Description
This double-size, holiday-worthy roast turkey is basted with garlic-herb butter, stuffed with citrus and fresh herbs, and roasted to juicy, golden perfection. It’s simple, stress-free, and packed with deep flavor from the inside out—perfect for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or any feast-worthy moment.
Ingredients
Turkey:
2 whole turkeys (14–16 lbs each), or 1 extra-large turkey (28–30 lbs)
Salt & pepper, to taste
Herb Butter (Double Batch):
2 cups (4 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
2 tbsp fresh sage, finely chopped
2 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
8 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
Twist Add-ins: Zest of 1 orange + 1 tsp smoked paprika (for warm depth)
Inside the Turkey:
2 lemons, halved
1 large orange, halved (for brightness)
Several sprigs of fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage
2 heads garlic, separated and peeled
Instructions
Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove giblets and pat turkey dry.
Make herb butter: In a bowl, combine butter, herbs, garlic, salt, pepper, orange zest, and paprika.
Loosen the skin over the breast and legs gently. Spread half of the butter under the skin, and the rest all over the outside of the turkey.
Stuff the cavity with lemon, orange halves, fresh herbs, and garlic cloves.
Tie the legs, tuck the wings under, and place in a roasting pan on a rack.
Roast uncovered, basting with pan drippings every 45 minutes. Roast time is ~13–15 minutes per pound (around 6–7 hours for a 28–30 lb turkey).
Check temp: Internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
Rest 20–30 minutes before carving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Rest Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–7 hrs
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 / Serving
- Fat: 22g / Serving
- Protein: 30g / Serving