Foolproof Christmas Roast Turkey with Herb Butter Crispy Skin

Foolproof Christmas Roast Turkey With Herb Butte

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Preparation time:02 Hrs 30 Mins

Cooking time:04 Hrs

Servings:10 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 (12-14 pound) turkey, thawed completely (5.5-6.4 kg)
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (5 ml)
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (2.5 ml)
• 1 cup (2 sticks or 227g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup (15g) finely chopped fresh sage
• 1/4 cup (15g) finely chopped fresh rosemary
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (5 ml)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (2.5 ml)
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (1.25 ml)
• 1 large yellow onion, quartered
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cups (946ml) chicken broth

Instructions:

• Prepare the Herb Butter: Combine softened butter, sage, rosemary, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Mix well until evenly distributed.
• Prep the Turkey: Remove giblets and neck from turkey cavity. Pat turkey dry with paper towels. Loosen the skin over the breast by gently running your fingers underneath.
• Butter the Turkey: Rub half of the herb butter under the skin of the turkey breast, spreading evenly. Rub the remaining herb butter all over the outside of the turkey. Season with salt and pepper.
• Prepare the Roasting Pan: Place onion, carrots, and celery in the bottom of the roasting pan. Pour in chicken broth.
• Roast the Turkey: Place the turkey on the rack in the roasting pan. Roast in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for 3-4 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F (74°C). Baste the turkey with pan juices every 45 minutes.
• Rest the Turkey: Remove turkey from oven and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:550 calories

Fat:35g

Fiber:5g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:American

Recipe Introduction

Ever get stuck trying to plan that perfect Christmas Dinner Menu Ideas ? Honestly, me too! Finding Easy Christmas Dinner Recipes that are both impressive and manageable can feel like scaling Everest.

Get Ready for a Christmas Feast

This recipe is about creating a truly memorable roast turkey. It's a holiday classic. A roast turkey is the king of the festive table! This version takes all the stress away.

It delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Plus, who doesn't love crispy skin?

Overview of the Perfect Christmas Turkey

Roast turkey has deep roots in festive celebrations. It is a staple across many cultures and families! This recipe is easy peasy – beginner cooks, fear not!.

Prep takes around 30 minutes and cooking is 3- 4 hours. You'll have enough to feed 8-10 hungry guests.

Why This Recipe Rocks

One of the main benefits of this roast is the juicy, flavorful meat. The herb butter melts under the skin.

The flavour goes right into the turkey! Serve it for your Christmas Day feast. It's simple, delicious, and guarantees a happy crowd.

Let's not forget you can use the leftovers to make epic turkey sandwiches the next day!

Now that we have the Holiday Turkey Recipe overview out of the way. Let's get into the ingredients. Don't worry, you probably have most of them already! The best Best Christmas Side Dishes that accompany this Simple Christmas Dinner Menu are just ahead! Also, Festive Holiday Recipes are always a good treat for all occasions.

Alright, let's talk turkey! We're diving headfirst into 60+ Easy Christmas Dinner Ideas , and first up, we're tackling the main event: ingredients and equipment.

Honestly, getting this part right can make or break your Holiday Turkey Recipe , so listen up!

Ingredients & Equipment: Let’s Get This Show on the Road

Here's the lowdown on what you'll need to pull off this showstopper. Think of it as your Christmas cooking arsenal.

Main Ingredients

• Turkey: 1 (12-14 pound) bird (that's 5.5-6.4 kg for our metric pals). Quality matters! Look for a plump bird with no blemishes.
• Olive Oil: 1/4 cup ( 60 ml ). This helps get that gorgeous, golden skin.
• Salt & Pepper: 1 teaspoon ( 5 ml ) salt, 1/2 teaspoon ( 2.5 ml ) pepper. Season generously!
• Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks or 227g ) unsalted. Softened butter is key!
• Fresh Herbs: 1/4 cup ( 15g ) each of sage and rosemary, finely chopped. Fresh is best for that real festive flavour.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Because everything's better with garlic!
• Lemon Zest: 1 teaspoon ( 5 ml ). Adds a zing!
• Veggies: 1 large onion, 2 carrots, 2 celery stalks. Roughly chopped.
• Chicken Broth: 4 cups ( 946ml ). This keeps the turkey nice and moist.

Seasoning Notes

Now, about those spices. You know I love a good shortcut! Essential is a blend of sage , rosemary , and garlic .

For a little extra oomph, try adding a pinch of dried thyme or some lemon zest. Don't have fresh herbs? Dried will do in a pinch, just use half the amount.

Equipment Needed

You don't need fancy gadgets to make an amazing Christmas roast. Here's what you really need:

• Roasting Pan with Rack: Absolutely essential.
• Meat Thermometer: Non-negotiable! Cook that turkey to 165° F ( 74° C) to avoid any holiday mishaps.
• Basting Brush: A good one will make your life easier.
• Small Bowl: For mixing that amazing herb butter.

Alternatives? You can get away with using a baking sheet lined with foil if you really don't have a roasting pan, but it's not ideal.

A wooden spoon will work in place of a basting brush.

I remember one Christmas when my trusty meat thermometer went kaput mid-roast. Oh my gosh, panic! Thankfully, my grandma knew the secret: wiggle the leg! If it moves easily, it's probably done.

But seriously, get a new thermometer!

Now, with those ingredients and tools locked down, you're on the path to mastering one of the most Simple Christmas Dinner Menu ! Let's move onto the nitty-gritty of actually cooking this thing, shall we? Next up, we tackle those instructions and you'll see how easy it is to combine this roast turkey with Parmesan Green Beans , Roasted Green Beans or any Green Bean Recipe , including the Parmesan Roasted Green Beans among the Best Christmas Side Dishes ! Trust me, these Easy Christmas Dinner Recipes will transform your Christmas Dinner Menu Ideas .

Also, dont forget to check our Festive Holiday Recipes .

Alright, let's talk about making your Christmas dinner legendary. Specifically, let's dive into a foolproof roasting method for the centrepiece: the turkey.

Because honestly, a dry turkey is the ultimate festive letdown, innit?

Prep Like a Pro, Roast Like a Boss

Essential Mise en Place

Right then, before you even think about touching that bird, get your station sorted. That's your essential mise en place .

Soften your butter, chop your herbs, and wrestle those giblets out of the turkey cavity. Having everything prepped means you won't be flapping about like a headless chicken later.

Honestly, this step is a game changer.

Step-by-Step: Crispy Skin Magic

1. Mix your herb butter . Use softened butter, fresh sage, rosemary, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Slather this stuff under the skin of the breast and all over the turkey.

   This is where the flavour party starts.

2. Prep your roasting pan. Throw some quartered onion, chopped carrots, and celery into the bottom. Add chicken broth. This creates steam and keeps things moist.

3. Roast that beauty ! Place the turkey on a rack in the roasting pan. Into a 325° F ( 163° C) oven it goes.

   Plan for 3- 4 hours , depending on size. Baste it every 45 minutes for extra deliciousness.

4. Temperature check! The thickest part of the thigh needs to hit 165° F ( 74° C) . Don't guess, use a meat thermometer. Seriously.

5. Rest, rest, rest! Let it chill for at least 30 minutes before carving. This is crucial for juicy perfection.

Pro Tips for Christmas Dinner Glory

Want crispy skin? Pat the turkey dry before buttering. Then, crank up the oven to 400° F for the last 30 minutes . Bingo!

Don't chuck those pan juices! They are liquid gold. Use them to make gravy. Christmas dinner ain't Christmas dinner without proper gravy.

And look, if you're looking for more Easy Christmas Dinner Recipes than just turkey, might I suggest some Parmesan Green Beans as a perfect side? Roasting them with a bit of parmesan creates a Parmesan Roasted Green Beans dish that's simple, crowd-pleasing, and adds a touch of freshness to your Christmas Dinner Menu Ideas .

It's a great addition to your Simple Christmas Dinner Menu . If you like the Green Bean Recipe , you can also find more Festive Holiday Recipes .

Planning the Best Christmas Side Dishes is the best way to make the perfect Christmas Dinner Menu Ideas , and who knows, you might even find yourself working on the Holiday Turkey Recipe all year long.

Recipe Notes: The Secret Sauce to Christmas Success

Alright, you've got the basics for the perfect roast turkey. But, like any good recipe, the devil's in the details.

Let’s chat about some extra bits to make your Holiday Turkey Recipe truly shine. Honestly, these are the things that separate a decent Christmas dinner from a legendary one! We are really going to take the list of " 60+ Easy Christmas Dinner Ideas " up a notch with these tips!

Serving Suggestions: Making It Look Fancy (Even If You're Not)

Presentation matters, loves! Don't just slap that glorious bird on a platter. Think about color and texture.

• Plating and Presentation Ideas: I love arranging some Roasted Green Beans around the turkey. A sprig of rosemary adds a festive touch. You know, that little something that elevates the dish.
• Complementary Sides or Beverages: Gotta have sides, right? Classic stuffing is a must. But Parmesan Green Beans are a personal fave – quick, easy, and everyone loves 'em! And don’t forget the wine! A crisp white, like Sauvignon Blanc, cuts through the richness.

Storage Tips: Because Leftovers Are the Bestovers!

Let's be real: Christmas leftovers are the true gift.

• Refrigeration Guidelines: Cool the turkey completely before refrigerating. Wrap it tightly in foil or put it in an airtight container. It’ll keep for 3-4 days.
• Freezing Options (If Applicable): Yep, you can freeze cooked turkey. Slice it up and store it in freezer bags. It’ll last for a couple of months.
• Reheating Instructions: Reheat gently! Add a splash of broth to keep it moist. Microwaving is fine in a pinch. But the oven is always best. Low and slow.

Variations: Making It Your Own

Honestly, there's no right or wrong way to Christmas dinner.

• Dietary Adaptations: Need a gluten-free Simple Christmas Dinner Menu ? Easy peasy! Use gluten-free bread for the stuffing.
• Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: Not feeling the rosemary? Try thyme or sage instead. It's your show!

Nutrition Basics: Fueling Up for Festive Fun

Okay, I'm no dietician. But here’s the lowdown:

• Simplified Nutrition Information: Turkey is lean protein. The herb butter adds flavor (and some fat).
• Key Health Benefits: Turkey is packed with protein, which keeps you full and energized for all that Christmas chaos.

Look, cooking should be fun. Don't stress about making everything perfect . This Green Bean Recipe can really bring up your Christmas Spirit and turn this recipe into one of your favorite Festive Holiday Recipes .

. Just relax, enjoy the process, and remember that the best Christmas meals are the ones shared with people you love.

Now go get those aprons on and whip up an amazing Christmas Dinner Menu Ideas . I also encourage you to look through the Best Christmas Side Dishes

You got this! You can even add some Parmesan Roasted Green Beans .