Name: Herb Butter Roast Turkey Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (14-16 pound) whole turkey; Salt & pepper to taste; 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), softened; 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped finely; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped finely; 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped finely; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1 lemon, halved; A few sprigs each fresh sage, thyme, and rosemary; 1 head garlic, cloves broken and peeled

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 53 reviews

If you’re hunting for that perfect roast turkey that’s juicy, flavorful, and downright show-stopping, you’re going to want to try this Herb Butter Roast Turkey Recipe. I promise, this recipe hits all the right notes with an incredible herb butter that seeps into every nook of the bird, making your dinner table the center of pure comfort and joy. Stick with me—I’ll walk you through how to nail it every time, even if roasting a turkey feels a bit intimidating.

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Why This Recipe Works

Herb Butter Magic: The combination of fresh sage, thyme, rosemary, and garlic melted with butter makes the turkey unbelievably flavorful and moist.
Simple Yet Effective Method: High heat at the beginning to crisp skin, then slow roasting guarantees a golden exterior and perfectly cooked meat inside.
No Fuss but Fantastic Results: No basting required – just a well-prepared bird and your trusty thermometer will get you there every time.
Attention to Resting: Letting the turkey rest allows juices to redistribute so every slice stays juicy and tender, avoiding dryness.

Herb Butter Roast Turkey, roast turkey recipe, juicy turkey, holiday turkey, flavorful roast turkey - A fully roasted whole bird with a golden brown and slightly shiny skin covered in a mix of black and green dried herbs, placed in the center of a white plate. The bird's legs are tied close to the body, and the wings are tucked underneath. Surrounding the bird, there are fresh green herb sprigs and slices of lemon peeking out under the edges. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Herb Butter Roast Turkey Recipe lies in simple, fresh ingredients working together to make sure every bite is rich, juicy, and packed with flavor. Shopping for fresh herbs and good quality butter will truly elevate your turkey from ordinary to outstanding.

Herb Butter Roast Turkey, roast turkey recipe, juicy turkey, holiday turkey, flavorful roast turkey - Flat lay of a whole fresh raw turkey with pale pink skin, a halved bright yellow lemon, a few sprigs each of fresh green sage, thyme, and rosemary, a head of garlic broken into peeled white cloves, a small white ceramic bowl filled with soft pale yellow unsalted butter mixed with finely chopped green sage, thyme, rosemary, and minced white garlic, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse sea salt crystals, and another small white ceramic bowl of freshly ground black pepper placed in a perfect symmetrical arrangement around the turkey, all on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Whole turkey: Look for a fresh or fully thawed bird around 14-16 pounds for perfect roasting times and portion sizes.
Unsalted butter: Softened butter is the base of the herb rub—unsalted lets you control the seasoning perfectly.
Fresh sage, thyme, and rosemary: Using fresh herbs makes all the difference in aroma and taste compared to dried.
Garlic cloves: Minced garlic in the butter and whole cloves in the cavity deepen the flavor profile beautifully.
Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning inside and out—but remember to balance, especially if your bird is pre-brined.
Lemon: Tossing lemon halves inside the cavity adds fresh acidity and juiciness from the inside out.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love customizing this herb butter roast turkey depending on what I have on hand or my mood—don’t hesitate to make it your own! Whether you like it with a garlic punch or a bit more citrus zing, these tweaks can make the recipe feel just right for your crowd.

Variation: Sometimes I add a bit of finely grated lemon zest to the herb butter for an extra bright note that pairs wonderfully with traditional herbs.
Dietary changes: If you’re avoiding butter, try olive oil with herbs instead, though butter really helps with flavor and browning.
Seasonal herbs: Swap rosemary or thyme for whatever’s fresh in your garden or farmer’s market—basil or tarragon can give an interesting twist!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Herb Butter Roast Turkey Recipe

Step 1: Let the Turkey and Butter Come to Room Temperature

This one’s a game-changer—I always take my turkey out at least an hour before roasting so it’s not stone cold going into the oven. The butter softens alongside, making it easier to mix with herbs and spread all over the bird. The baking sheet beneath catches any drips and keeps your kitchen cleaner, which I really appreciate.

Step 2: Make That Herb Butter

Grab a bowl and combine softened butter, finely chopped sage, thyme, rosemary, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mash it all together with a fork until it’s creamy and fragrant—not long, just enough to blend those wonderful flavors. This herb butter is the heart of your turkey’s flavor profile.

Step 3: Prep the Turkey for Roasting

Remove the turkey from its packaging, discard the giblets and neck (if included), and pat it dry inside and out with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper—not forgetting the inside cavity—then stuff it with halved lemons, garlic cloves, and herb sprigs. Smearing that herb butter all over the turkey’s skin (except the very bottom) is such a satisfying step, because you can already smell how good it’s going to be. Tucking the wings under and tying the legs with kitchen twine keeps everything neat and ensures even roasting.

Step 4: Let the Oven Do Its Magic

Preheat your oven to 450°F and place a rack in the lower third. Pop the turkey on the rack in the roasting pan breast-side up, then immediately lower the heat to 350°F. Roast for about 13 minutes per pound; for a 14-pound bird, that’s roughly 3 hours. Start checking the temperature 30 minutes early with an instant-read thermometer—aim for 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh. When the skin starts browning too fast, cover with foil loosely to avoid burning while the inside catches up.

Step 5: Rest Before Carving

This is THE most important step. Once your turkey hits 165°F and comes out of the oven, transfer it carefully to a cutting board and let it rest for 20 minutes. It lets the juices settle so when you slice, the meat stays juicy instead of running dry onto your plate.

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Pro Tips for Making Herb Butter Roast Turkey Recipe

Use an Instant-Read Thermometer: Trust me, it’s the best way to ensure your turkey is perfectly cooked—not underdone or dry.
Dry the Skin Thoroughly: Patting the turkey dry before applying herb butter helps get that gorgeous crispy skin everyone loves.
Don’t Skip the Resting Time: I’ve learned the hard way that carving too soon leads to dry meat—patience pays off!
Cover with Foil When Browning Too Fast: If the skin looks like it’s burning before the meat’s done, loosely tent with foil to keep it golden, not blackened.

How to Serve Herb Butter Roast Turkey Recipe

Herb Butter Roast Turkey, roast turkey recipe, juicy turkey, holiday turkey, flavorful roast turkey - A white plate holds a meal with four parts: on the left, a large scoop of creamy mashed potatoes topped with smooth brown gravy and sprinkled with black pepper; at the top left, a pile of bright green cooked green beans glazed with the same brown gravy; on the top right, a rich, glossy, deep red cranberry sauce with a jelly-like texture; and on the right side, slices of golden-brown roasted chicken with a light crust, generously covered in brown gravy. A gold fork is placed near the potatoes on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love finishing the turkey with a few fresh herb sprigs on the platter—like rosemary and thyme—they not only look beautiful but also hint at the flavors inside. A few lemon wedges on the side are great for anyone wanting an extra burst of citrus freshness.

Side Dishes

Classic sides really complement this herb butter roast turkey. Think creamy mashed potatoes, crisp green beans with garlic, roasted root vegetables, and a tangy cranberry sauce. If you like, homemade gravy made from the pan drippings is a must-have in my book.

Creative Ways to Present

If I’m hosting a special occasion, I sometimes carve the turkey and arrange the slices on a large platter lined with fresh greens, cranberries, and orange slices for a festive look. It’s an instant crowd-pleaser and makes the meal feel extra celebratory.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your feast, I wrap leftover turkey tightly in foil or airtight containers and store it in the fridge. It stays juicy for up to 4 days this way. I always keep the turkey juices separately—they add fantastic moisture when reheating.

Freezing

If you want to stretch the turkey enjoyment, you can freeze slices in freezer-safe bags with a splash of turkey juice or broth to keep them from drying out. I recommend enjoying within 2 months for the best flavor and texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover turkey slices with foil and warm gently in the oven at 275°F until heated through. Adding a little turkey juice or broth before covering helps keep the slices moist and tender, just like the day you roasted it.

FAQs

Can I use this Herb Butter Roast Turkey Recipe with a frozen turkey?

Yes, but make sure your turkey is fully thawed before beginning. Thawing in the fridge for several days is safest to avoid bacteria growth. Also, make sure to remove the giblets and neck once thawed and pat the bird dry before applying the herb butter.
Is basting necessary for this Herb Butter Roast Turkey Recipe?

Nope! The herb butter keeps the turkey moist without basting, and opening the oven often to baste can actually lower the oven temperature and extend roasting time. Just trust the butter and thermometer!
Can I prepare the herb butter ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the herb butter up to 2 days in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Just give it a gentle stir before using it to make sure the ingredients are well combined.
What’s the best way to carve the turkey?

After resting, start by removing the legs and thighs, then slice those separately. For the breast, slice thinly against the grain for the most tender bites. Having a sharp carving knife makes this so much easier.

Final Thoughts

This Herb Butter Roast Turkey Recipe has become my go-to for holidays and special dinners because it’s reliable, flavorful, and honestly pretty forgiving. I love how the herbs and butter combine in such a simple way that really lets the turkey shine. If you want a stunning centerpiece that tastes like you spent hours fussing over it—give this recipe a shot. You’ll be surprised how easy and satisfying it is, and I can’t wait to hear how much you and your guests enjoy it!