There’s something so comforting about a perfectly roasted turkey, especially when it’s infused with fragrant herbs and a rich butter glaze. This Herb Butter Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe brings that classic holiday magic right to your kitchen, giving you juicy, flavorful meat and irresistibly crisp skin every time.

A whole roasted chicken with golden-brown, crispy skin speckled with herbs sits centered on a white rectangular plate. The chicken is surrounded by fresh green herbs like parsley and rosemary, with several lemon halves showing bright yellow inside scattered around the edges. There is a whole green apple placed near the top right of the plate. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with a gray and white striped cloth partially visible near the top right corner. A woman's hand is gently holding the left wing of the chicken. Two small glass containers of seasoning can be seen at the top left corner of the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Herb Butter Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Herb Butter Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Herb Butter Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made plenty of turkeys over the years, but this herb butter version stands out because it’s simple, flavorful, and downright foolproof. You get a turkey that’s juicy inside with a golden, herb-kissed crust that’s hard to beat.

Rich Herb Butter Flavor: Infuses the turkey with fresh, aromatic herbs that perfectly complement the meat.
Juicy, Tender Meat: The butter under the skin locks in moisture, keeping the breast meat especially juicy.
Easy Yet Elegant: It looks impressive on the table but won’t stress you out in the kitchen.
Perfect for Thanksgiving Traditions: Classic flavors with a small twist that elevate your holiday feast.

A whole roasted turkey with golden-brown, crispy skin covered in herbs is placed on a white rectangular plate. Around the turkey are fresh green leafy vegetables and several halved yellow lemons. A woman's hand is holding a knife slicing a thick piece of the turkey breast, revealing the juicy white meat inside. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a key role in making this turkey shine. The combination of fresh herbs and butter not only brings flavor but also helps keep the turkey moist and delicious. Plus, the apple and lemon inside the cavity add a subtle sweetness and brightness that balance the savory herbs.

Flat lay of a whole fresh raw turkey with smooth skin, a peeled yellow onion quartered into four wedges, a bright yellow lemon cut into four quarters, a crisp red apple quartered, a small bunch of fresh rosemary sprigs, a small bunch of fresh thyme sprigs, a small bunch of fresh sage leaves, a small white ceramic bowl filled with softened unsalted butter, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse salt crystals, a small white ceramic bowl of freshly ground black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl containing several peeled garlic cloves, and a few sprigs of fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, and sage placed artfully, all arranged symmetrically 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

Turkey: Choose a fresh or fully thawed turkey between 12 and 20 pounds for the best size to cook evenly.
Onion, lemon, apple: These aromatics stuff the turkey cavity, infusing moisture and subtle flavors inside the bird.
Fresh rosemary, thyme, sage: Using fresh herbs is key here – they bring vibrant aroma and flavor you can really taste.
Unsalted butter: Softened to spread easily, it creates that golden crispy skin and locks in juiciness.
Garlic: Adds a punch of savory depth to the herb butter mix so each bite is satisfying.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the natural flavors of the turkey.

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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 customizing this recipe depending on the season or the kind of herbs I have on hand. It’s super forgiving and lets you play around, so don’t be shy about making it your own.

Variation: Once, I added a little lemon zest to the herb butter for a zingy twist, and it was a hit at Thanksgiving dinner.
Dietary modification: You can easily swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative if needed, although butter really gives the best richness.
Seasonal herbs: If you don’t have fresh rosemary or thyme, substituting with dried works—just use less since dried herbs are more potent.
Cooking method: I’ve made this in both conventional and convection ovens; just watch the cooking time as convection tends to be faster.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Herb Butter Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe

Step 1: Thaw and Prep Your Turkey

Plan ahead and thaw your turkey completely in the fridge—about 24 hours for every 5 pounds. I always give myself an extra day just to be safe. Before roasting, pull the bird out of the fridge for an hour so it can come to room temperature. This helps the turkey cook more evenly and avoid dry spots.

Step 2: Make the Herb Butter

Combine softened unsalted butter with minced garlic, salt, pepper, and a mix of finely chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage. Don’t forget you’ll use some fresh herbs inside the cavity too, so save a bit aside. The butter will flavor the meat and help create that gorgeous golden crust we all want.

Step 3: Prepare the Turkey for Roasting

Remove the neck and giblets from inside the cavities and pat the turkey very dry with paper towels—dry skin means crispy skin. Season the cavity well with salt and pepper, then stuff it with the quartered onion, lemon, apple, and leftover herbs for extra fragrance and moisture.

Step 4: Apply Herb Butter Under the Skin

Gently loosen the skin over the turkey breasts by sliding your fingers carefully underneath. Spread several tablespoons of herb butter right under the skin, smoothing it out. This little trick keeps the breast incredibly juicy and flavors the meat from within.

Step 5: Roast and Baste

Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a pan, tucking the wings underneath to keep everything neat. Warm the remaining herb butter slightly in the microwave and brush it all over the turkey’s exterior. Roast at 325°F, calculating about 13-15 minutes per pound. Once the skin is a beautiful golden brown, tent the turkey with foil to stop breast overcooking and finish roasting until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Top Tip

From my experience roasting turkeys, a few little adjustments go a long way toward juicy meat and golden skin every time.

Pat Dry is a Must: Moisture on the skin steams during roasting, so be diligent with paper towels before you start.
Butter Under the Skin: This isn’t just for flavor—it also creates a moisture barrier that keeps the breast meat tender.
Tent with Foil: Keep a close eye and tent the turkey once the skin turns golden to prevent drying.
Use a Meat Thermometer: Cooking by temperature, not just time, means you’ll avoid under or overcooking—trust me, it makes all the difference.

How to Serve Herb Butter Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe

Garnishes

I usually garnish the turkey platter with extra fresh herbs like sprigs of rosemary and thyme—they bring freshness and a beautiful pop of green. Sometimes I add roasted lemon halves and apple slices from the cavity for a rustic, natural touch that guests love to sniff and admire before we dig in.

Side Dishes

This turkey pairs beautifully with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, savory green bean casserole, and a tangy cranberry sauce. I always make sure there’s dinner rolls to soak up the herb butter and rich gravy—comfort food at its finest.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays, I like to carve the turkey right at the table on a large wooden cutting board surrounded by fresh herbs and citrus wedges for a festive vibe. Another fun idea is to roast the bird on a bed of colorful root vegetables like carrots and parsnips, which caramelize and make a stunning presentation sheet-pan style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I wrap leftover turkey tightly in foil or airtight containers and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. Sliced or shredded turkey keeps well for up to four days and makes for easy sandwiches and quick meals all week.

Freezing

When I have leftovers I want to save longer, I slice the turkey, flash freeze pieces on a tray, then transfer them to freezer bags. Frozen turkey stays great for 2-3 months if stored properly, perfect for quick future dinners.

Reheating

Reheating low and slow in the oven wrapped in foil with a splash of broth or gravy keeps the meat moist. I avoid microwaving to prevent drying out, but if you’re in a hurry, cover tightly and heat in short bursts.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh in this Herb Butter Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute dried herbs if fresh aren’t available. Use one teaspoon of dried herbs for every tablespoon of fresh herbs called for in the recipe since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.

How do I know when the Herb Butter Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe is done cooking?

The best way to know if your turkey is done is by using an instant-read meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh and breast; the turkey is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This method ensures moist, safe-to-eat meat every time.

What’s the benefit of putting butter under the turkey skin in this recipe?

Placing herb butter under the skin adds amazing flavor directly to the meat and helps the turkey retain moisture, especially the breast meat which tends to dry out. It also contributes to crispier, browned skin on top.

Can I prepare this Herb Butter Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the herb butter and rub it on the turkey the night before, then cover and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just bring the turkey to room temperature before roasting as usual.

Final Thoughts

This Herb Butter Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe has become my go-to for holiday gatherings because it combines straightforward prep with delicious results that always impress. There’s something so satisfying about pulling a golden, fragrant bird from the oven and watching everyone’s eyes light up. I hope you find the same joy making—and sharing—it with your loved ones.