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; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped; 1 onion, peeled and quartered; 3 ribs celery, roughly chopped; 3 carrots, roughly chopped

If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping, juicy turkey that’s bursting with flavor, I have just the thing for you. This Garlic Butter Roasted Turkey Recipe is one of my absolute favorites to make, especially when I want a crowd-pleaser that feels special but isn’t complicated. I’m talking tender, garlic-kissed meat with a golden, buttery skin that your whole family will rave about — and it’s easier than you think to pull off.

🤍

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich Garlic Butter Flavor: The herb-infused butter seeps into the turkey meat, keeping it moist and imparting a deep, irresistible aroma.
Simple Yet Elegant: It uses ingredients you probably already have, but the results taste like a fancy feast.
Juicy, Tender Results Every Time: That slow roasting with a little foil creates perfectly cooked meat without drying out.
Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving, a family gathering, or a cozy Sunday dinner, it steals the show.

A whole roasted turkey with a shiny, golden brown skin speckled with black pepper sits centered on a white plate, resting on a bed of green herbs including rosemary and thyme. The turkey has a crispy textured surface and shows well-cooked legs and wings slightly spread out. Around the plate, there are dark purple olives and halved fresh figs with a pink-red interior. Sprigs of fresh herbs and additional fig halves are scattered on the white marbled surface beneath and around the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Garlic Butter Roasted Turkey, roasted turkey recipe, juicy turkey roast, garlic herb turkey, holiday turkey ideas

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work together beautifully, making sure every bite has a perfect balance of savory herbs and garlic butter goodness. When shopping, look for fresh herbs and real butter to get that authentic taste that canned or dried versions just can’t match.

Flat lay of a whole raw turkey with pale pink skin, surrounded by fresh quartered yellow lemon wedges, vibrant green sprigs of rosemary, thyme, and sage with fine leaves, golden yellow chunks of unsalted butter, cloves of raw garlic with papery white skins and smooth texture, crisp orange carrot pieces, bright green celery ribs with a fibrous texture, and quartered white onion sections showing layered rings, all naturally arranged in an inviting, slightly scattered pattern, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Garlic Butter Roasted Turkey, roasted turkey recipe, juicy turkey roast, garlic herb turkey, holiday turkey ideas

Turkey: Fresh or fully thawed frozen turkey is essential to get the best roasting results.
Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth inside the cavity and beneath the bird for flavor.
Lemon: Brightens the flavors and keeps the meat tasting fresh.
Fresh rosemary: Its piney aroma complements the garlic and butter perfectly.
Fresh thyme: Earthy and fragrant, it elevates the herb butter beautifully.
Fresh sage: Classic turkey partner, giving an extra layer of savory warmth.
Unsalted butter: Room temperature for easy mixing, it’s the star of the herb butter.
Garlic cloves: Freshly minced for that punch of rich, aromatic flavor.
Vegetables for roasting pan: Onion, celery, and carrots form a natural rack, infusing the turkey juices with extra flavor.
Kosher salt and black pepper: The basics that bring all the flavors to life—don’t skip them!

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this Garlic Butter Roasted Turkey Recipe my own depending on the season and who I’m cooking for. Don’t hesitate to tweak herbs or add your favorite aromatics — it’s all about pleasing your palate.

Citrus Twist: I sometimes swap lemon for orange or add orange zest to the herb butter for a sweeter, brighter note that guests adore.
Spicy Kick: When I want a little heat, I mix some crushed red pepper flakes into the butter for a subtle warmth without overpowering the turkey.
Herb Mix: Feel free to experiment with rosemary, thyme, sage, or even add parsley and tarragon for an interesting flavor profile.
Butter Substitute: For a lighter option, use olive oil mixed with herbs, but note butter gives that classic rich finish I love.

How to Make Garlic Butter Roasted Turkey Recipe

Step 1: Prep Like a Pro

First things first: preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). While it’s warming up, remove the giblets from the turkey cavity and give the bird a good pat down with paper towels to make sure it’s dry. I’ve found that a dry surface helps the skin crisp up beautifully. Season the inside with kosher salt and black pepper, then stuff it with quartered onion, lemon, and your fresh herb sprigs. This little flavor package steams inside and infuses the turkey meat with amazing aromas.

Step 2: Make Your Herb Garlic Butter

In a bowl, mix the softened butter with minced garlic, finely chopped rosemary and thyme, plus salt and pepper. This mixture is the magic that makes the turkey so flavorful. I love the smell of fresh garlic and herbs coming together — it’s a telltale sign something incredible is about to happen.

Step 3: Spread the Love Under the Skin

Here’s a trick I always share: gently loosen the skin from the turkey breast by sliding your fingers or a spoon carefully beneath it. Take your time — no rushing, or you might tear the skin! Then, spread a generous amount of that herb butter right under the skin, smearing it over the meat itself. This keeps the breast juicy and infuses flavor right where it matters most. Use the remaining butter to coat the outside of the bird and season all over with more salt and pepper.

Step 4: Build a Flavorful Roasting Bed

In your roasting pan, lay out the quartered onion, chopped celery, and carrots. This natural rack not only prevents the turkey from sticking but also imparts subtle sweetness and earthiness as it cooks. When I roast the veggies along with the turkey, I use that flavorful pan drippings later for gravy — seriously, don’t toss those!

Step 5: Roast and Rest

Place your turkey on top of the vegetable bed, then cover loosely with foil to keep moisture in during most of the cooking. Roast it until the internal thigh temperature hits 160°F — it will continue to about 165°F as it rests. My bird, around 12 pounds, usually takes about 3 hours. For the final 30 minutes, I remove the foil to let the skin get that beautiful golden brown and crispy finish. When it’s done, tent it with foil and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving — this step gives you the juiciest turkey without fail.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Roasted Turkey Recipe

Patience is Key: When loosening the skin, take your time and be gentle — I’ve learned this prevents tears and keeps the butter exactly where it belongs.
Room Temperature Butter: Softened butter mixes better, ensuring even herb distribution; I always take mine out of the fridge about an hour ahead.
Use a Meat Thermometer: Nothing beats precision here; I trust my probe thermometer to hit the perfect doneness without overcooking.
Let it Rest: Resting your turkey after roasting is a game-changer for juicy slices — don’t skip this crucial step.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Roasted Turkey Recipe

Garlic Butter Roasted Turkey Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I often garnish my roasted turkey platter with fresh rosemary sprigs and lemon wedges. Not only do they make the presentation pop visually, but they also complement the garlic herb flavors perfectly. Sometimes a handful of fresh thyme sprinkled around the platter adds that extra touch of elegance.

Side Dishes

Pair this turkey with traditional favorites like creamy mashed potatoes, buttery green beans, and a tangy cranberry sauce. I’ve also found that roasted Brussels sprouts with a balsamic glaze are the perfect balance to the richness of the garlic butter flavor. Don’t forget homemade stuffing — it’s fantastic with this recipe!

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve laid the carved turkey slices over a rustic wooden board surrounded by small bowls of gravy and cranberry sauce, with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top. It invites guests to serve themselves and adds a cozy, communal feel to the meal. Another favorite is serving the turkey on a long platter with colorful roasted vegetables arranged artistically around it — it’s as pleasing to the eyes as the palate!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the feast, I let the turkey cool to room temperature before carving the rest of the meat off the bones and storing it in airtight containers. This helps keep the leftovers from drying out. Stored in the fridge, turkey stays good and tasty for about 3 to 4 days — long enough for several delicious sandwiches or salads.

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftover turkey in freezer-safe bags after carving, and it keeps well up to 6 months. Just be sure to press out as much air as you can to prevent freezer burn. It’s a lifesaver for quick meals later on when you want to thaw some turkey without defrosting the whole bird.

Reheating

When it’s time to reheat, I usually pop slices in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel — this little hack keeps the meat from drying out and maintains tenderness. You can also warm leftovers gently in an oven at 325°F wrapped in foil, which is great if you’re heating a whole tray for guests.

FAQs

Can I prepare the herb garlic butter ahead of time?

Absolutely! The garlic herb butter can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the fridge. Just make sure it’s tightly wrapped or in an airtight container so it doesn’t absorb other odors. Bring it to room temperature before applying it under the turkey skin for the best spreadability.
Why do you roast the turkey at 325°F instead of a higher temperature?

Roasting at 325°F allows the turkey to cook evenly and gently, which helps prevent the breast meat from drying out. The slower, lower heat melts the herb butter into the meat and finishes with a tender, juicy texture.
How do I know when the turkey is done?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone. When the temperature reads 160°F, remove the turkey from the oven and tent with foil – it will rise to 165°F as it rests, which is the safe internal temp for turkey.
Can I stuff the turkey with other aromatics?

Yes! While I usually stick with onion, lemon, and fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage, you can add garlic cloves, apples, or even oranges for different flavor notes. Just be sure not to overstuff, so heat circulates properly during roasting.

Final Thoughts

I truly believe this Garlic Butter Roasted Turkey Recipe is one of those dishes that brings people together around the table. I remember the first time I made it for a holiday gathering—everyone kept asking for seconds, and I felt like a kitchen rockstar. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a bit of love, you can achieve a juicy, flavorful turkey that’s sure to impress. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to this delicious, comforting meal—I promise, you won’t regret it!