Should I put butter on my turkey before baking?

Yes! Butter helps keep the turkey moist and adds rich flavor. For the best results, use herb butter—a mix of softened butter, garlic, and fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage.

What herbs are good for roasting turkey?

Classic herbs like rosemary, thyme, sage, and parsley are perfect for roasting turkey. They add earthy, aromatic flavors that complement the natural taste of the meat.

Should I roast my turkey at 325 or 350?

Both temperatures work, but 325°F is ideal for even cooking and a juicier turkey. If you’re short on time, 350°F will cook it faster but requires careful monitoring to avoid drying out the meat.

Do you put butter on top of turkey or under the skin?

Both! Rubbing herb butter under the skin helps flavor the meat directly, while brushing it on top creates a golden, crispy skin. Don’t forget to season the cavity too!

Roast Turkey with Herb Butter Recipe

Name: Roast Turkey with Herb Butter Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: PT-483747H5M28S
Total time: PT-483747H5M28S
Ingredients: 1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs), thawed; 1 onion, quartered; 1 lemon, halved; 1 head of garlic, halved; Fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage sprigs (for cavity); For the Herb Butter:; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper

Description

A golden, juicy roast turkey enhanced with rich herb butter, garlic, and fresh herbs, making it the perfect centerpiece for holiday dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Turkey:

1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs), thawed

1 onion, quartered

1 lemon, halved

1 head of garlic, halved

Fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage sprigs (for cavity)

For the Herb Butter:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped

2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped

2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place a roasting rack in a large roasting pan.

Prepare Turkey: Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey cavity. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Stuff the cavity with the onion, lemon, garlic, and herb sprigs.
Make Herb Butter: In a bowl, combine the softened butter, rosemary, thyme, sage, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Butter the Turkey: Gently loosen the turkey skin over the breast and legs using your fingers. Spread half of the herb butter under the skin, and rub the remaining butter over the skin.
Roast Turkey: Place the turkey on the roasting rack. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wings under the bird. Roast the turkey in the oven for 3–3.5 hours, basting every 30 minutes with pan juices.
Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The thickest part of the breast should reach 165°F (74°C) and the thighs should reach 170°F (77°C).
Rest Turkey: Remove the turkey from the oven and tent loosely with foil. Let it rest for 20–30 minutes before carving.
Carve and Serve: Slice the turkey and serve with your favorite sides.

Notes

Turkey Size: Adjust the roasting time for different-sized turkeys. The general rule is 13–15 minutes per pound at 325°F (165°C).

Basting Tip: For extra crispiness, baste the turkey with herb butter or pan drippings every 30 minutes.

Gravy Idea: Use the flavorful drippings to create a rich gravy. Combine drippings with flour and broth over medium heat.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 3–3.5 hours (for a 12–14 lb turkey)
Category: Dinner

Nutrition

Serving Size: based on 12 servings from a 12 lb turkey
Calories: 420 kcal
Sodium: 220mg
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 55g

Keywords: Roast Turkey with Herb Butter Recipe