Name: Herb Butter Roast Turkey Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 whole turkey (14-16 pounds); Salt & pepper to taste; 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), softened; 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped finely; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped finely; 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped finely; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper, or to taste; 1 lemon, halved; A few sprigs each fresh sage, thyme, and rosemary; 1 head garlic, broken into cloves and peeled

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 29 reviews

If you’re hunting for a juicy, flavorful centerpiece that screams comfort and celebration, you’re in the right kitchen. This Herb Butter Roast Turkey Recipe is one of my absolute favorites—simple enough for a weekday-worthy feast but impressive enough for holiday gatherings. I’ve tweaked it so many times to get that perfect balance of crispy skin and tender, buttery meat that practically melts in your mouth. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through everything you need to make a turkey that’ll have your guests asking for seconds (and your secret, of course).

🤍

Why This Recipe Works

Simple Herb Butter: A blend of fresh sage, thyme, rosemary, and garlic mixed with softened butter infuses every bite with deep, comforting flavor.
Cavity Stuffing: Lemon and herbs inside the turkey subtly steam and keep the bird moist from the inside out.
No Basting Needed: This recipe skips constant basting, which can mess with oven temp and timing, yet still produces a tender, golden bird.
Temperature Control: Starting high heat to crisp up the skin then roasting at lower temperature protects the delicate breast meat from drying out.

Herb Butter Roast Turkey, Roast Turkey with Herb Butter, Juicy Roast Turkey Recipe, Holiday Turkey Ideas, Easy Turkey Roast - A fully roasted whole bird with a golden brown and slightly shiny skin covered in a mix of black and green dried herbs, placed in the center of a white plate. The bird's legs are tied close to the body, and the wings are tucked underneath. Surrounding the bird, there are fresh green herb sprigs and slices of lemon peeking out under the edges. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Herb Butter Roast Turkey Recipe was chosen to build layers of classic roasted turkey flavor, with a focus on fresh herbs and the richness of butter. It’s an easy list, but don’t skimp on the quality—fresh herbs and good butter really do make a difference. Let me share a few tips on the key players.

Herb Butter Roast Turkey, Roast Turkey with Herb Butter, Juicy Roast Turkey Recipe, Holiday Turkey Ideas, Easy Turkey Roast - Flat lay of a whole fresh raw turkey with pale pink skin, a halved bright yellow lemon, a few sprigs each of fresh green sage, thyme, and rosemary, a head of garlic broken into peeled white cloves, a small white ceramic bowl filled with soft pale yellow unsalted butter mixed with finely chopped green sage, thyme, rosemary, and minced white garlic, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse sea salt crystals, and another small white ceramic bowl of freshly ground black pepper placed in a perfect symmetrical arrangement around the turkey, all 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

Whole Turkey: Aim for a fresh or fully thawed bird around 14-16 pounds for best roasting control and portion size. I usually buy a fresh one when I can—it’s easier to work with, and you avoid that excess liquid from thawing.
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter soaks up herbs perfectly and lets you control the salt levels—unsalted is better than pre-salted in this case since you season intentionally.
Fresh Sage, Thyme, Rosemary: These fresh herbs offer aroma and earthiness that dried just can’t match. If you only have dried, reduce the amounts by half but fresh is better if you’ve got access.
Garlic: Minced into the butter and whole cloves stuffed inside the cavity provide that wonderful aromatic garlic punch without overpowering.
Lemon: Brightens the entire turkey from the inside out, lending a subtle citrus note that cuts through the richness of butter.
Salt & Pepper: Essential—sea salt or kosher salt works best, sprinkled inside and out for balanced seasoning.

📝

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

I love how versatile this Herb Butter Roast Turkey Recipe is—you can adapt it to match your family’s flavor preferences or dietary needs without losing that classic feeling. Over the years, I’ve had fun swapping herbs or adding extras, and it’s always delicious.

Variation: On occasion, I swap out sage for fresh parsley or add a pinch of smoked paprika to the butter for a subtle smoky kick. It’s got a nice warmth without overpowering the traditional flavors.
Dietary modification: If you need a dairy-free version, using olive oil instead of butter works fine—just mix it with herbs and garlic thoroughly and rub it all over the bird before roasting.
Seasonal twist: Adding chopped fresh cranberries or orange zest into the herb butter during fall can brighten the flavor and bring a festive touch.

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

Step 1: Let Your Turkey and Butter Come to Room Temp

About an hour before roasting, take the turkey out of the fridge and set it on a baking sheet to catch any mess when you open the packaging. This little extra step saves clean-up later—I learned this the hard way! Also, get your butter out so it softens nicely for easy mixing.

Step 2: Make the Herb Butter Mix

Combine softened butter with finely chopped fresh sage, thyme, rosemary, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mash it together with a fork until it forms a lovely green-speckled, fragrant paste. This will be your magic coating.

Step 3: Prep the Turkey for Roasting

Remove the turkey from packaging, taking out giblets and neck from inside the cavity—do this over the sink if your bird is thawing because it drips. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels; dryness is key for crisp skin! Season all over (and inside the cavity) with salt and pepper. Then stuff the cavity with lemon halves, whole garlic cloves, and more fresh herb sprigs. This step keeps the meat juicy and aromatic.

Step 4: Butter It Up and Tie It Up

Rub your herb butter mixture all over the turkey’s surface—leave the very bottom of the bird if you want to keep it neat. Tuck the wing tips under and, if you like, tie the legs together with kitchen twine. I find this keeps the shape compact for even roasting and makes carving easier later.

Step 5: Start Roasting at High Heat Then Lower

Preheat your oven to 450°F and place the rack on the bottom third (clear the rest to give room). Put the turkey on the roasting rack breast side up and slide it in. Immediately reduce oven temperature to 350°F. That initial high heat crisps the skin fast without drying the meat.

Step 6: Roasting and Temperature Tips

Plan roughly 13 minutes per pound at 350°F—so about 3 hours for a 14-pound turkey. Start checking with an instant-read thermometer 30 minutes before the expected finish. Aim for 165°F at the thickest thigh part. Remember, when it rests, the temp rises a bit more, locking in juices.

When the skin starts to brown about an hour before done (don’t worry if it happens early!), tent the bird loosely with non-stick foil to prevent breast burning while the inside finishes cooking.

Step 7: Rest and Carve

Once out of the oven, carefully tilt the rack to pour drippings into the pan (gold for gravy!). Transfer turkey to a board and rest uncovered for 20 minutes—this step is non-negotiable if you want juicy slices. The resting juices redistribute, so no dry turkey here.

💡

Tips from My Kitchen

Pat Dry Thoroughly: Wet skin steams instead of crisps—always take the time to pat your turkey dry before seasoning.
Use an Instant-Read Thermometer: It’s the most reliable way to avoid over or undercooked turkey. I got mine years ago and never look back.
Don’t Skip the Resting Period: Trust me, the 20 minutes resting makes the difference between dry slices and juicy, tender meat.
Tent Early for Even Browning: Cover with foil as soon as the skin’s golden to prevent burnt breast meat and uneven cooking.

How to Serve Herb Butter Roast Turkey Recipe

Herb Butter Roast Turkey, Roast Turkey with Herb Butter, Juicy Roast Turkey Recipe, Holiday Turkey Ideas, Easy Turkey Roast - A white plate holds a meal with four parts: on the left, a large scoop of creamy mashed potatoes topped with smooth brown gravy and sprinkled with black pepper; at the top left, a pile of bright green cooked green beans glazed with the same brown gravy; on the top right, a rich, glossy, deep red cranberry sauce with a jelly-like texture; and on the right side, slices of golden-brown roasted chicken with a light crust, generously covered in brown gravy. A gold fork is placed near the potatoes on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to garnish my turkey platter with fresh herb sprigs, extra lemon wedges, and a scattering of roasted garlic cloves from inside the cavity. The herbs brighten the presentation and keep the fresh, fragrant vibe alive from oven to table. Plus, those lemon wedges are there for guests who love an extra citrus squeeze.

Side Dishes

This turkey pairs beautifully with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, honey-glazed carrots, roasted Brussels sprouts, and a tart cranberry sauce. Personally, my family can’t resist buttery dinner rolls to sop up the rich drippings—and yes, make gravy with that!

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive twist, I love carving the turkey and fanning the slices on a large wooden board surrounded by sprigs of rosemary and cranberries. It creates a rustic, inviting feel that instantly elevates the dinner table for Thanksgiving or holiday meals. Sometimes I even place a sheet of parchment underneath for easy clean-up and a cozy look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I slice leftover turkey and store it tightly wrapped or in airtight containers in the fridge. I find that separating white and dark meat helps them stay moist longer. Leftovers keep well for 3-4 days, perfect for sandwiches or salads.

Freezing

Freezing leftover turkey works great! I portion it into freezer bags with plastic squeezed out to avoid freezer burn. I label and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge, and it’s almost as good as fresh.

Reheating

To reheat, wrap turkey slices in foil with a splash of broth and warm in a low oven (about 300°F) until heated through. This keeps the meat juicy without drying it out. Microwave reheating tends to toughen turkey, so the oven method is my go-to.

FAQs

Can I prepare the herb butter the day before?

Absolutely! Making the herb butter a day ahead lets the flavors really meld. Just cover it tightly and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to use it. This can actually save you time on the big day, so it’s a win-win.
What if my turkey is bigger or smaller than 14-16 pounds?

The cooking time will adjust based on the size—remember the rule of 13 minutes per pound at 350°F. For a much bigger bird, increase the amount of herb butter and cavity stuffing slightly to keep those flavors balanced. An instant-read thermometer is your best friend for perfect results.
Do I need to baste the turkey during roasting?

One of the beauties of this Herb Butter Roast Turkey Recipe is that you don’t need to baste! Letting the herb butter do its work and controlling the roasting temperature means the skin crisps nicely and the meat stays juicy, without extra fuss.
Can I use a brined turkey with this recipe?

If your turkey is pre-brined, skip adding extra salt to the herb butter to avoid over-salting. Sometimes brined turkeys already have a lot of salt, so taste and adjust accordingly before rubbing it on.

Final Thoughts

This Herb Butter Roast Turkey Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines the comforting traditions of roasted turkey with an easy, dependable technique. I love how it fills my kitchen with that warm, irresistible aroma and how it shines bright at the center of joyous gatherings. You’ll enjoy the juicy meat, the fragrant herb crust, and the simplicity of not having to fuss with basting. Give it a try—you might just create a new family favorite.