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Cozy Herb-Roasted Whole Turkey with Easy Citrus Butter

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A simple yet flavorful whole turkey recipe featuring a citrus-herb butter that keeps the meat incredibly moist and golden. Perfect for cozy evenings or small celebrations without the stress of traditional holiday roasting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 whole turkey (12–14 pounds), thawed if frozen
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange zest
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
  • 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 3 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 tablespoons fresh sage, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 orange, quartered
  • 1 lemon, quartered
  • 1 small bunch fresh rosemary
  • 1 small bunch fresh thyme
  • 1 small bunch fresh sage
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prep the Turkey: Take the thawed turkey out of the refrigerator about 1 hour before roasting. Remove giblets and neck, pat dry with paper towels inside and out.
  2. Make the Citrus Herb Butter: In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, orange zest, lemon zest, orange juice, lemon juice, chopped rosemary, thyme leaves, chopped sage, minced garlic, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Mix until well combined.
  3. Apply the Butter: Gently loosen the skin over the breast and thighs. Spread about two-thirds of the butter under the skin, then rub the remaining butter all over the outside of the turkey.
  4. Stuff the Cavity: Stuff the quartered orange, lemon, onion, and whole herb sprigs into the main cavity.
  5. Truss the Turkey: Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wing tips under the body.
  6. Season and Oil the Skin: Drizzle olive oil over the turkey and rub in. Sprinkle with extra salt and pepper.
  7. Roast the Turkey: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Roast at 425°F for 30 minutes, then reduce temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue roasting for about 2.5 to 3 hours total (13-15 minutes per pound).
  8. Check for Doneness: Turkey is done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (74°C) and breast reads at least 160°F (71°C). Tent with foil if skin gets too dark.
  9. Rest the Turkey: Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 20-30 minutes before carving.
  10. Carve and Serve: Remove twine and discard aromatics. Carve and serve warm.

Notes

Pat the turkey dry for crispy skin. Let butter come to room temperature. Use a thermometer, not a timer. Baste sparingly. Let the turkey rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving.

Nutrition

Keywords: roasted turkey, herb turkey, citrus butter turkey, whole turkey, Thanksgiving turkey, cozy turkey

Find it online: https://spoonmira.com/cozy-herb-roasted-whole-turkey-with-easy-citrus-butter/