Herb Butter Roasted Whole Turkey Recipe is the perfect centerpiece for your holiday table or any special occasion. This recipe delivers crispy golden skin and tender, juicy meat infused with fresh herbs and garlic butter. It’s surprisingly easy to prepare, making it a great choice for cooks of any skill level. Pair it with my Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole for a complete classic meal your family will love.
Why You'll Love Herb Butter Roasted Whole Turkey Recipe – Easy Homemade Thanksgiving Classic
This Herb Butter Roasted Whole Turkey Recipe is easy to make, juicy, and packed with savory herbs perfect for a family-friendly holiday feast.
- Simple preparation with pantry staples and fresh herbs
- Crispy, golden skin with juicy, flavorful meat inside
- Perfect for holidays or any family dinner
- Great for leftovers and meal prep
Ingredients for Herb Butter Roasted Whole Turkey Recipe – Easy Homemade Thanksgiving Classic
Butter: Unsalted is best to control salt levels; can substitute with olive oil for dairy-free.Fresh herbs: Rosemary, thyme, and sage provide classic flavor. Use dried herbs in half the quantity if fresh unavailable.
- Butter: Unsalted is best to control salt levels; can substitute with olive oil for dairy-free.
- Fresh herbs: Rosemary, thyme, and sage provide classic flavor. Use dried herbs in half the quantity if fresh unavailable.
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for Herb Butter Roasted Whole Turkey Recipe – Easy Homemade Thanksgiving Classic are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Herb Butter Roasted Whole Turkey Recipe – Easy Homemade Thanksgiving Classic
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Prepare the turkey: Remove the giblets and pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before roasting.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Make herb butter: In a bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage), salt, pepper, and paprika.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Apply and stuff: Gently loosen the skin from the turkey breast by sliding hands underneath. Spread half the herb butter under the skin evenly. Rub remaining butter all over the skin. Stuff the cavity with lemon halves, onion quarters, and garlic halves along with a few herb sprigs.
Expert Tips for Herb Butter Roasted Whole Turkey Recipe – Easy Homemade Thanksgiving Classic
- Dry the turkey skin thoroughly before applying butter for maximum crispiness.
- Loosen skin carefully to avoid tearing for even herb butter distribution.
- Rest the turkey covered loosely with foil to keep warm and juicy.
Herb Butter Roasted Whole Turkey Recipe – Easy Homemade Thanksgiving Classic
This Herb Butter Roasted Whole Turkey Recipe is easy to make, juicy, and packed with savory herbs perfect for a family-friendly holiday feast.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 (12-14 lb) whole turkey, thawed
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 medium onion, quartered
- 1 head garlic, halved horizontally
- Fresh herbs: 4 sprigs rosemary, 4 sprigs thyme, 4 sprigs sage
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional Toppings
- Gravy (use pan drippings)
- Fresh herb sprigs for garnish
Instructions
How to Make Herb Butter Roasted Whole Turkey Recipe
- Prepare the turkey: Remove the giblets and pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before roasting.
- Make herb butter: In a bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage), salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Apply and stuff: Gently loosen the skin from the turkey breast by sliding hands underneath. Spread half the herb butter under the skin evenly. Rub remaining butter all over the skin. Stuff the cavity with lemon halves, onion quarters, and garlic halves along with a few herb sprigs.
- Roast: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place turkey breast side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Drizzle olive oil over turkey. Roast about 13 minutes per pound, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh. Baste occasionally with pan drippings for extra juiciness.
- Rest and serve: Let turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra herb sprigs. Serve with your favorite sides.
Nutrition (per serving)
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended (texture changes).
- Serve/Reheat: Best chilled or at room temperature.
Herb Butter Roasted Whole Turkey Recipe – Easy Homemade Thanksgiving Classic FAQs
Yes, you can prepare the herb butter and season the turkey a day ahead. Keep it covered in the fridge and roast when ready.
If fresh herbs are unavailable, use dried rosemary, thyme, and sage at half the quantity called for in fresh herbs.
Store leftover turkey in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Dry turkey often results from overcooking. Use a meat thermometer and remove the turkey at 165°F internal temperature. Resting the turkey also helps retain moisture.
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- my Bacon Loaded Green Bean Casserole
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Before You Go
If you try this Herb Butter Roasted Whole Turkey Recipe – Easy Homemade Thanksgiving Classic, I’d love for you to leave a rating or share how you customized it.