Name: Herb Butter Roast Turkey Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 3 h 30 min
Total time: 3 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 20 pound turkey; 1 onion, peeled and quartered; 1 lemon, quartered; 1 apple (your favorite kind), quartered; 0.75 ounce container fresh rosemary; 0.75 ounce container fresh thyme; 0.75 ounce container fresh sage; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 teaspoon salt; 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 6-8 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh chopped rosemary; 1 tablespoon fresh chopped thyme; 0.5 tablespoon fresh chopped sage

There’s something downright magical about roasting a turkey slathered in fragrant, garlicky herb butter. This Herb Butter Roast Turkey Recipe brings out the juiciest bird with a crisp golden skin that always steals the show at our holiday table. It’s all about layers of flavor that make every bite absolutely unforgettable.

A whole roasted chicken with golden-brown, crispy skin speckled with herbs sits centered on a white rectangular plate. The chicken is surrounded by fresh green herbs like parsley and rosemary, with several lemon halves showing bright yellow inside scattered around the edges. There is a whole green apple placed near the top right of the plate. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with a gray and white striped cloth partially visible near the top right corner. A woman's hand is gently holding the left wing of the chicken. Two small glass containers of seasoning can be seen at the top left corner of the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Herb Butter Roast Turkey Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Herb Butter Roast Turkey Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Herb Butter Roast Turkey Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this is my go-to turkey recipe because it’s foolproof and impressive without requiring fancy techniques. The herb butter seeps into the meat, keeping everything tender and bursting with flavor. Plus, it fills the whole kitchen with that homey, inviting aroma that makes you count down to dinner.

Deep Herbal Flavor: Fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage meld beautifully in the butter and turkey for a perfectly balanced taste.
Moist, Juicy Meat: The butter under the skin helps seal in moisture so your turkey won’t dry out, even if it’s big.
Simple Prep: You don’t need to be a chef to nail this—you’ll find tips to avoid common mistakes.
Versatility: Whether it’s Thanksgiving or a special Sunday dinner, this recipe works every time.

A whole roasted turkey with golden-brown, crispy skin covered in herbs is placed on a white rectangular plate. Around the turkey are fresh green leafy vegetables and several halved yellow lemons. A woman's hand is holding a knife slicing a thick piece of the turkey breast, revealing the juicy white meat inside. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This herb butter roast turkey recipe thrives on fresh herbs and classic aromatics that complement the natural flavor of the turkey without overpowering it. The butter holds everything together, giving a rich texture and beautiful browning. Here’s why the ingredients make all the difference.

Flat lay of a whole fresh raw turkey with smooth skin, a peeled yellow onion quartered into four wedges, a bright yellow lemon cut into four quarters, a crisp red apple quartered, a small bunch of fresh rosemary sprigs, a small bunch of fresh thyme sprigs, a small bunch of fresh sage leaves, a small white ceramic bowl filled with softened unsalted butter, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse salt crystals, a small white ceramic bowl of freshly ground black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl containing several peeled garlic cloves, and a few sprigs of fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, and sage placed artfully, all arranged symmetrically 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

Turkey: Choose a fresh or fully thawed bird, ideally between 12-20 pounds for even roasting.
Onion: Adds sweetness and moisture from inside the turkey cavity.
Lemon: Provides bright citrus notes to cut through the richness.
Apple: My secret to a hint of natural sweetness—don’t skip it!
Fresh Rosemary: Its piney flavor pairs beautifully with poultry.
Fresh Thyme: A subtle earthiness adds depth.
Fresh Sage: Essential for that classic roast turkey aroma.
Unsalted Butter: Softened so it’s easy to blend with herbs and garlic for spreading under the skin.
Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the butter for that irresistible savory kick.
Salt & Pepper: The basics for seasoning both inside and 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.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts about this Herb Butter Roast Turkey Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. I often tweak herb quantities or swap lemon for orange to give it a different zing depending on the season. Feel free to experiment a bit—this recipe holds up well to your twists!

Variation: One year, I added a splash of maple syrup to the herb butter for a touch of sweetness. It turned out surprisingly delicious and had my guests asking for seconds!
Herb Substitutions: If you’re out of fresh herbs, dried will work—just use about one-third of the fresh amount. Just be sure to crush dried herbs between your fingers to release their aroma before mixing them in.
Dietary Tweaks: You can replace butter with a dairy-free margarine if you need a vegan option, though the flavor won't be quite the same.

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

Step 1: Thaw and Prep the Turkey

Patience is key here. If your turkey’s frozen, plan ahead and thaw it in the fridge—usually about 24 hours for every 5 pounds. I like giving it an extra day just to be sure it’s totally thawed. Before roasting, take it out and let it sit at room temperature for about an hour; this helps it cook more evenly.

Step 2: Make the Herb Butter

Mix softened unsalted butter with minced garlic, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage. Using fresh herbs makes the difference—you get this vibrant, fragrant butter that melts into the skin, seasoning the bird from the inside out. The leftover herbs go inside the cavity along with quartered lemon, onion, and apple for extra flavor.

Step 3: Brush Butter Under the Skin

Carefully loosen the skin over the breast with your fingers—it’s easier than it sounds once you get the hang of it! Spread a few tablespoons of herb butter under that skin, directly onto the meat. This little trick seals in moisture and flavors the best part of your turkey. Then brush the rest of the butter all over the outside for a gorgeous golden finish.

Step 4: Roast Slowly and Check

Roast your turkey at 325°F, about 13-15 minutes per pound. Around halfway through, check the skin—once it’s turning golden brown, tent the bird with foil to avoid over-browning, especially over the breast. Using a meat thermometer is a must to get that perfect 165°F internal temperature in the thickest parts. When done, let it rest tented in foil for at least 20 minutes before carving to keep all the juices locked in.

Top Tip

My personal experience with this herb butter roast turkey recipe taught me a few things—these tips make the process so much easier and your turkey so much tastier!

Room Temperature Bird: Don’t skip letting the turkey rest outside the fridge for an hour; it helps cook evenly and prevents cold spots.
Under-Skin Butter: Getting that herb butter underneath the skin makes the breast meat unbelievably juicy—totally worth the tiny extra effort.
Foil Tenting: Once the skin hits a golden brown, cover it with foil to avoid burning while the inside finishes cooking.
Don’t Rush Checking the Temp: Start checking your turkey’s temperature a little earlier than you think. Overcooking is easy but avoidable.

How to Serve Herb Butter Roast Turkey Recipe

Herb Butter Roast Turkey - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to garnish my turkey platter with extra sprigs of fresh rosemary and thyme, along with lemon slices for a pop of color. It gives a rustic look that really impresses guests without any fancy work.

Side Dishes

This herb butter roast turkey pairs beautifully with classic mashed potatoes, green bean almondine, and a rich homemade gravy made from the drippings. For a festive touch, I also serve roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze—adds a slightly sweet, tangy contrast that everyone loves.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays, I like to carve the turkey and arrange the slices on a large wooden board surrounded by roasted vegetables and fresh herbs. It’s such a welcoming sight and perfect for buffet-style serving. Another fun idea is placing the whole bird on a bed of fragrant herb-stuffed bread or inside a large autumn-themed centerpiece for a wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftover turkey in airtight containers and refrigerate within two hours of serving. It keeps perfectly for up to four days, and surprising to many, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors really marry together.

Freezing

If you don’t plan to eat all your turkey soon, freezing slices or shredded meat in zip-top bags works great. Just make sure to press out extra air before sealing and label with the date. Frozen turkey keeps well for up to three months.

Reheating

To reheat, cover turkey slices with foil and warm gently in a 300°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Adding a splash of chicken broth inside the foil packet keeps meat moist and tender—no one wants dry leftover turkey!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh for this herb butter roast turkey recipe?

Yes! Dried herbs can be used as a substitute, but since they’re more concentrated, use about one-third the amount of fresh herbs. Crushing dried herbs before mixing helps release their flavor.

How do I ensure my turkey stays moist when roasting?

The key is rubbing herb butter not only on top but under the skin, plus roasting at a moderate temperature like 325°F. Also, tenting the bird with foil after the skin is nicely browned prevents drying out the breast meat.

Can I prepare this herb butter roast turkey recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the herb butter up to a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. You can also prep the turkey with the herb butter and stuffing ingredients the night before, just cover and refrigerate. Bring the turkey to room temperature before roasting.

What’s the best way to carve the turkey after roasting?

Let the turkey rest at least 20 minutes before carving to keep juices inside. Start by removing the legs and wings, then slice the breast meat thinly against the grain. Using a sharp carving knife makes the process smoother and cleaner.

Final Thoughts

This Herb Butter Roast Turkey Recipe is truly a labor of love that has made many of my holiday meals extra special. It’s approachable enough for everyday cooks but impressive enough for the biggest celebrations. You’ll be amazed at how those simple ingredients and a few thoughtful steps transform an ordinary turkey into a juicy, aromatic centerpiece everyone will rave about. I can’t wait for you to try it and make some delicious memories of your own!