This Roast Turkey Recipe is everything you want for a Thanksgiving or holiday dinner: juicy meat, crispy golden skin, and loads of flavor from a rich herb butter. It’s a no-brine recipe that keeps things simple while still giving you that tender, show-stopping turkey everyone will love carving into.

Roast Turkey Recipe by Tessie's Table. — Photo Credit: Tessie’s Table.

This recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any time you’re hosting a big family dinner. It uses simple ingredients you can find anywhere and skips the overnight brine without losing flavor. The herb butter gives the turkey golden, crisp skin and locks in moisture while it slowly roasts in the oven. I love serving this turkey with sides like my Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Sourdough Stuffing and Cheesy Green Beans because the buttery texture is perfect for catching all those flavorful turkey drippings.

If you’re new to roasting turkey, don’t worry. I’ll walk you through every step so you know exactly how to prepare, stuff, and roast your bird to perfection. Once you’ve made it this way, you’ll never bother brining again.

Why you’ll love this Roast Turkey Recipe

It’s easy and stress-free:
No need to brine overnight or manage complicated steps. Just mix the herb butter, rub it under the skin, and let the oven do the work.
It’s incredibly juicy:
The butter and citrus keep the turkey moist while the slow roasting brings out deep flavor without drying out the meat.
It’s perfect for holidays:
This recipe is designed for Thanksgiving or Christmas, but it’s just as good any time you want a meal that feels special and homemade.

Close-up of golden brown roasted turkey with crispy skin and fresh herbs on serving platter.

Juicy Roast Turkey with Herb Butter for Thanksgiving and Christmas

I grew up in Ireland where turkey is our big Christmas centerpiece, along with plenty of ham and Stuffing! After moving to Atlanta, I learned how central a golden roast turkey is to Thanksgiving too. Over the years I tested a lot of methods, and this simple herb butter approach is the one I trust. It stays juicy, roasts up beautifully, and gives you all the holiday flavor without extra steps.

Ingredients Needed for This Roast Turkey Recipe

Whole turkey: You’ll need a fully thawed bird, so plan for a few days in the fridge if it’s frozen. Around 18 pounds is a great size for a big family meal.
Butter: Softened butter is key for coating the turkey and keeping it moist while roasting.
Kosher salt and black pepper: The foundation of any great turkey seasoning.
Poultry seasoning: Adds classic Thanksgiving flavor to the butter mixture.
Fresh herbs: Sage, parsley, and rosemary bring brightness and a savory aroma that fills your kitchen.
Garlic and onions: These roast inside the cavity and in the pan, adding depth to the drippings and gravy.
Lemons and orange: The citrus cuts through the richness and balances the butter perfectly.
Apple: Adds subtle sweetness and keeps the stuffing aromatic and light.
Chicken broth: Helps steam the turkey as it cooks and creates rich drippings for basting.
Liquid smoke (optional): Adds a hint of smoky, roasted flavor without needing a smoker.

Ingredients for Roast Turkey Recipe Tessie's Table.

How to make this Roast Turkey Recipe

**For more detailed instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card below.**

Softened butter mixed with chopped herbs, lemon zest, and seasonings in a glass bowl for herb butter roast turkey.

In a bowl, mix the softened butter with salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, 1 tablespoon each of chopped sage, parsley, and rosemary, and the zest from half a lemon and half an orange.

Loosening the skin of a whole turkey to spread herb butter underneath before roasting.

Gently loosen the skin over the turkey breast. Pat the skin dry again, then spread half the butter under the skin and the rest all over the outside of the bird.

Turkey covered with herb butter mixture and ready for roasting in a pan.

Stuff the cavity with garlic, one onion, lemon, orange, apple, and one bunch each of sage, parsley, and rosemary. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine. Sprinkle the turkey all over with salt and pepper.

Turkey stuffed with onions, lemon, herbs, and apple as chicken broth is poured into the roasting pan.

Add the remaining onion, half a lemon, some parsley sprigs, the broth, and liquid smoke (if using) to the bottom of the pan.

Golden roast turkey basting in the oven with pan juices for a juicy finish.

Roast for about 15 minutes per pound, that’s roughly 4½ to 5 hours. Baste every hour with the pan drippings for extra flavor.

Perfectly roasted turkey with crispy brown skin resting in the pan after baking.

Once cooked, transfer the turkey to a cutting board, tent with foil, and let it rest for 30–45 minutes before carving.

Variations

Garlic Butter Turkey: Swap the citrus and herbs for extra garlic, parsley, and butter for a rich, savory version.
Smoky Roast Turkey: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika and a bit of liquid smoke to the butter for a hint of barbecue flavor.
Lemon and Thyme Turkey: Replace the rosemary and sage with fresh thyme and double the lemon zest for a bright twist.
Butter and Wine Roast Turkey: Pour a cup of white wine into the pan along with the broth for a deeper, richer sauce.
Smaller Turkey Version: For turkeys around 12 pounds, use one stick of butter instead of two and reduce the cook time to about 3½ hours.

Serving Suggestions

With Sourdough Stuffing: My Sourdough Stuffing is perfect for soaking up all those buttery drippings.
Alongside Cheesy Green Beans with Bacon: Try my Cheesy Green Beans with Bacon for a rich, creamy side that everyone loves.
With Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes are a must with roast turkey.
Topped with Cranberry Sauce: My Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce adds a bright pop of sweetness.
With Pumpkin Dessert: Finish the meal with my Pumpkin Pie, Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Cups, or No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars for a classic Thanksgiving finale.

Storage and Freezing

How should I store a Roast Turkey?

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make sure the turkey cools completely before storing.

Can I freeze Roast Turkey?

Yes, slice the turkey and wrap it tightly in foil, then place in freezer bags. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

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Close-up of juicy sliced turkey breast and legs with citrus wedges and rosemary on a platter ready to serve.

Tips & Tricks

Dry the turkey well: Moisture prevents the butter from sticking. Pat the bird dry inside and out before applying the butter.
Use softened butter: It should be spreadable, not melted, so it sticks evenly to the skin.
Don’t skip resting time: Resting the turkey lets the juices settle back into the meat for tender slices.
Baste regularly: Spoon the drippings over the turkey every hour for flavor and color.
Use a sturdy roasting pan: Between the weight of the bird and liquid, you’ll need a pan that won’t bend or buckle.

More Thanksgiving Recipes

Looking for more meal inspiration?

Browse my Thanksgiving Recipes or check out my Desserts for more yummy ideas.

FAQ

Can I prepare this turkey ahead of time?
You can make the herb butter and prep the turkey the night before. Cover and refrigerate, then roast the next day.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, use about one-third the amount of dried herbs since they’re stronger in flavor.
What if my turkey skin tears?
It happens. You can patch it together with toothpicks or just roast it as is. The flavor is still delicious.
Do I need to baste the turkey?
Basting helps keep the turkey moist, but if you forget once or twice, don’t worry. The butter and broth do most of the work.
What temperature should I cook the turkey to?
The thickest part of the thigh should reach 165°F, while the breast should be around 160°F.
How do I keep the breast from drying out?
Cover the breast loosely with foil during the last hour of roasting if it’s browning too quickly.
Can I add other flavors to the butter?
Definitely. Try adding crushed garlic, thyme, or a touch of honey for a subtle twist.
What if my turkey cooks faster than expected?
Tent it with foil and let it rest until ready to carve. It will stay warm for quite a while.
What should I serve with this roast turkey?
My Sourdough Stuffing, Cheesy Green Beans with Bacon, and Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce are all delicious pairings.
Can I use this same recipe for a smaller turkey?
Yes, just reduce the butter to one stick and roasting time based on weight. 15 minutes per pound is a good guide for raosting a whole turkey