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