 1 large, halved
• Garlic Bulb – 1 bulb, halved crosswise
• Fresh Herbs – a few sprigs of rosemary, thyme, and sage (for inside the cavity)
• Vegetables – carrots, celery, and onions, chopped, for roasting pan (optional)

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2. Step-by-Step Instructions for Garlic and Herb Butter Roast Turkey

Follow these steps to make a juicy, beautifully roasted garlic and herb turkey:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Turkey

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the turkey from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
2. Remove the neck and giblets from the turkey cavity (save them for gravy if desired), and pat the turkey dry with paper towels, inside and out.
3. Season the turkey cavity generously with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Herb Butter

1. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Apply the Herb Butter to the Turkey

1. Gently loosen the skin over the turkey breast by sliding your fingers underneath, being careful not to tear it.
2. Spread about half of the garlic herb butter under the skin of the turkey breast, smoothing it out evenly. This will help flavor the meat and keep it moist.
3. Rub the remaining garlic herb butter over the entire outside of the turkey, making sure to coat it well.

Step 4: Stuff the Cavity and Prep for Roasting

1. Place the lemon halves, halved garlic bulb, and herb sprigs into the cavity of the turkey.
2. If using, place chopped carrots, celery, and onions in the bottom of a roasting pan to create a flavorful base for drippings.
3. Position the turkey breast-side up on a roasting rack in the pan, tucking the wings under the body and tying the legs together with kitchen twine.

Step 5: Roast the Turkey

1. Transfer the turkey to the preheated oven. Roast for 13-15 minutes per pound, basting occasionally with the pan juices.
2. About halfway through cooking, rotate the pan and tent the turkey with foil if it’s browning too quickly.
3. Begin checking for doneness in the final hour of cooking. The turkey is ready when the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F (74°C) on an instant-read thermometer.

Step 6: Rest and Carve the Turkey

1. Remove the turkey from the oven and tent it loosely with foil. Let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and flavorful.
2. Garnish with fresh herbs or citrus slices, if desired, and carve to serve.

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3. Tips for Perfect Garlic and Herb Butter Roast Turkey

3.1 Pat the Turkey Dry for Crisp Skin

Removing excess moisture from the skin helps achieve a golden-brown, crispy exterior.

3.2 Use Room-Temperature Butter

Softened butter is easier to spread and ensures even coverage over and under the skin.

3.3 Baste Occasionally

Basting the turkey every 30-40 minutes with pan juices keeps the skin from drying out and helps it turn golden brown.

3.4 Tent with Foil to Prevent Over-Browning

If the skin is browning too quickly, tent the turkey loosely with foil in the last hour of cooking to prevent burning.

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4. Flavor Variations

4.1 Citrus-Honey Butter Roast Turkey

Add 2 tablespoons of honey and the zest of one orange to the garlic herb butter for a sweet, citrusy flavor that complements the garlic and herbs.

4.2 Rosemary Garlic Butter Roast Turkey

Use an extra tablespoon of finely chopped rosemary in the butter for a bold, woodsy flavor that pairs beautifully with roasted turkey.

4.3 Lemon Thyme Butter Roast Turkey

Add a bit more lemon zest and thyme to the butter for a fresh, zesty twist.

4.4 Spicy Herb Butter Turkey

Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne to the herb butter for a subtle smoky heat that enhances the flavor of the turkey.

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5. Serving Suggestions

Garlic and herb butter roast turkey pairs beautifully with a variety of classic holiday sides. Here are some pairing ideas:

• With Mashed Potatoes and Gravy: Spoon pan drippings over creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting side.
• With Cranberry Sauce: The sweet-tart flavor of cranberry sauce balances the savory turkey perfectly.
• With Stuffing: Sourdough stuffing, cornbread stuffing, or classic herb stuffing all pair wonderfully with roasted turkey.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted Brussels sprouts, green beans, or carrots for a colorful and balanced plate.

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6. Storing Leftovers

Store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze sliced turkey meat in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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7. Making Ahead for Holiday Gatherings

If you’re preparing a large meal, here are some make-ahead tips for roasting turkey:

1. Prepare the Herb Butter: Make the garlic herb butter up to 3 days in advance and store in the refrigerator.
2. Season the Turkey: Apply the butter and seasonings to the turkey the night before, then cover and refrigerate until ready to roast.
3. Prepare the Stuffing Ingredients: Have your cavity ingredients (lemons, garlic, herbs) ready the day before.

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FAQ

1. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, substitute fresh herbs with 1/3 the amount of dried herbs. Fresh herbs offer a more vibrant flavor, but dried herbs work in a pinch.

2. Can I brine the turkey beforehand?

Absolutely! Brining the turkey overnight helps it retain moisture and adds flavor. Be mindful of salt levels in the recipe if using a brined turkey.

3. How can I keep the turkey from drying out?

Basting periodically and tenting with foil if it browns too quickly can help. Letting the turkey rest after cooking also keeps it juicy.

4. Should I cook the turkey covered or uncovered?

Roast the turkey uncovered to help the skin crisp up. If it begins to brown too quickly, tent it with foil in the final hour.

5. Can I use salted butter?

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

6. How do I know when the turkey is done?

Use an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh. The turkey is done at 165°F (74°C).

7. What if I don’t have a roasting rack?

Place the turkey on a bed of chopped vegetables (like carrots, onions, and celery) in the pan to keep it elevated and add flavor.

8. Can I use this recipe with a smaller or larger turkey?

Yes, adjust the cooking time to about 13-15 minutes per pound. For larger turkeys, consider doubling the garlic herb butter.

9. Can I use oil instead of butter?

Butter provides richness and flavor, but olive oil or a mix of both can be used for a dairy-free option.

10. How should I serve this turkey for a festive look?

Serve the carved turkey on a platter with fresh herbs, citrus slices, or even whole roasted garlic heads for a beautiful presentation.

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Garlic and herb butter roast turkey is a classic holiday centerpiece that’s both flavorful and aromatic. With juicy, tender meat and perfectly crispy skin, this turkey is sure to become a favorite family recipe for special occasions. Enjoy this elegant, delicious main course with all your favorite sides and festive trimmings!