Description

A juicy, golden Thanksgiving turkey roasted with garlic herb butter for a flavorful, aromatic centerpiece. Crispy skin, succulent meat, and simple preparation make it a holiday favorite.

Ingredients

12 to 14 lb whole turkey, thawed if frozen

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 onion, quartered

1 lemon, halved

1 apple, quartered

4 sprigs rosemary

4 sprigs thyme

2 cups chicken broth (or turkey stock)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
Remove the neck and giblets from the turkey. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels and place it on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan.
In a bowl, mix the softened butter, olive oil, chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Loosen the skin over the turkey breast with your fingers and rub half the herb butter under the skin. Spread the remaining herb butter over the outside of the turkey.
Stuff the turkey cavity with the quartered onion, halved lemon, quartered apple, and herb sprigs.
Tuck the wings under and tie the legs together with kitchen twine.
Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the roasting pan.
Roast the turkey uncovered for 13–15 minutes per pound, basting with pan juices every 45 minutes.
If the skin browns too quickly, tent the turkey loosely with aluminum foil.
When the internal temperature in the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C), remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving.

Notes

To brighten flavor, add orange slices or zest to the cavity.

For a spicy kick, add a dash of cayenne to the herb butter.

Brining the turkey overnight enhances moisture and flavor.

Use vegan butter or olive/coconut oil for a dairy-free version.

Dried herbs can be used in place of fresh (use 1/3 the amount).

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheat with broth in a covered baking dish at 300°F; uncover last few minutes to crisp skin.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 6 oz cooked turkey)
Calories: 410
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 370mg
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 145mg