Classic Herb Roasted Turkey

Name: Classic Herb Roasted Turkey
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 3 h 30 min
Total time: 3 h 50 min
Yield: 10
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 whole turkey, about 12 to 14 pounds; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped; 1 tablespoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 lemon, halved; 1 onion, quartered

This is the perfect centerpiece for your next big family gathering or holiday meal.

By Enzo81 Kitchen· American· November 1, 2026

enzo81.xyz

Prep

20 minutes

Cook

3 hours 30 minutes

Total

3 hours 50 minutes

Serves

There is something truly special about sitting down to a golden, herb crusted turkey. It is the kind of dish that brings everyone together and makes the whole house smell wonderful while it roasts in the oven.

My best tip for a juicy bird is to let it rest for at least thirty minutes before carving. This simple step keeps all the flavorful juices inside where they belong instead of on your cutting board.

Ingredients

1 whole turkey, about 12 to 14 pounds
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 lemon, halved
1 onion, quartered

8Instructions

1
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
2
Remove the giblets from the turkey and pat the bird dry with paper towels.
3
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4
Loosen the skin on the turkey breast and rub half of the butter mixture underneath the skin. Rub the remaining butter all over the outside of the turkey.
5
Place the lemon and onion pieces inside the main cavity of the bird.
6
Place the turkey on a rack in a large roasting pan.
7
Roast for about 3 to 3.5 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
8
Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest on a cutting board for 30 minutes before carving.

Tips

Serve with extra pan drippings for a quick gravy. Store any leftover meat in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze leftovers for quick additions to soups or sandwiches later on.

#dinner #holiday #gluten free #high protein #classic

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