Print

Perfect Herb Butter Roasted Turkey for a Small Gathering Easy

herb butter roasted turkey for a small gathering - featured image
Print Recipe

A smaller, intimate turkey recipe perfect for 4-6 people, featuring herb butter under the skin for incredibly juicy meat and crispy golden skin. No brining required, just simple ingredients and a foolproof method.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 whole turkey (10–12 pounds)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 tablespoons fresh sage, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 lemon, halved
  • 1 small onion, quartered
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken or turkey broth
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for gravy)
  • 2 cups turkey drippings and broth mixture (for gravy)
  • Salt and pepper to taste (for gravy)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Position the rack in the lower third of the oven.
  2. Make the herb butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly distributed. Set aside at room temperature.
  3. Prepare the turkey: Remove the turkey from packaging. Take out the giblets and neck. Pat the turkey completely dry with paper towels, inside and out. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  4. Loosen the skin: Gently slide your fingers under the skin of the turkey breast, starting at the neck end. Work down to the thighs and drumsticks, being careful not to tear the skin.
  5. Apply the herb butter: Take about two-thirds of the herb butter and push it under the skin, spreading evenly over the breast meat and thighs. Use the remaining butter to coat the outside of the turkey, including legs and wings.
  6. Stuff the cavity: Place the halved lemon, quartered onion, thyme sprigs, and rosemary sprigs inside the cavity.
  7. Truss the turkey: Cut a piece of kitchen twine about 24 inches long. Cross the legs and tie them together at the ankles. Tuck the wing tips under the body.
  8. Place in the roasting pan: Set the turkey breast-side up on the rack in the roasting pan. Pour the 1 cup of broth into the bottom of the pan.
  9. Roast the turkey: Roast for about 13-15 minutes per pound. For a 10-pound turkey, about 2 hours 10 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes. Start checking temperature 30 minutes before you think it’ll be done.
  10. Baste occasionally: Every 45 minutes, spoon the pan juices over the turkey. If the skin browns too fast, tent loosely with aluminum foil.
  11. Check for doneness: Turkey is done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (without touching bone) reads 165°F (74°C). The breast should read 160°F (71°C). Juices should run clear.
  12. Rest the turkey: Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 20-30 minutes, loosely tented with foil.
  13. Make the gravy (while turkey rests): Pour pan drippings through a fine-mesh strainer into a fat separator. Skim off fat, reserving about 2 tablespoons. Place roasting pan on stove over medium heat. Add reserved fat and whisk in flour. Cook 1-2 minutes. Slowly whisk in defatted drippings and enough broth to make 2 cups. Simmer until thickened, 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  14. Carve and serve: Remove twine. Carve by first removing legs and thighs, then slicing breast meat against the grain. Arrange on a platter and serve with gravy.

Notes

Dry the skin thoroughly for crispy skin. Don’t overstuff the cavity. Use a thermometer, not the pop-up timer. Butter under the skin is the secret to juiciness. Let the turkey come to room temperature before roasting. Baste with pan juices, not butter. Check temperature in multiple spots. Don’t skip the resting step.

Nutrition

Keywords: herb butter roasted turkey, small turkey, Thanksgiving turkey, roasted turkey, small gathering turkey, juicy turkey, herb butter

Find it online: https://sofiaspice.com/perfect-herb-butter-roasted-turkey-for-a-small-gathering-easy/