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Herb Butter Roast Turkey Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 56 reviews

This Herb Butter Roast Turkey recipe features a flavorful and juicy turkey enhanced with a citrus and herb butter rub. Infused with fresh sage, rosemary, and thyme along with zesty orange and lemon, this classic roast turkey is perfect for holiday feasts or special occasions. Slow roasted to perfection, it results in tender, aromatic meat with crispy skin.

Ingredients

Scale

Herb Butter

  • 1 navel orange (juiced and zested)
  • 1 lemon (juiced and zested)
  • 3 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 4 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)

Turkey and Stuffing

  • 16 pound turkey (thawed if frozen)
  • 1/2 orange (cut in two wedges)
  • 1 lemon (cut in quarters)
  • 1/2 granny smith apple (cut in two wedges)
  • 1 garlic head (cut in half)
  • 5 sprigs of fresh sage
  • 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
  • 5 sprigs of fresh thyme
  • Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Citrus Herb Butter: In a small bowl, thoroughly combine orange juice and zest, lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, chopped sage, rosemary, thyme, salt, black pepper, and softened unsalted butter. Set this flavorful butter mixture aside.
  2. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit to preheat, ensuring it’s hot enough for the initial roasting phase.
  3. Prepare the Turkey: Rinse the turkey inside and out, then pat the skin dry with paper towels. Place the turkey breast-side up on a roasting rack inside a large roasting pan.
  4. Stuff the Turkey Cavity: Insert the orange wedges, lemon quarters, apple wedges, halved garlic head, and fresh herb sprigs (sage, rosemary, thyme) into the cavity of the bird to infuse aromatic flavors during roasting.
  5. Tuck Wing Tips: Carefully tuck the wing tips underneath the turkey to prevent them from burning and ensure even cooking.
  6. Loosen the Skin: Gently run your hand between the skin and breast meat, working down towards the legs to create space for the butter mixture under the skin.
  7. Apply Butter Under and Over Skin: Take one-quarter of the citrus herb butter and rub it thoroughly under the loosened skin over the breast and leg meat. Repeat on the opposite side. Then, spread the remaining butter mixture evenly over the entire skin of the turkey.
  8. Season Turkey: Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper over the breast and legs for additional seasoning. Tie the turkey legs together using kitchen twine to maintain shape and promote even cooking.
  9. Roasting Phase One: Place the turkey in the lowest oven rack and roast at 500°F for 30 minutes. This initial high heat helps crisp the skin.
  10. Roasting Phase Two: Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F. Insert a probe thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh and set the alarm to 161°F. Roast for approximately 2 to 2 1/2 hours more, until the internal temperature reaches 161°F, ensuring the turkey is fully cooked.
  11. Rest the Turkey: Remove the turkey from the oven, cover it loosely with foil, and let it rest for about 30 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute for moist, tender meat.

Notes

  • Ensure the turkey is fully thawed before cooking for even roasting.
  • Using a probe thermometer prevents overcooking and helps achieve optimal doneness.
  • Resting the turkey after roasting is essential to retain juiciness and improve carving.
  • Tucking the wings prevents them from burning during the high heat phase.
  • The citrus and herb butter can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated.

Keywords: Herb Butter Roast Turkey, Roast Turkey, Holiday Turkey, Thanksgiving Turkey, Citrus Herb Turkey

Find it online: https://foodbylina.com/herb-butter-roast-turkey-recipe/