This is the Thanksgiving turkey recipe I always make — Every. Single. Year. The brine is simple, the process is easy, the garlic herb butter is flavorful, and the bird turns out so, so juicy every time. Because let’s face it, you don’t want to take any risks for such a big food holiday. Make this roasted turkey for Thanksgiving with me, and I think it’ll become become your go-to every year, too!
Turkey is a staple for many holiday meals A juicy, flavorful turkey is definitely something to look forward to! While there are many ways to prepare a tasty turkey, one of the easiest ways is with a simple garlic herb butter Rubbing a garlic-herb butter mixture under the skin and all over the turkey helps ensure moist, flavorful meat with crispy browned skin.
Read on to learn all about how to make the perfect garlic herb butter to take your turkey from bland to beautiful this holiday season
Why Use Herb Butter on Turkey?
Using an herb butter mixture under the turkey skin serves multiple purposes:
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It helps keep the breast meat moist and juicy while baking, The fat from the butter bastes the turkey from the inside out
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It adds tons of flavor to the meat. Garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper infuse into the turkey as it cooks.
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It helps create crispy, browned skin. The fat content from the butter helps the skin brown and crisp up nicely.
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It’s easy. Butter, garlic, herbs…that’s all you need!
Herb butter is a simple way to guarantee a juicy, flavorful turkey every time.
How to Make Garlic Herb Butter for Turkey
Making your own garlic herb butter takes just a few minutes and only requires a handful of ingredients:
Ingredients:
- 1 stick (8 tbsp) softened, unsalted butter
- 2-4 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage work well)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Equipment:
- Mixing bowl
- Fork or whisk
Instructions:
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Soften 1 stick of butter to room temperature. Cut into chunks to speed up softening if needed.
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Mince 2-4 garlic cloves. The garlic flavor will mellow during roasting so don’t be afraid to add more.
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Chop about 2 tbsp of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage.
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In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped herbs, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper.
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Use a fork or whisk to blend everything together thoroughly.
That’s all there is to it! Store covered in the fridge up to 4 days until ready to use.
How Much Garlic Herb Butter for Turkey?
For a 12-15 lb turkey, you’ll want 2-3 batches (2-3 sticks) of the garlic herb butter recipe. This will give you enough to spread generously under the skin and rub some on the exterior.
Figure around 1 tbsp per pound of turkey weight, adding a little extra as desired.
Tips for Preparing Turkey with Garlic Herb Butter
Once you’ve made the garlic herb butter, follow these tips for using it on the turkey:
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Let the turkey come to room temperature before loosening the skin.
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Gently loosen the skin from the breast and thighs with your fingers.
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Spread butter evenly under the skin, coating the breast and thigh meat.
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Rub any remaining butter all over the exterior of the turkey.
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Truss the legs together to hold in the butter.
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Roast, grill, or cook the turkey as desired. The herb butter keeps it moist and flavorful.
Additional Flavor Combinations
Feel free to get creative with herb butter possibilities! Here are some flavor combos to try:
- Lemon garlic herb butter – Add lemon zest
- Chipotle lime herb butter – Add minced chipotle and lime zest
- Orange thyme herb butter – Add orange zest and thyme
- Rosemary maple herb butter – Add maple syrup and rosemary
- Sundried tomato basil herb butter – Add sundried tomatoes and basil
- Jalapeño cilantro herb butter – Add minced jalapeño and cilantro
The options are endless for infusing herb butter with flavors! Garlic pairs well with almost anything.
Storing Leftover Garlic Herb Butter
Cover and refrigerate leftover herb butter up to 1 week. To freeze for longer storage:
- Place in butter compartment of fridge 1 month
- Spoon into ice cube trays, freeze, and store cubes in bags up to 3 months
- Shape logs on parchment, wrap well, and freeze up to 6 months
Frozen herb butter cubes are so handy to have on hand. Just pop one out when a recipe calls for a small amount of butter.
For Best Results
Using a simple garlic herb butter is an easy way to take your holiday turkey from dry and bland to moist, flavorful perfection. With just a few ingredients, you can infuse big flavor into the turkey and help achieve crispy browned skin. Give this easy garlic herb butter a try for your next turkey – your family will be asking for it every year!
Frequently Asked Questions
What herbs go well with garlic butter for turkey?
Some of the best herbs to use are rosemary, thyme, sage, parsley, and chives. These all complement the garlic flavor nicely.
Can I make the garlic herb butter ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the garlic herb butter up to 4 days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
Unsalted butter is best since you are adding your own salt to the herb mixture. This allows you to control the saltiness.
How much garlic should I use?
2-4 cloves of garlic is a good amount for one batch of herb butter. The garlic mellows when roasted so don’t be afraid to be generous.
What’s the best way to loosen the turkey skin?
Use your fingers to gently separate the skin from the breast meat. Take care not to tear the skin. A spoon can help reach difficult areas. Work slowly.
Should I roast my turkey with or without the giblets?
For the most flavorful turkey, remove the giblets from the cavities before roasting. Cook the giblets separately to make gravy.
What’s the best way to truss the turkey legs?
Tie the legs together with kitchen string or silicone bands. This helps hold the shape of the bird and keep the garlic herb butter inside.
What To Serve With It
If you plan on roasting a turkey for Thanksgiving, complete your meal with:
Leftover Thanksgiving turkey will last 3-5 days in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer. Here’s how I use it:
More Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes
This is one of my favorite ways to roast turkey for Thanksgiving, but I’ve got others! Try one of these if you’re short on time or feeding a smaller crowd:
