Garlic Herb Butter Roast Turkey is a classic centerpiece that brings warmth and delicious aromas to any table. This turkey is coated in a rich mix of garlic, fresh herbs, and butter, which keeps the meat juicy and packed with flavor. The skin turns beautifully golden and crispy, making every bite a tasty treat.
I love making this roast turkey for special dinners because the garlic and herbs give it a cozy, home-cooked feel that everyone seems to enjoy. One tip I’ve found is to gently loosen the skin and spread the garlic herb butter underneath it, so the flavors seep right into the meat. It really makes a difference and keeps the turkey moist throughout the long cooking time.
This turkey goes great with simple sides like mashed potatoes and roasted veggies, but honestly, I enjoy it just as much on its own the next day in a sandwich. It’s one of those meals that brings people together, whether it’s a big holiday feast or a quiet dinner at home. I always find that the warm, herby smell fills the kitchen long before we sit down, making everyone even more excited to eat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey: A whole fresh or thawed turkey around 10-12 pounds works best for even cooking. If you only find frozen, make sure to thaw it completely for juicy meat.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal so you can control saltiness. You can swap it with olive oil for a lighter option, but butter adds richness and crisp skin.
Fresh Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, sage, and parsley bring bright, earthy flavors. If fresh isn’t available, dried herbs can do in a pinch—use about 1/3 the amount.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives best flavor. Garlic powder can be a quick substitute but won’t be as fragrant.
Lemon zest: Adds a fresh, citrusy note that balances the richness. If you don’t have fresh lemon, a splash of lemon juice can help, but less is more.
How Do You Get the Herb Butter Under the Skin Without Tearing It?
Loosening the skin is key to infusing the turkey with flavor and keeping it moist.
- Start by patting the turkey dry to get a grip under the skin.
- Slide your fingers gently under the skin at the neck end, carefully working it loose from the meat without ripping it.
- Work slowly to create pockets, focusing on the breast and thighs.
- Then, spoon or spread the herb butter under the skin evenly so it sticks close to the meat.
- This step locks in flavor directly where the meat cooks, and the skin crisps nicely on top.
It might feel tricky at first, but go slow and feel your way. This little step makes a big difference in juicy, flavorful turkey!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large roasting pan with rack – lets the heat circulate and keeps the turkey from sitting in its juices for crispy skin.
- Meat thermometer – essential for checking the turkey’s doneness without cutting into it and losing juices.
- Kitchen twine – helps you truss the turkey legs for even cooking and a nice shape.
- Small bowl and spoon – for mixing the garlic herb butter easily and spreading it under the skin.
- Sharp carving knife – makes slicing the cooked turkey smooth and neat.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the herb butter for a subtle smoky flavor that deepens the taste.
- Mix in some chopped fresh sage and rosemary for an even more fragrant herb blend.
- Try rubbing the turkey with orange zest and fresh thyme instead of lemon zest for a bright, citrus twist.
- Stuff the cavity with apple quarters and cinnamon sticks for a sweet and warming aroma during roasting.
Garlic Herb Butter Roast Turkey
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Turkey and Butter Mix:
- 1 whole turkey (10-12 pounds), thawed if frozen
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil (optional, for drizzling)
- Kitchen twine (for trussing)
For Stuffing the Turkey:
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 1 lemon, halved
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and then requires roasting time of approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes to 3 hours, depending on your turkey’s weight. Finally, allow 20-30 minutes for resting before carving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Herb Butter:
In a bowl, mix the softened butter with minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, sage, parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is combined into a smooth herb butter.
2. Prepare the Turkey:
Take out any giblets and the neck from inside the turkey’s cavity. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels so it’s ready for the butter.
3. Loosen and Butter Under the Skin:
Gently slide your fingers between the skin and the meat, especially over the breasts and thighs. Carefully loosen the skin without tearing it. Spread about two-thirds of the herb butter beneath the skin, covering the meat evenly. Rub the remaining butter all over the outside of the turkey’s skin for a golden, flavorful crust.
4. Stuff the Cavity:
Place the quartered onion, lemon halves, and fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs inside the turkey’s cavity. This adds aroma and extra flavor from the inside.
5. Tie the Legs and Place in Roasting Pan:
Use kitchen twine to tie the turkey’s legs together. Put the turkey breast-side up on a rack inside a roasting pan or cast iron skillet. Optionally drizzle some olive oil on top to help the skin crisp nicely.
6. Roast the Turkey:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Roast the turkey according to its weight, usually about 13-15 minutes per pound. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh to check for doneness; it should read 165°F (74°C). Every 45 minutes, baste the turkey with its pan juices to keep it juicy.
7. Rest Before Carving:
Once cooked, take the turkey out and loosely cover it with foil. Let it rest 20-30 minutes so the juices settle and keep the meat moist.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with fresh herb sprigs if you like, carve carefully, and serve alongside your favorite side dishes! Enjoy your delicious, golden, and juicy garlic herb butter roast turkey.
Can I Use Frozen Turkey for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the turkey in the refrigerator for several days before cooking. A fully thawed turkey ensures even cooking and juicy results.
How Should I Store Leftover Turkey?
Store leftover turkey in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm it in the oven or microwave with a little broth or pan juices to keep it moist.
Can I Substitute Dried Herbs for Fresh?
Absolutely! Use about one-third the amount when substituting dried herbs for fresh. For example, 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary becomes roughly 2 teaspoons dried rosemary.
Is It Necessary to Loosen the Skin for the Herb Butter?
While optional, loosening the skin and spreading herb butter underneath helps keep the meat moist and infuses it with flavor directly. It also helps crisp the skin beautifully on top.
