There’s nothing more festive than the smell of roast turkey filling the house during the holidays. This Classic Roast Turkey with Garlic Herb Butter is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with flavor from fresh herbs and garlic.
The best part? It’s way easier than it looks — even if it’s your first time hosting Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.
If you’ve ever worried about your turkey coming out dry, don’t stress. With this simple garlic herb butter technique, you’ll have a golden, picture-perfect centerpiece that will wow your family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🧈 Garlic herb butter keeps the turkey moist and flavorful.
- 🌿 Fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage add classic holiday aroma.
- 🍋 Citrus and onion inside the cavity = subtle brightness.
- 🎉 A show-stopping main dish that’s surprisingly simple to master.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make the perfect roast turkey:
- 1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs recommended)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lemon (zest + cut in half)
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 3 sprigs each: rosemary, thyme, sage, parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper
- 2 cups chicken broth (for roasting pan)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Turkey
- Thaw turkey completely if frozen.
- Remove giblets and pat dry with paper towels.
2. Make the Garlic Herb Butter
- In a bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, and chopped fresh herbs.
- Season generously with salt and pepper.
3. Season Inside & Out
- Loosen turkey skin gently with your hands.
- Rub half of the butter under the skin, and the rest over the skin and inside cavity.
- Stuff cavity with onion quarters, lemon halves, and extra herb sprigs.
4. Roast
- Place turkey on a rack in a large roasting pan.
- Pour chicken broth into the bottom of the pan.
- Roast at 325°F (163°C), basting occasionally, until internal temp reaches 165°F. (General rule: about 15 minutes per pound.)
5. Rest & Carve
- Remove turkey from oven and let rest 20–30 minutes before carving.
- Garnish with fresh herbs for presentation.
Tips for Success
- Keep it juicy: Don’t skip butter under the skin! That’s the secret to moist turkey.
- Cooking times: Use a meat thermometer, not just time, to ensure doneness.
- Don’t over-baste: Every 30–45 minutes is enough. Too much basting cools the oven.
- Resting is key: Cutting too soon lets the juices run out.
Serving Ideas
This turkey pairs beautifully with:
- Classic stuffing or dressing
- Creamy mashed potatoes and gravy
- Green bean casserole
- Tangy cranberry sauce
Pro tip: Save leftovers for turkey sandwiches or turn them into a cozy turkey noodle soup.
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze carved turkey meat for up to 3 months.
- Reheat in the oven, covered with foil, at 300°F until warmed through.
This Classic Roast Turkey with Garlic Herb Butter is the recipe that will make your holiday meal unforgettable. Whether it’s your first time roasting a turkey or you’re a seasoned cook, this foolproof method guarantees juicy, flavorful results every time.
👉 Don’t forget to Pin this recipe so you’ll have it ready for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner!
Image Credit: https://www.chefmcdowell.com/