Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Classic Roast Turkey with Herb Butter

Classic Roast Turkey with Herb Butter

This Classic Roast Turkey with Herb Butter is the ultimate centerpiece for your Thanksgiving feast. Juicy, flavorful, and beautifully golden, this turkey is roasted to perfection with aromatic herbs and butter, creating a holiday main dish that’s unforgettable.

  • Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (12 to 14-pound) whole turkey, thawed if frozen
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • Fresh herbs for stuffing (optional)
  • Citrus fruits like lemon or orange for stuffing (optional)

Instructions

  1. Thaw the turkey in the refrigerator, allowing 1 day per 4–5 pounds.
  2. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
  3. Mix softened butter with chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, kosher salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
  4. Remove turkey giblets, pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
  5. Gently lift the skin over the breast and thighs; spread herb butter under the skin and over the exterior.
  6. Stuff the cavity with optional herbs, onion, and citrus if desired.
  7. Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan. Add chicken broth to the pan bottom.
  8. Loosely cover the turkey with foil and roast about 13–15 minutes per pound (roughly 2.5 to 3 hours for a 12-pound bird).
  9. Every 30–45 minutes, remove foil and baste with pan juices.
  10. Turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
  11. Let the turkey rest for 20–30 minutes before carving.

Notes

Add lemon zest or garlic to the herb butter for extra flavor. Save pan drippings to make gravy. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 4 months.

  • Author: Lillian
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice with skin
  • Calories: 340
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 17g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 45g
  • Cholesterol: 140mg

Keywords: Thanksgiving, turkey, herb butter, roast turkey, holiday dinner