Thanksgiving turkey
thanksgiving turkey with herb and garlic compound butter
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02 Oct 2025⭐Must-Have Products I Use & Recommend!⭐
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I personally use and love these products in my kitchen. I only recommend what I trust!
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Let's face it, Thanksgiving can be a tad stressful, can't it? Getting everything on the table at the right time, making sure Aunt Carol doesn't start another political debate… it's a lot! But one thing you absolutely CAN control is the flavor of that magnificent turkey. I remember one year, my first attempt at hosting Thanksgiving, the turkey was… well, let's just say it tasted like it had absorbed all the stress in the room. Dry, bland, and utterly forgettable. I vowed never again. This herb and garlic compound butter is my secret weapon against flavorless fowl. It's easy to make, infuses the turkey with incredible moisture and flavor, and, frankly, makes me feel like a culinary rockstar. And trust me, if I can do it, anyone can.
This Thanksgiving turkey recipe isn't just about stuffing butter under the skin, though that's a crucial part! It's about creating an experience. The aroma that fills your kitchen as the turkey roasts, the anticipation as the skin turns a beautiful golden brown, the look on your guests' faces when they take that first, flavorful bite. It's these moments that make Thanksgiving special. What does it mean for you? To me, it's the culmination of hours of love, laughter, and a little bit of kitchen chaos, all leading to a shared celebration of gratitude.
Required Equipments
- Roasting Pan
- Roasting Rack
- Mixing Bowl
- Meat Thermometer
- Carving Knife
Thanksgiving Turkey with Herb and Garlic Compound Butter: Frequently Asked Questions
Thanksgiving Turkey with Herb and Garlic Compound Butter
Infuse your Thanksgiving turkey with rich, savory flavors using this herb and garlic compound butter recipe! This method ensures a moist, aromatic, and utterly delicious centerpiece for your holiday feast, creating a memorable experience for everyone at the table.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 8 servings
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 180 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- **Prepare the Herb and Garlic Butter:** In a bowl, combine 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 4 cloves of minced garlic, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh rosemary, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh thyme, 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh sage, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed. You can do this a day or two in advance and store the butter in the fridge.
- **Loosen the Turkey Skin:** Gently slide your fingers between the skin and the breast meat to loosen it, creating a pocket for the herb butter. Be careful not to tear the skin.
- **Apply the Herb Butter:** Stuff the herb butter under the skin of the turkey breast, thighs, and drumsticks. Spread it evenly. Also, rub some of the butter all over the outside of the skin. This is where the real flavour happens.
- **Prepare the Turkey for Roasting:** Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Place the turkey on a roasting rack set inside a large roasting pan.
- **Add Aromatics to the Pan (Optional):** For extra flavor, you can add roughly chopped onions, carrots, and celery to the bottom of the roasting pan. These will add depth to the drippings, which you can use for gravy later.
- **Roast the Turkey:** Roast the turkey for approximately 13 minutes per pound. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The thickest part of the thigh should reach 165°F (74°C).
- **Basting (Optional):** While the turkey roasts, baste it with pan drippings every hour. This helps to keep the skin moist and golden brown. If the skin starts to brown too quickly, cover the turkey loosely with foil.
- **Rest the Turkey:** Once the turkey reaches the correct internal temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more moist and flavorful bird. Tent it with foil during the resting period.
- **Carve and Serve:** Carve the turkey and serve with your favorite Thanksgiving sides. Don't forget to make gravy with those delicious pan drippings!
📝 Notes
- Make sure to fully thaw the turkey before cooking.
- Brining the turkey overnight will result in an even more juicy bird. You can by brine kits at your local grocery store these days
- Adjust the herbs to your preference. Other herbs like parsley or oregano would work well.
- Leftover herb butter can be used on vegetables or bread. Talk about versatile!
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 60 g
Fat: 25 g
Carbohydrates: 5 g
Fiber: 1 g
Calcium: 50 mg
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