Name: Garlic Butter Roasted Turkey Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 to 18 pound turkey (fully thawed); 1 onion (peeled and quartered); 1 lemon (quartered); 2 sprigs fresh rosemary; 2 sprigs fresh thyme; 2 sprigs fresh sage; Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature); 7 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (finely chopped); 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (finely chopped); Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 onion (peeled and quartered); 3 ribs celery (roughly chopped); 3 carrots (roughly chopped)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 55 reviews

If you’re searching for the ultimate centerpiece to impress your family and friends, look no further than this Garlic Butter Roasted Turkey Recipe. Juicy, tender, and infused with layers of fragrant herbs and garlic butter, this turkey is a feast for the senses. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with tantalizing aromas and your heart with joy, perfect for any celebration or cozy Sunday dinner. The rich, golden skin locks in succulent flavors making every slice unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image on the left shows a whole raw chicken placed in a well-used metal tray with a slightly rough surface. The chicken is pale pink with a smooth skin texture. It is positioned breast side up with legs towards the bottom, and the cavity is filled with green herb sprigs, including rosemary and sage. The image on the right shows a white bowl filled with a creamy mixture of butter and green herbs, with a gold spoon embedded in it. The butter mixture has a soft, whipped texture with herb flecks. Both images are set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These simple yet essential ingredients come together to create a symphony of flavors, ensuring your Garlic Butter Roasted Turkey Recipe is irresistibly delicious. Each plays a key role in balancing taste, moisture, and aroma to elevate the turkey to perfection.

12 to 18 pound turkey (fully thawed): The star of the show; a fresh, thawed bird cooks evenly and absorbs the herb butter beautifully.
1 onion (peeled and quartered): Adds sweetness and moisture inside the cavity and in the roasting pan.
1 lemon (quartered): Brings a bright, citrusy note that balances the rich butter and herbs.
2 sprigs fresh rosemary: Offers piney, fragrant herbal depth to the turkey’s flavor.
2 sprigs fresh thyme: Adds subtle earthiness that pairs perfectly with garlic and butter.
2 sprigs fresh sage: Brings a warm, peppery aroma that enhances the overall seasoning.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning inside and out to draw out and boost natural flavors.
1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature): Creates a creamy, flavorful base that bastes the turkey for moistness and golden crisp skin.
7 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the butter with rich, garlicky goodness that’s simply irresistible.
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (finely chopped): Intensifies the herbal notes directly in the butter blend.
1 tablespoon fresh thyme (finely chopped): Enhances freshness to the herb butter for extra dimension.
3 ribs celery (roughly chopped): Adds a savory base aroma when roasted beneath the turkey.
3 carrots (roughly chopped): Bring sweet earthiness and color to the roasting pan bed.

How to Make Garlic Butter Roasted Turkey Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Turkey

Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C) to ensure a steady, even roasting temperature. Remove the giblets from the turkey’s cavity and gently pat the bird dry with paper towels. This step is crucial to achieving crispy skin. Then season the inside of the cavity generously with kosher salt and black pepper — seasoning from the inside out will deeply flavor your turkey. Stuff the cavity with the quartered onion, lemon, and fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, and sage) to impart aromatic flavors as it roasts.

Step 2: Make the Herb Garlic Butter

This herb garlic butter is the heart of the Garlic Butter Roasted Turkey Recipe. In a mixing bowl, combine the unsalted butter with minced garlic, finely chopped rosemary, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Whip it together until it’s a fragrant, creamy paste. This butter will create an incredible barrier on the turkey skin to lock in moisture while roasting and deliver flavorful richness that you’ll crave bite after bite.

Step 3: Butter Under the Skin and On Top

Carefully separate the skin from the turkey breast by gently sliding your fingers or a spoon between the skin and the meat — be gentle to avoid tearing! Slather a generous amount of the herb butter directly under the skin onto the breast meat; this technique ensures juicy meat that stays moist. Then, spread the remaining butter all over the turkey’s exterior, covering every nook. Finish by seasoning the outside with additional salt and pepper. This step is key to developing golden, crispy skin bursting with flavor.

Step 4: Prepare the Roasting Pan Bed

Next, layer the quartered onion, chopped celery, and chopped carrots in the bottom of your roasting pan. This vegetable bed not only adds extra flavor as it caramelizes but also lifts the turkey for better air circulation and even cooking. Place your seasoned turkey on top, breast side up, ready to be roasted to perfection.

Step 5: Roast Your Turkey to Perfection

Cover the turkey loosely with aluminum foil to prevent premature browning while it cooks. Roast the turkey in the preheated oven until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 160°F. Times will vary but expect about 3 hours for a large bird. For the last 30 minutes, remove the foil so the skin crisps up beautifully and turns that perfect golden brown color. The turkey will continue cooking as it rests, reaching 165°F internally.

Step 6: Rest and Carve

Once roasted, remove your turkey from the oven and tent it loosely with foil. Allow it to rest for at least 30 minutes — this pause lets the juices redistribute, resulting in moist, tender meat. Then carve and prepare to wow everyone at the table with your stunning, flavorful creation.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Roasted Turkey Recipe

A golden brown roasted whole chicken with shiny, crispy skin sits on a white round plate. The chicken is stuffed with green herbs like sage and thyme, filling the cavity. Around the chicken, there are halved figs with deep red centers and black grapes scattered on the plate and white marbled surface. Some green herb sprigs are laid around as decoration. In the background, a white round plate holds more halved figs and green herbs. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding simple garnishes can elevate your presentation and appeal. Fresh herb sprigs of rosemary, thyme, or sage scattered around the carving platter are visually stunning and add a lovely aromatic hint. Slices of roasted lemon can brighten the appearance and provide a zesty contrast to the rich turkey.

Side Dishes

This Garlic Butter Roasted Turkey Recipe pairs beautifully with classic sides like buttery mashed potatoes, creamy stuffing, tangy cranberry sauce, and crisp green beans. The vegetable roasting bed also lends flavorful pan drippings perfect for making homemade gravy that ties the meal together seamlessly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, carve the turkey onto a large wooden board surrounded by roasted root vegetables and fresh herbs. Add whole roasted garlic bulbs and lemon wedges for bursts of color and aroma that invite everyone to dig in. If you’re feeling fun, serve slices with small herb butter pats that melt as they sit on the warm meat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, wrap leftover turkey tightly in foil or store it in airtight containers. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking and enjoy within 3 to 4 days for optimal freshness. Proper storage keeps the meat tender and delicious for sandwiches or reheated meals.

Freezing

If you want to keep turkey longer, freezing is a great option. Carve the meat and store in freezer-safe bags or containers. Label with the date and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw thoroughly in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain juiciness and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm leftover turkey in a covered dish in the oven at 300°F, adding a splash of broth or gravy to prevent drying. Alternatively, microwave slices covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Slow reheating keeps the meat tender and enjoyable as if freshly cooked.

FAQs

Can I use frozen turkey for this Garlic Butter Roasted Turkey Recipe?

It’s best to use a fully thawed turkey for even cooking and proper seasoning absorption. Thaw in the refrigerator several days ahead to ensure it’s completely defrosted before starting.

How do I know when the turkey is done?

Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh — when it reads 160°F, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest. It will carry over cook to a safe 165°F while resting.

Is it necessary to put butter under the skin?

Yes! Spreading the herb butter under the skin directly moisturizes the breast meat, keeps it juicy, and helps the skin brown evenly, making a huge difference in the final flavor and texture.

Can I prepare the herb butter the day before?

Absolutely! Making the herb butter ahead saves time and allows the flavors to meld, making it even more vibrant when applied to your turkey.

What can I do with the veggies left in the roasting pan?

Don’t discard those roasted veggies! Use them to make a flavorful turkey gravy or mash them as a delicious side. They’re packed with concentrated, savory goodness from the roasting process.

Final Thoughts

Making this Garlic Butter Roasted Turkey Recipe is truly a rewarding experience that fills your home with irresistible aromas and yields a mouthwatering centerpiece perfect for any gathering. Whether it’s a special holiday or a relaxing weekend, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds. So don your apron, gather your ingredients, and enjoy every delicious moment of creating this unforgettable feast!