Welcome to the heartwarming world of Zynahz! Today, we’re diving into a classic that will fill your home with the most tantalizing aromas and bring your family around the table for a meal they’ll never forget. Our Herb-Roasted Turkey is perfect for special occasions like Thanksgiving, or any time you want to celebrate togetherness and good food. This recipe is infused with fresh herbs and roasted to golden perfection, creating a show-stopping centerpiece for your festive table.
Recipe Summary
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 8-10
Skill Level: Intermediate
Ingredients
- 1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs), thawed if frozen
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 large onion, quartered
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Adjust your oven racks if needed to accommodate the turkey.
- In a small bowl, combine the butter, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and sage. Mix well to form an herb butter.
- Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Carefully slide your fingers under the skin of the turkey breast to create a pocket, and spread half of the herb butter under the skin. Rub the remaining butter all over the outside of the turkey.
- Season the turkey generously with salt and black pepper inside and out. Stuff the cavity with the lemon halves and onion quarters.
- Truss the turkey legs together using kitchen twine, and tuck the wing tips under the body to prevent them from burning.
- Place the turkey breast side up on a rack in a large roasting pan. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan to keep the turkey moist and allow for basting.
- Roast the turkey in the preheated oven for about 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Baste the turkey every hour with the pan juices, using a baster or a spoon, to enhance the flavor and keep the meat juicy.
- Once done, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat for maximum flavor.
Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the herb butter a day in advance to save time on the big day.
- Variation: Use a mix of parsley, tarragon, and chives for a different herb profile.
- Storage: Store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freeze for longer storage.
- Ingredient Substitutions: If fresh herbs aren’t available, use dried herbs (reduce the amount by half).
Serving Suggestions
This herb-roasted turkey pairs beautifully with classic sides like garlic mashed potatoes, sautéed green beans, and cranberry sauce. For drinks, you can never go wrong with a crisp white wine or a festive cranberry spritzer.
We hope this Herb-Roasted Turkey becomes a beloved addition to your holiday traditions. Share your culinary creations with us using #ZynahzRecipes or tag us on Instagram. We’d love to see how your turkeys turn out! Don’t forget to leave your feedback on our website at Zynahz and subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious updates. Follow us on social media for a daily dose of food inspiration and family-friendly recipes. Happy cooking!