The holiday season is upon us, which means turkey is on the menu! This perfect herb roasted turkey is sure to hit the spot, and it’s so easy to make. Delicious butter coupled with savory herbs to create the perfect dish for your holiday gatherings.
Pin For Later!
This post contains affiliate links
How To Make The Perfect Herb Roasted Turkey
Let’s face it as much as we dream about the perfect holiday meal, the turkey can leave us with a love/hate relationship. You can have the perfect moist turkey seasoned to perfection- or it can be dry and barely palatable. So how do you make a perfect herb roasted turkey?
Is Roasted Turkey Healthy?
Turkey is a lean protein, supplying over 20g of protein per serving for a relatively small amount of fat. Turkey meat also packs potassium, selenium, and a spectrum of B vitamins, most notably niacin (Vitamin B3). Which makes herb-roasted turkey a healthy option for your holiday feast- or just dinner.
What You Need To Make A Herb-Roasted Turkey
To make this herb-roasted turkey you will need:
- Roaster Pan
- Measuring Spoons
- Small Bowl
- Thermometer
- Serving Platter
- Serving Meat Forks
- Knife or Electric Knife
- Apron
or
Cooking Tips For Making A Herb Roasted Turkey
How Do I Keep My Turkey Moist?
The age-old question when the holidays roll around is how do I keep my turkey moist? It’s true, turkey can be really hard to cook properly because it’s such a lean meat. So we’re going to answer all of your how to cook turkey questions to help you make the best herb-roasted turkey for your holiday celebrations.
Do I Have To Cover My Turkey With Aluminum Foil?
Covering your roasting turkey with foil can help to keep your turkey moist (I know people hate that term but seriously, who wants a dry turkey?), so if you are comfortable using foil while cooking go for it. However, when you are using a roasting pan it’s really not necessary. We don’t like to use aluminum foil on our food but it’s really up to you.
Should I Put Butter Under The Skin Of My Turkey?
Adding butter under the skin of your herb-roasted turkey will help to add extra flavor and keep your turkey moist, which means it’s always a good idea. We like to use organic grass-fed butter for our turkey, but you can use whatever kind you want.
Should I Put Water In The Bottom Of My Roasting Pan When Cooking A Turkey?
It typically isn’t recommended to add water to your roasting pan while making herb roasted turkey because it makes waters down the juices from your bird.
Do You Roast A Turkey With The Lid On Or Off?
When cooking your herb roasted turkey, you need to cook your turkey with a lid on your pan. This will help to keep the moisture and heat in your pan and cook your turkey.
Why Is My Turkey Dry?
The most common reason for dry turkey is overcooking, so don’t just throw it in the roaster and forget about it. Another reason your turkey could be dry is that you didn’t put enough salt on your turkey.
Should I Wash My Turkey Before Cooking It?
No, you don’t need to wash your turkey before roasting it. Just make sure you remove the neck and giblets from the inside or your turkey before roasting.
What Is The Best Temperature To Cook A Turkey?
Cook your herb roasted turkey at Roast in a 325F or 350F until a thermometer inserted into your bird reads 160F. Be very careful not to overcook your bird or it will be dry. Turkey is a very lean meat so you have to be really mindful of the temperature.
Should I Take My Turkey Out Of The Refridgerator Before Cooking?
Your herb roasted turkey will cook more evenly if you remove it from the refrigerator before it’s time to cook it. Try to remove your turkey at least 1 hour before you plan to cook it. This will also make it easier to work with your bird.
Perfect Butter & Herb Roasted Turkey Recipe
Ingredients:
2 Teaspoons Sea Salt Or Himalayan Pink Salt
1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
1 Teaspoon Onion Powder
1/2 Teaspoon Ground Sage
1/2 Teaspoon Tarragon
1/2 Teaspoon Tyme
1/4-1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper
1 Teaspoon Lemon Juice
1 1/2 Sticks Of Butter
1 Fresh Onion Chopped (optional)
1/4 Cups Cranberries (optional)
26 lbs Organic Turkey (any type will work but organic is better for you)
Directions:
Remove the turkey from the fridge and allow it to reach room temperature. Remove the neck and anything else inside your bird.
Preheat your roaster pan to 325-350F (163-176C.).
In a small bowl mix butter and seasonings.
Gently separate the skin on the belly of the turkey from the meat and smooth the butter between the skin and the meat. You can use a spoon to do this but your fingers will be easier.
Save a little of the butter seasoning mix and spread it over the skin. You can sprinkle a little extra seasoning on top if you want.
From here you’ll either want to chop the onion and add it to the inside of your turkey. Follow that with the cranberries. Or Leave these out and add the stuffing.
Secure the legs back into place to hold the stuffing inside.
Carefully place in your preheated roaster pan, breast side up.
Roast your turkey until it reaches an internal temperature of 160F. Remove your herb-roasted turkey from the pan and place on a platter or cutting board uncovered in a warm place for 15-30 minutes to rest.
Carve your turkey and serve.
Flavors That Go Well With Herb Roasted Turkey
To add some extra flavor to your roasted turkey try adding fresh onions, garlic, thyme, rosemary, sage, halved lemons, or slices of oranges.
Before you go, check these out!
Recipes for Thanksgiving:
- Mrs. Cottage’s Dressing Recipe
- How To Brine A Turkey
- Country Style Green Beans
- Herb Roasted Carrots
- Homemade Cranberry Sauce
- Mashed Potatoes
- Dinner Rolls
- The Best Homemade Rosemary Dinner Rolls Recipe
- Pumpkin Pie
- How To Make The Perfect Apple Pie Recipe
- Easy Pie Crust Recipe
- Cherry Pie
- Apple Snickerdoodle Pie Recipe
- Delicious Caramel Pear Pie Recipe
- Chocolate Cream Pie Recipe
- Blueberry Pie
- Cast Iron Dutch Apple Pie
Decorating For Entertaining Ideas For Thanksgiving:
- Thanksgiving Printables
- How To Create A Fun Kid-Friendly Thanksgiving Kids Table
- 9 Beautiful Thanksgiving Table Decor Ideas For Your Holiday Celebrations
- Country Thanksgiving Table Decorations
- Minimalist Fall Apple Mantel
- The Best White Pumpkin Decor For Fall
- Best Fall Decor For Small Front Porch
- Rustic Fall Farmhouse Decor
- Simple Fall Decor Pear Tablescape
- Cozy Late Fall Mantel Decor
- Transitioning From Fall Decor To Christmas
- Our Homey Fall Dining Room
- Our Fall Porch Steps
- Simple Fall Farmhouse Mantel
