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Festive Herb Butter Christmas Turkey! 🎄

A wonderfully festive Christmas turkey, basted with a fragrant herb butter and roasted to golden perfection. Perfect for your holiday table!
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 50 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 35 minutes
Cuisine Holiday
Servings 12 servings
Calories 556 kcal

Equipment

  • Roasting Pan
  • Meat Thermometer
  • Kitchen String
  • Aluminum Foil
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Food processor (optional)

Ingredients
  

Main Turkey Ingredients

  • 1 whole turkey 11-15 lb, thawed

For Seasoning

  • 1 tsp salt plus more for seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper plus more for seasoning

For the Herb Butter

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened (2 sticks)
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil plus extra for drizzling
  • 4 Tbsp fresh lemon juice from 1 large lemon
  • 0.5 Tbsp lemon zest
  • 3 large garlic cloves pressed
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 0.5 Tbsp salt for herb butter
  • 0.5 tsp pepper for herb butter

For the Cavity Stuffing

  • 1 large onion quartered
  • 4 garlic cloves peeled and halved
  • 0.5 bunch parsley
  • 1 lemon quartered

Instructions
 

  • 1. Prepare Your Turkey:

    Take your thawed turkey out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you begin. This helps ensure it cooks evenly.
    Carefully remove the neck and any giblet bags from inside the turkey.
    Pat the turkey thoroughly dry with paper towels, both inside and out. Let it sit on a roasting pan lined with paper towels for a short while to absorb any remaining moisture, then discard the towels.
    Fold the wing tips behind the turkey's back to keep them from burning during roasting.

  • 2. Craft Your Flavorful Butter & Season:

    Season the turkey's inner cavity generously with about 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
    In a mixing bowl (or a food processor for ease), combine the softened butter, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, pressed garlic, chopped parsley, 1/2 tablespoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Stir or process until well mixed and aromatic.
    Gently slide your fingers under the turkey skin over the breast area, separating it from the meat without tearing.
    Spread about two-thirds of your seasoned butter mixture evenly under the skin, massaging it over the breast to ensure maximum juiciness and flavor.
    Pat the turkey skin dry once more, then rub the remaining butter all over the outside (breast, legs, wings).
    Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the top and season generously with salt and pepper for a wonderfully crisp and flavorful skin.

  • 3. Aromatic Stuffing & Tying:

    Place the quartered onion, halved garlic cloves, 1/2 bunch parsley, and quartered lemon inside the turkey cavity. These will infuse a delicious aroma.
    Use kitchen string to tie the turkey legs together, crossing them to help close the cavity and give your turkey a polished look.

  • 4. Roast for Golden Perfection:

    Preheat your oven to 430°F (220°C). Position an oven rack in the lower section of your oven.
    Smart Foil Shield: To protect the breast from drying, fold a large square of aluminum foil into a triangle. Rub one side with olive oil. Briefly shape this foil (oil-side-down) over the turkey breast, then set it aside. You'll apply this shield later.
    Insert an oven-safe meat thermometer deep into the thickest part of the turkey thigh, making sure it doesn't touch any bone.
    Place the turkey in the oven and roast uncovered at 430°F (220°C) for 20 minutes.
    Baste & Shield: Carefully remove the turkey from the oven. Quickly baste it with the flavorful drippings from the bottom of the pan. Now, place your prepared foil triangle over the turkey breast.
    Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes for a 12 lb turkey (allow about 13 minutes per pound after the initial high-heat roast).
    The turkey is fully cooked when your thermometer registers 170-180°F (77-82°C) in the thigh and 165°F (74°C) in the breast. (Remember, the internal temperature will continue to rise slightly after removal from the oven).

  • 5. Rest & Present:

    Transfer the cooked turkey to a large serving platter. Cover it loosely but completely with aluminum foil.
    Let the turkey rest for at least 1 hour. This crucial step ensures the meat is incredibly tender, juicy, and much easier to carve.
    Save all those flavorful pan drippings to make a delicious homemade gravy!
    Decorate your platter with festive greens, small apples, orange slices, and lemon quarters for a beautiful presentation. Enjoy your perfectly juicy Christmas turkey!

Notes

Nutrition Information (per serving): Calories: 556, Total Carbs: 3g, Net Carbs: 2g, Fats: 13g, Protein: 103g.
Don't forget to save the flavorful pan drippings to make a delicious homemade gravy! This recipe ensures a moist and flavorful turkey, perfect for your holiday feast.
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