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herb roasted turkey

Best Herb Roasted Turkey Recipe for Holidays | Juicy & Crispy Skin

A perfectly roasted turkey is the heart of every unforgettable holiday meal, and this Classic Herb Roasted Turkey recipe delivers everything you want in a festive centerpiece—crispy golden skin, tender juicy meat, and incredible herb-infused flavor. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, Christmas dinner, or a special gathering, this foolproof turkey recipe ensures you’ll impress your guests with a beautifully roasted bird that tastes just as amazing as it looks.

  • Total Time: 3.5 to 4 hours
  • Yield: 12 to 14 servings 1x

Ingredients

For the Turkey

  • 1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs), thawed if frozen

  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt

  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 onion, quartered

  • 1 lemon, halved

  • 1 head garlic, halved

  • 4 sprigs fresh rosemary

  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme

  • 4 sprigs fresh sage

Herb Butter

 

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped

  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped

  • 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prep the Oven & Turkey
    Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove giblets from the turkey cavity and pat the turkey dry with paper towels.

  2. Make the Herb Butter
    In a bowl, mix softened butter with rosemary, thyme, sage, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

  3. Season the Turkey
    Loosen the turkey skin by gently sliding your hand underneath it. Spread half of the herb butter under the skin over the breast and thighs. Spread the remaining butter over the outside of the turkey.

  4. Stuff Aromatics
    Fill the cavity with onion, lemon, garlic, and herb sprigs. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wing tips under the turkey.

  5. Roast
    Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan. Roast for 3 to 3.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. Baste the turkey with pan drippings every 45 minutes.

  6. Rest & Serve
    Let the turkey rest for 20–30 minutes before carving to keep it juicy.

  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 to 3.5 hours depending on size of turkey

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 520mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 52g
  • Cholesterol: 155mg

Find it online: https://greatfoodrecipe.com/classic-herb-roasted-turkey/

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