Classic Herb Roasted Turkey

Name: Classic Herb Roasted Turkey
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 3 h 30 min
Total time: 4 h
Yield: 10
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 whole turkey, about 12 to 14 pounds; 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter; 3 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped; 3 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 large lemon, halved; 1 large yellow onion, quartered; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

This herb roasted turkey is the perfect centerpiece for your November gatherings and holiday feasts.

By Enzo81 Kitchen· American· October 29, 2026

easy.enzo81.xyz

Prep

20 minutes

Cook

3 hours 30 minutes

Total

4 hours

Serves

There is something truly special about pulling a golden, juicy turkey out of the oven when the weather turns chilly. It is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table and makes the whole house smell like the holidays.

My biggest tip for success is to pat the turkey skin very dry before adding the butter. This simple step helps you get that beautiful, crispy skin everyone loves to reach for first.

Ingredients

1 whole turkey, about 12 to 14 pounds
1/2 cup softened unsalted butter
3 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
3 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 large lemon, halved
1 large yellow onion, quartered
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

8Instructions

1
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
2
Remove the giblets from the turkey and pat the bird dry inside and out using paper towels.
3
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with the rosemary, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4
Gently loosen the skin over the turkey breast and rub about half of the butter mixture directly onto the meat under the skin. Rub the remaining butter all over the outside of the skin.
5
Stuff the cavity of the turkey with the lemon halves and the onion quarters.
6
Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan and tuck the wing tips under the body.
7
Roast the turkey for about 3 to 3.5 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
8
Let the turkey rest on a carving board for at least 30 minutes before slicing so the juices stay inside the meat.

Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can also use the leftover carcass to make a delicious homemade turkey stock for soup later in the week.

#Holiday #Dinner #Comfort Food #Classic #Healthy #High Protein

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