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holiday feast recipes

Classic Roast Turkey with Herb Butter

A perfectly roasted turkey is the centerpiece of any holiday feast. This recipe features a savory herb butter that infuses the meat with incredible flavor and keeps it moist and tender.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 15 pounds whole turkey thawed if frozen
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh sage chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 medium onion quartered
  • 2 stalks celery cut into 2-inch pieces

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Remove turkey from packaging and remove neck and giblets from cavities. Pat the turkey dry inside and out with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
    15 pounds whole turkey
  3. Carefully loosen the skin over the turkey breast and thighs by sliding your fingers underneath. Spread about half of the herb butter mixture under the skin. Rub the remaining herb butter all over the outside of the turkey.
    15 pounds whole turkey
  4. Stuff the cavities with the quartered onion, celery pieces, and halved lemon.
    15 pounds whole turkey
  5. Place the turkey on a rack in a large roasting pan. Cover loosely with aluminum foil.
  6. Roast for 3 to 3.5 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (without touching bone) registers 165°F (74°C). Baste the turkey with pan juices every 30-45 minutes.
  7. Remove foil during the last 30-45 minutes of cooking to allow the skin to brown and crisp.
  8. Once the turkey is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist turkey.

Nutrition

Serving: 200gCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 120gProtein: 120gFat: 120gSaturated Fat: 120gPolyunsaturated Fat: 120gMonounsaturated Fat: 120gTrans Fat: 120gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 120gSugar: 120gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 120mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 120mg

Notes

For extra flavor, you can truss the turkey legs together with kitchen twine. This recipe pairs wonderfully with classic Thanksgiving side dishes like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.
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