Indulge in the rich tradition of our Herb Butter Roasted Turkey, a dish that embodies the spirit of home-cooked meals. With its juicy, tender interior and golden brown skin, this recipe is a true celebration of classic flavors. Create lasting memories with a dish that brings heritage and happiness to your table.
Herb Butter Roasted Turkey
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups butter room temperature
- 1 Tbs fresh rosemary chopped
- 1 Tbs fresh sage chopped
- 1 1/2 tsp fresh thyme destemed
- 10 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups of Pinot Grigio
- 13 pound turkey completely thawed
Instructions
- Remove the turkey from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature for about 1 hour.
- In a small bowl, use a hand mixer to blend the butter, rosemary, sage, thyme, garlic, kosher salt, cayenne, and black pepper. This needs to sit for a minimum of 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Adjust the rack to be at the lowest level in the oven.
- Measure out 1/2 cup of the compound butter and set aside.
- Place the remaining cup of butter in a glass measuring cup and melt the butter .
- Add two cups of white wine to the melted butter. Place a large cheesecloth into the mixture to soak. Set aside.
- Remove the neck and giblets. If the turkey has a pop-up timer, remove it as well.
- Place the turkey, breast side up, on top of a rack in a roasting pan. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
- Generously salt and pepper the cavity of the turkey.
- To butter the breast of the turkey, you will start at the neck and carefully slide your fingers under the skin to loosen it up. Be careful not to rip the skin. Using your fingers, scoop some of the butter and rub it under the loosened skin of the turkey. Repeat this process until you are able to rub about 6 tablespoons of butter compound on this part of the turkey. Rub the remaining 2 Tbs of butter over the top of the skin, make sure to cover the breast, legs, thighs, and wings of the turkey.
- Prepare the turkey for roasting. Use some kitchen string to tie the legs together, if needed. Fold the tips of the wings under the turkey. Fold the neck flap under and use toothpicks to hold it, if necessary.
- Remove the cheesecloth from the butter and wine mixture. Squeeze out some of the excess liquid, making sure to leave it damp. Make sure to fold the cheesecloth. Place it evenly over the top of the breast and allow it to rest down the sides of the turkey. It will cover the legs.
- Place the turkey into the oven, legs first, and cook for 30 minutes. If your turkey will not fit in your oven that direction, you will place it sideways and rotate halfway through cooking.
- Remove and baste the cheesecloth with the herb butter and wine mixture.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees.
- Continue to cook the turkey for an additional 2 hours and 30 minutes. Basting every 30 minutes.
- After the third hour of cooking, remove the cheesecloth and baste the turkey. The turkey will be blonde at this stage. Place the turkey breast-side first into the oven. Continue cooking for an additional hour, basting every 30 minutes.
- Insert a digital thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. Do not poke into a bone. The internal temperature should be 180 degrees and the outside should be golden brown. If the thigh does not read 180 degrees, continue cooking for another 20-30 minutes until this temperature is reached.
- Transfer to a cutting board and allow the turkey to rest for 30 minutes.
- Carve the turkey and serve.
Notes
Tag me on Instagram @rosethicketfarms and use the hashtag #rosethicketfarms
As you carve into this Herb Butter Roasted Turkey, savor the rich, juicy flavors and admire the stunning, golden-brown skin. This traditional dish, enhanced by the aromatic herbs, is sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests. Enjoy every bite of this masterpiece that brings warmth and festivity to your table. Please comment and share a picture of your success here with me. Connect with me on social media for more inspiration. If you are looking for a delicious side dish to pair with this recipe, check out my Gluten-Free Cornbread Dressing recipe here.
Video Tips
How to butter the turkey
