No‑Fail Thanksgiving Herb‑Butter Roast Turkey

Recipe by Downshiftology

A fool‑proof, brine‑free Thanksgiving turkey that stays juicy and gets a beautifully golden, crispy skin thanks to herb butter slipped under the skin. The bird is roasted on a bed of mirepoix vegetables for extra flavor, then rested and carved for a perfect holiday centerpiece.

MediumAmericanServes 14

Printable version with shopping checklist

Source Video
1h 37m
Prep
4h 25m
Cook
43m
Cleanup
6h 45m
Total

Cost Breakdown

Total cost:$25.10
Per serving:$1.79

Critical Success Points

  • Thaw the turkey properly (24 hrs per 5 lb) before cooking.
  • Dry the turkey completely before applying butter.
  • Loosen the skin and spread herb butter under it.
  • Roast to an internal temperature of 158‑160°F, then let rest to reach 165°F.
  • Rest the turkey for at least 30 minutes before carving.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw poultry with separate cutting board and wash hands thoroughly.
  • Always use a meat thermometer; turkey must reach 165°F (74°C) after resting.
  • Be careful when removing the hot turkey from the oven; use oven mitts.

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