Name: Herb Butter Roasted Turkey
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: PT-488159H48M43S
Total time: PT-488159H48M43S
Ingredients: 2 whole turkeys (12–20 lbs each) 2 onions, peeled and quartered 2 lemons, quartered 2 apples, quartered (use a firm, sweet variety) 1; .5 oz fresh rosemary; .5 oz fresh thyme; .5 oz fresh sage Herb butter: 2 cups unsalted butter, softened 2 tsp salt 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper 12–16 cloves garlic, minced ¼ cup fresh chopped herbs (rosemary, thyme, parsley) Optional flavor twists: Add 2 tsp Dijon mustard and 1 tbsp lemon zest to the herb butter Stuff cavity with a cinnamon stick or star anise for warmth Mix smoked paprika or crushed fennel seeds into the butter for depth

Herb Butter Roasted Turkey

Print Recipe

This whole roasted turkey is infused with citrus, aromatics, and a rich garlic-herb butter that keeps every bite juicy and flavorful. Perfect for feeding a crowd or ensuring leftovers, this double-size version (up to 40 lbs total) delivers a golden, show-stopping centerpiece that tastes as good as it looks—with a few flavor upgrades to make it uniquely yours.

Author: annareynolds
Prep Time: 30 min
Cook Time: Varies (approx. 3.5–5 hrs per turkey depending on size)
Total Time: 5 hrs

Ingredients

Scale

2 whole turkeys (12–20 lbs each)

2 onions, peeled and quartered

2 lemons, quartered

2 apples, quartered (use a firm, sweet variety)

1.5 oz fresh rosemary

1.5 oz fresh thyme

1.5 oz fresh sage

Herb butter:

2 cups unsalted butter, softened

2 tsp salt

1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

12–16 cloves garlic, minced

¼ cup fresh chopped herbs (rosemary, thyme, parsley)

Optional flavor twists:

Add 2 tsp Dijon mustard and 1 tbsp lemon zest to the herb butter

Stuff cavity with a cinnamon stick or star anise for warmth

Mix smoked paprika or crushed fennel seeds into the butter for depth

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove giblets and pat turkeys dry.

Stuff each cavity with onion, lemon, apple, and a mix of herbs.

In a bowl, mix softened butter with garlic, salt, pepper, and chopped herbs.

Carefully loosen skin over the breast and thighs of each turkey and rub herb butter under and over the skin.

Place turkeys breast-side up in large roasting pans. Tie legs together and tuck wings under.

Roast for 13–15 minutes per pound, basting occasionally. If browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil.

Internal temp should reach 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh. Rest 20–30 minutes before carving.

Nutrition

Calories: 320
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 0g
Protein: 35g

Find it online: https://thecomfortspoon.com/herb-butter-roasted-turkey/