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No Fuss Herb Butter Roasted Turkey Recipe

4.8 from 83 reviews
  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 210 minutes
  • Total Time: 230 minutes
  • Yield: 16 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Easy, No Fuss Thanksgiving Turkey recipe delivers a perfectly roasted bird that’s juicy, flavorful, and stress-free. Featuring a fragrant herb butter made with fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage, and stuffed with aromatic lemon, onion, and apple, it’s an ideal centerpiece for your holiday feast. The method guides you step-by-step to achieve a golden-brown, tender turkey with simple preparation and classic roasting techniques.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 12-20 pound turkey
  • 1 onion, peeled and quartered
  • 1 lemon, quartered
  • 1 apple, quartered (your favorite kind)
  • 6-8 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Herbs & Butter

  • 0.75 ounce container fresh rosemary
  • 0.75 ounce container fresh thyme
  • 0.75 ounce container fresh sage
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

Instructions

  1. Thaw the Turkey: If frozen, thaw the turkey in the refrigerator, allowing 24 hours per 5 pounds of turkey plus an extra day for safety.
  2. Bring to Room Temperature: Remove the thawed turkey from the fridge 1 hour before roasting to allow it to come to room temperature.
  3. Prepare Oven and Rack: Adjust the oven rack to the center and preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
  4. Make Herb Butter: Combine softened butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, 1 tablespoon each of fresh rosemary and thyme, and 1/2 tablespoon fresh sage. Reserve remaining herbs for stuffing.
  5. Prep the Turkey: Remove turkey from packaging, take out neck and giblets and set aside if desired. Pat turkey dry thoroughly with paper towels.
  6. Season Cavity and Stuff: Season the turkey cavity with salt and pepper. Stuff it with quartered lemon, onion, apple, and leftover fresh herbs.
  7. Apply Herb Butter Under Skin: Gently loosen skin over the breasts and smooth several tablespoons of herb butter beneath the skin.
  8. Position Turkey: Tuck wings underneath the bird and place turkey on a roasting rack inside a roasting pan.
  9. Brush Exterior with Butter: Microwave remaining herb butter 30 seconds until softened, then brush all over turkey legs, wings, and skin.
  10. Roast the Turkey: Roast at 325°F for 13-15 minutes per pound, until internal temperature reaches 165°F in thickest parts. Check halfway through; once skin is golden, tent with foil to prevent over-browning and breast overcooking. Optionally start roasting tented and uncover last hour to brown.
  11. Rest the Turkey: Remove from oven and let rest tented with foil for 20-30 minutes before carving.
  12. Make Gravy (Optional): Reserve pan drippings for making turkey gravy as desired.

Notes

  • This recipe ensures a foolproof, juicy, and flavorful Thanksgiving turkey with step-by-step guidance.
  • Allowing the turkey to come to room temperature before roasting ensures even cooking.
  • Tenting the turkey with foil after the skin browns prevents the breast meat from drying out.
  • Using fresh herbs in the butter and stuffing adds deep aromatic flavor to the turkey.
  • Resting the turkey after cooking helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 8 oz cooked turkey)
  • Calories: 576 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 518 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 70 g
  • Cholesterol: 264 mg

Find it online: https://emilyquickdinners.com/no-fuss-herb-butter-roasted-turkey-recipe/