Are you ready to impress your family and friends with a show-stopping centerpiece for your next gathering? Look no further than our "Easy Herb Butter Roast Turkey"! This succulent turkey, infused with aromatic herbs and roasted to golden perfection, is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delight for the taste buds. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of love, you can create a mouthwatering dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Dive into our recipe and discover the secrets to achieving that perfectly crispy skin and juicy, flavorful meat that will make your holiday celebrations unforgettable!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 3 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 3 hrs 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs)
- 1 cup herb butter (mixed with parsley, thyme, and rosemary)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
Instructions
- Remove the turkey from the refrigerator 1 hour before roasting to allow it to come to room temperature. This helps ensure even cooking.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Position the oven rack in the lowest position to accommodate the large turkey.
- Pat the turkey dry completely with paper towels. This helps the skin become crispy and allows the herb butter to adhere better.
- Carefully separate the skin from the turkey breast using your fingers, creating a pocket. Spread half of the herb butter underneath the skin, massaging it evenly across the breast meat.
- Rub the remaining herb butter all over the exterior of the turkey. Season generously with salt and pepper, ensuring even coverage.
- Place the quartered onion, chopped carrots, and celery stalks in the bottom of a large roasting pan. These vegetables will add flavor to the pan drippings.
- Place the turkey breast-side up on top of the vegetable bed. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan to prevent drippings from burning.
- Loosely tent the turkey with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning. The foil will be removed during the last hour of cooking.
- Roast the turkey in the preheated oven. Calculate approximately 15 minutes per pound. For a 12-14 lb turkey, this means about 3-
- 5 hours of total cooking time.
- Remove the foil during the last hour of cooking to allow the skin to turn golden brown and crispy.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The turkey is done when the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 20-30 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist meat.
- Carve the turkey and serve with the roasted vegetables from the pan. Drizzle some of the pan juices over the meat for extra flavor.
Tips
- Let It Rest: Always remember to remove the turkey from the refrigerator at least an hour before roasting. This step allows the turkey to come to room temperature, promoting even cooking throughout.
- Crispy Skin Magic: For that irresistible crispy skin, make sure to pat the turkey dry with paper towels before applying the herb butter. The drier the skin, the better it will crisp up in the oven.
- Herb Butter Under the Skin: Don’t skip the step of spreading herb butter under the skin! This technique infuses the meat with flavor and helps keep it moist during roasting.
- Use a Roasting Rack: If you have one, place the turkey on a roasting rack in the pan. This allows hot air to circulate around the turkey, ensuring even cooking and a beautifully browned exterior.
- Check Temperature: Invest in a good meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The turkey is perfectly cooked when it reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Rest Before Carving: After roasting, let the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes before carving. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making each slice juicy and tender.
- Don’t Waste the Drippings: Use the pan drippings to make a delicious gravy or drizzle over the carved turkey for an extra burst of flavor.Follow these tips, and you’ll have a stunning roast turkey that will be the highlight of your meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
