11/21/2025
Herb Butter Turkey
Instant-read digital thermometer
Disposable roasting pan
Large serving platter
Ingredients:
1 (12–20 lb) turkey*
1 onion, peeled and quartered
1 lemon, quartered
1 apple, quartered75 oz container fresh rosemary*
0.75 oz container fresh thyme*
0.75 oz container fresh sage*
Herb Butter
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
6–8 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh chopped rosemary
1 tbsp fresh chopped thyme
1/2 tbsp fresh chopped sage
Use the remaining fresh herbs for stuffing the turkey cavity.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Turkey
If frozen: thaw in the fridge 24 hours per 5 pounds (add 1 extra day to be safe).
Remove from fridge 1 hour before roasting to bring to room temperature.
2. Preheat & Prepare Oven
Adjust oven rack to center and preheat to 325°F.
3. Make Herb Butter
Combine softened butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, 1 tbsp rosemary, 1 tbsp thyme, and 1/2 tbsp sage.
4. Prep the Turkey
Remove packaging, neck, and giblets (reserve for gravy or discard).
Pat turkey dry with paper towels.
Season cavity with salt and pepper.
Stuff cavity with quartered lemon, onion, apple, and leftover herbs.
5. Apply Herb Butter
Loosen skin above breasts and smooth a few tablespoons of herb butter under the skin.
Tuck wings underneath and place turkey on a roasting rack inside the roasting pan.
Microwave remaining butter 30 seconds until soft. Brush all over turkey legs, wings, and outside.
6. Roast the Turkey
Roast at 325°F: ~13–15 minutes per pound, until internal temperature reaches 165°F in the middle of thigh and breast.
Halfway through cooking: once skin is golden brown, tent turkey with foil to prevent overcooking.
7. Rest & Carve
Let turkey rest 20–30 minutes before carving.
Reserve drippings for gravy. Carving guide here
Tips & Notes:
Turkey Size: For a smaller crowd or more white meat, try a Turkey Breast recipe.
Dried Herbs Substitution: 1 tsp dried = 1 tbsp fresh.
Tinfoil Tips: Start uncovered, tent after golden brown. Can use roasting pan lid as foil alternative.
Disposable Roasting Pan: Place chopped celery & carrots at bottom to elevate turkey and add flavor to drippings (do not use vegetables in gravy).
Oven Types: Electric Oven - same directions; Convection Oven - cook faster, start checking temp after 2 hours.
Footer: Wishing you a joyful and delicious Thanksgiving!
