Description
This Herb Butter Turkey recipe creates a perfectly juicy and flavorful turkey that is brined to perfection and roasted with a savory herb butter. The result is a show-stopping centerpiece for your holiday feast.
Ingredients
Brine:
- 8 cups vegetable broth
- 3/4 cup coarse sea salt
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 TBS dried rosemary
- 1 TBS dried thyme
- 1 TBS paprika
- 2 tablespoons peppercorns
- 5 bay leaves
- Peel from 2 large oranges
- 8 cups apple juice
- 1 gallon ice water
Herb Butter:
- 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 TBS garlic powder
- 1 TBS dried rosemary
- 1 TBS dried parsley
- 1 TBS dried thyme leaves
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
For Roasting:
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 orange, quartered
- 1 onion, quartered
- 1 apple, quartered
Gravy:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons reserved Herb Butter
- 1/3 cup flour
- 4 cups turkey drippings/juices
Instructions
- Brine: Combine all brine ingredients except apple juice and ice water in a large stockpot. Bring to a boil, then let cool. Pour over turkey in a brining bag and refrigerate for 16-24 hours.
- Herb Butter: Mix all herb butter ingredients. Spread under turkey skin and over the bird.
- Roasting: Roast the turkey breast side down at 400°F for 45 minutes, then reduce heat to 350°F and continue cooking until the breast registers 160°F.
- Gravy: Skim fat from drippings, then make a roux with butter, flour, and drippings. Cook until thickened.
- Carve: Remove breast halves, remove wishbone, and carve into slices.
Notes
- Brine fresh, not frozen turkey for best results.
- Use sea salt, not table or kosher salt.
- Brine turkey for 16-24 hours for optimal flavor.
- For crispy skin, pat turkey dry before roasting.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approx. 500
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1500mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 60g
- Cholesterol: 200mg