Savory Christmas Roast Turkey with Herb Butter and Gravy
Classic Christmas Roast Turkey with Herb Butter and Gravy made approachable with clear cues, pantry staples, and flexible swaps.
Ingredients
- 1 12-14 pound whole turkey
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups chicken or turkey broth
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Prepare the herb butter by combining softened butter, rosemary, thyme, sage, garlic, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Pat the turkey dry with paper towels and place it in a roasting pan.
- Gently lift the turkey skin and rub a generous amount of herb butter under the skin and over the outside of the turkey.
- Season the cavity of the turkey with salt and pepper, and optionally fill it with aromatics like onion or lemon.
- Roast the turkey in the preheated oven, brushing it every 30 minutes with the drippings or additional butter.
- Roast until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the turkey reaches 165°F (75°C), about 3 to 4 hours.
- Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving.
- While the turkey rests, make the gravy by whisking flour into the pan drippings over medium heat, then gradually adding broth.
- Serve the turkey with gravy and fresh herbs for garnish.