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Lighter Herb Butter Roasted Turkey – Easy Holiday Recipe

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A lighter herb butter roasted turkey that delivers juicy meat and crispy skin without the heaviness. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this recipe uses fresh herbs and less butter for a flavorful, crowd-pleasing centerpiece.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 whole turkey, 12-14 pounds, thawed
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 1 lemon, halved
  • 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Take the turkey out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  2. Make the herb butter: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Mix until well incorporated.
  3. Prep the turkey: Remove giblets and neck from cavity. Pat the turkey completely dry with paper towels, inside and out.
  4. Apply the herb butter: Gently loosen the skin over the breast meat. Rub about two-thirds of the herb butter directly onto the breast meat under the skin. Spread remaining butter all over the outside of the turkey.
  5. Stuff the cavity: Place quartered onion, halved lemon, and fresh herb sprigs inside the turkey cavity. Tie legs together with kitchen twine and tuck wing tips under the body.
  6. Set up the pan: Pour chicken broth into the bottom of the roasting pan. Place turkey on the rack breast-side up.
  7. Roast at high heat: Roast at 425°F (220°C) for 30 minutes.
  8. Reduce temperature: Lower oven to 350°F (175°C). Continue roasting, basting every 30 minutes with pan juices. Total roasting time about 2.5 to 3 hours for a 12-14 pound turkey (13 minutes per pound).
  9. Check for doneness: Insert thermometer into thickest part of thigh, avoiding bone. Target 165°F (74°C) for thigh, 160°F (71°C) for breast. Tent with foil if skin browns too quickly.
  10. Rest before carving: Remove from oven and let rest on cutting board for at least 20-30 minutes. Cover loosely with foil.

Notes

Dry the turkey thoroughly for crispy skin. Don’t overstuff the cavity. Baste quickly to avoid heat loss. Let the turkey rest before carving. Use a thermometer for accuracy. For dairy-free, use vegan butter or coconut oil. For a spicy kick, add smoked paprika and cayenne to the herb butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: herb butter roasted turkey, lighter turkey recipe, holiday turkey, roasted turkey, easy turkey recipe, Thanksgiving turkey, Christmas turkey

Find it online: https://sunnysavory.com/lighter-herb-butter-roasted-turkey-easy-holiday-recipe/