Herb-Crusted Roast Turkey with Homemade Gravy: A Perfect Holiday Feast
Servings: 8-10
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 3 hours (depends on turkey size)
Total time: 3 hours 30 minutes
When it comes to holiday feasts, turkey is always the centerpiece. For both Thanksgiving and Christmas, there’s no better way to celebrate than with a beautifully roast turkey seasoned with fresh herbs, garlic, and citrus. This Herb-Crusted Roast Turkey recipe brings the aroma of fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage to your kitchen while ensuring juicy, tender meat and a crispy, golden skin.
Paired with homemade gravy, made from the turkey drippings, this dish will have your guests coming back for seconds and asking for the recipe. If you’re looking to create a memorable meal this holiday season, this turkey recipe is a true showstopper. Not only does it taste incredible, but it also gives your kitchen a festive, savory fragrance that will make everyone hungry for the feast ahead.
Why You’ll Love This Herb-Crusted Roast Turkey:
- Tender and Juicy: Thanks to the seasoning and the slow roasting process, this turkey remains tender, juicy, and flavorful.
- Crispy Skin: The fresh herb and butter rub ensures a crispy, golden skin that everyone loves.
- Perfect for Holidays: Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a New Year’s gathering, this recipe is perfect for creating a holiday feast.
- Homemade Gravy: The rich, flavorful gravy made from turkey drippings will enhance the flavor of your turkey and side dishes.
Ingredients:
For the Turkey:
- 1 (10-12 lb) whole turkey, thawed and patted dry
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, quartered
- 1 lemon, halved
- 4-5 carrots, peeled and cut into large chunks
- 3-4 celery stalks, cut into large chunks
- 2-3 bay leaves
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth (for basting)
For the Gravy:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups turkey drippings (strained)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Turkey:
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place a rack in the lower third of the oven to allow space for the turkey to cook evenly.
- Prepare the herb butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, chopped sage, lemon zest, sea salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well to form a fragrant herb butter.
- Season the turkey: Using your hands, gently loosen the skin of the turkey around the breast and thighs without tearing it. Rub the herb butter mixture generously under the skin and over the turkey’s entire surface. Be sure to cover both sides of the turkey.
- Stuff the turkey cavity: Inside the turkey, place the quartered onion, halved lemon, bay leaves, and any extra sprigs of rosemary, thyme, and sage you have leftover. These will infuse the turkey with additional flavor as it roasts.
- Prepare for roasting: Drizzle olive oil over the outside of the turkey, then season with a little more salt and pepper. Tie the turkey legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wings under the bird to ensure even cooking.
2. Roast the Turkey:
- Place the turkey in the oven: Set the prepared turkey on a roasting pan or large baking dish. Surround it with the carrot and celery chunks to create a vegetable base for added flavor. Pour chicken broth into the bottom of the pan to keep the turkey moist while it roasts.
- Roasting time: Roast the turkey in the oven for about 13-15 minutes per pound. For a 10-12 lb turkey, the roasting time will be approximately 3 hours. During roasting, baste the turkey every 30-45 minutes with its juices to keep the skin moist and enhance flavor.
- Check the internal temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Rest the turkey: Once the turkey is done, remove it from the oven and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving. This will help the juices redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it tender and juicy.
3. Make the Gravy:
- Make a roux: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture is golden and bubbly.
- Add the turkey drippings: Gradually add the strained turkey drippings to the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Once combined, add the chicken broth and continue whisking until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Season the gravy: Taste the gravy and season with additional salt and pepper as needed. If the gravy is too thick, you can add a little more broth or water to adjust the consistency.
4. Carve and Serve:
- Carve the turkey: After the turkey has rested, carve the meat by slicing the breast and thigh meat. You can also remove the legs and wings for serving.
- Serve the feast: Place the sliced turkey on a platter, drizzle with the homemade gravy, and garnish with fresh parsley.
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 8 servings):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 50g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Tips for the Perfect Holiday Turkey:
- Dry brine option: If you have more time, try dry brining the turkey the night before by seasoning it with salt and refrigerating it uncovered. This helps the turkey absorb more moisture and improves the crispiness of the skin.
- Resting the turkey: Don’t skip the resting step. Letting the turkey rest before carving ensures the juices stay locked inside, keeping the meat moist.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs bring more flavor to the turkey than dried herbs. If possible, try using fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage for the best results.
- Gravy tips: If you don’t have enough drippings for the gravy, you can supplement with chicken broth or even a bit of white wine for added depth of flavor.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Thanksgiving and Christmas:
This Herb-Crusted Roast Turkey is the perfect balance of flavorful, juicy turkey with crispy, golden skin, making it a true centerpiece for any holiday meal. The fresh herbs, combined with the citrusy notes from the lemon and the richness of the homemade gravy, create a festive, comforting dish that will impress your guests and fill your home with the delicious aromas of the holiday season.
Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, or another special occasion, this recipe will elevate your holiday table and provide a meal that everyone will remember. Pair it with your favorite sides, and you’re all set for an unforgettable holiday feast!
Enjoy your holiday meal and happy cooking! 🍽️🎄🦃