Herb Roasted Turkey
Ingredients
- 1 fresh or frozen whole turkey
12 to 18 pound
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ½ cup butter
softened
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried rubbed sage
or 1 tablespoon fresh
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
or 1 tablespoon fresh
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 small yellow onion
peeled and quartered
- 1 carrot
scrubbed clean and cut into chunks
- 4 cups low sodium chicken or turkey broth
divided
- 1 recipe Easy Turkey Gravy
Directions
- 1
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Remove the turkey from its packaging and place it on a foil-lined baking sheet or cutting board. Check both turkey cavities and remove and discard the giblets and neck (or reserve if using for another purpose). Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
- 2
In a small bowl, combine softened butter, olive oil, garlic powder, sage, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Carefully lift skin on the breasts of the turkey and push your hand in, lifting the skin from the breast. Scoop up some of the butter mixture with your hand and spread it under the skin of both turkey breasts. Spread most of the remaining butter mixture over the outside of the turkey, reserving a little for later. Stuff the onion and carrot into the larger turkey cavity. Transfer the turkey to a rack in a large roasting pan. Tuck the wings securely under the body. Spread the remainder of the butter mixture over the turkey in places that might have been missed. Pour about 2 cups of the broth into the bottom of the roasting pan.
- 3
Transfer the roasting pan to the preheated oven. Allow the turkey to roast for an hour and then baste it once every 30 to 40 minutes throughout the remainder of the baking time, adding additional broth if needed. After two hours, rotate the pan in the oven to ensure even browning. Tent with foil once skin is browned to your liking. Roast until the internal temperature of the meatiest portion of the thigh registers a solid 165 degrees F. The roasting time should range from 3 to 4-½ hours for a 12 to 18 pound turkey.
- 4
Remove the turkey from the oven, tent it loosely with foil, and allow it to rest for at least 30 minutes before carving.
- 5
After transferring the turkey to a cutting board, get started on the Easy Turkey Gravy.
- 6
Separate the leg and thigh from one side and separate the drumstick from the thigh bone.
Herb Roasted Turkey
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About this Recipe
Transform your holiday table with a truly spectacular centerpiece: this Herb Roasted Turkey. Forget dry, bland birds – get ready for a tender, juicy turkey that's bursting with flavor, making every gathering unforgettable.
Why This Herb Roasted Turkey Shines
The secret to this exceptional turkey lies in its rich butter and garlic-herb rub, which infuses the meat with incredible flavor while ensuring a golden, crispy skin. This method guarantees a moist interior, with a simple blend of sage, thyme, salt, and pepper that perfectly complements the natural taste of the turkey. It's a foolproof approach to a show-stopping roast that delivers on taste and texture.
What to Expect
Anticipate a gloriously golden-brown turkey, its skin perfectly crisp and infused with aromatic herbs. Beneath that beautiful exterior, you'll find incredibly tender, succulent meat, seasoned perfectly from the garlic, sage, and thyme rub. The flavor profile is classic and comforting, a testament to traditional holiday feasting. This recipe focuses on creating a truly juicy turkey that will be the talk of your holiday meal, providing generous servings for a joyful gathering.
Customization & Variations
While this recipe uses dried rubbed sage and dried thyme, you can easily elevate the aroma by swapping them for fresh herbs in the specified proportions. Feel free to experiment with additional aromatics like fresh rosemary tucked into the cavity. If you don't have chicken broth on hand, turkey broth works just as well to keep the flavors consistent.
This Herb Roasted Turkey is the quintessential dish for your most cherished holiday gatherings. It's ideally served with a rich, homemade Easy Turkey Gravy, which can be prepared alongside.