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Herb Butter Turkey Recipe

Herb Butter Turkey Recipe


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4.7 from 19 reviews

  • Author: Sophia
  • Total Time: 20 hours
  • Yield: 10 servings
  • Diet: Gluten Free

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

  1. 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.
  2. Herb Butter: Mix all herb butter ingredients. Spread under turkey skin and over the bird.
  3. 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.
  4. Gravy: Skim fat from drippings, then make a roux with butter, flour, and drippings. Cook until thickened.
  5. 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