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Best Herb Roasted Turkey

This Brine turkey recipe creates the moistest, most flavorful turkey thanks to a simple herb butter rub and an easy brine. Juicy, tender, and perfect for Thanksgiving.
Course Main Course
Keyword Thanksgiving, turkey, Christmas, Holiday meal
Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Resting time after roasting 30 minutes
Servings 12

Equipment

  • Roasting pan with metal rack
  • Meat thermometer

Ingredients

  • 12-16 lb brined turkey
  • ¾ C salted butter softened
  • 2 t lemon zest
  • Medium onion - quartered
  • 6 garlic cloves
  • 1 packet Lori’s Roasted Turkey Seasoning or substitute with the following seasonings
  • 2 t Himalayan or sea salt
  • 1 t pepper
  • 1 t garlic powder
  • 1 t onion powder
  • ¼ t thyme
  • ½ t rosemary
  • ½ t paprika
  • 1 t sage
  • ¼ t parsley

Instructions

  • Prepare turkey: Remove from brine, pat dry, and let rest at room temp for 1 hour. Move oven rack to lowest setting.
  • Mix herb butter: Stir softened butter, lemon zest, and seasonings (or turkey seasoning packet). Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Position turkey: Place turkey breast-up on roasting rack in pan.
  • Loosen skin: Use a spoon handle to gently lift skin without tearing.
  • Add butter under skin: Spread one-third of herb butter under skin.
  • Add butter on top: Coat outside of turkey with remaining butter.
  • Stuff cavity: Add onion + garlic. Tie legs if desired.
  • Insert a digital meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast, making sure it does not touch bone. This will help you cook the turkey to the perfect internal temperature.
  • Roast: Bake until internal temp reaches 165°F in thickest part (~2½–3½ hours). Tent with foil if browning early.
  • Rest: Let turkey rest 30 minutes before slicing. Reserve drippings for gravy.

Notes

Be sure to Brine your Turkey using my Brine Turkey Recipe!

Brining means soaking the turkey in salted, seasoned liquid before roasting. This step helps meat retain moisture and absorb flavor deep inside. It’s the secret to a truly unforgettable Thanksgiving Turkey.

How Long to Cook Turkey Per Pound at 350°F:

  • 13 minutes per pound unstuffed
  • 15 minutes per pound stuffed

How Many People a 12–16 lb Turkey Feeds

  • 12–16 lb turkey feeds 10–14 people with 6 side dishes.

Tips for Success:

  • Make-ahead tip: Roast turkey 1–2 days before serving. Break down into large pieces, store with drippings, reheat covered at 325°F for 45–60 min.
  • Let turkey sit at room temp 1–2 hours before roasting for even cooking.
  • Always rest turkey 30 minutes before carving to lock in juices.