Classic Christmas Roast Turkey with Herb Butter and Gravy

Introduction

Few dishes capture the warmth, tradition, and festive cheer of Christmas dinner better than a beautifully roasted turkey. This Classic Christmas Roast Turkey with Herb Butter and Gravy is the ultimate centerpiece for your holiday table. The skin turns golden and crispy, the meat stays tender and juicy, and the herb butter infuses every bite with flavor. Served alongside a rich, silky gravy made from the pan drippings, it’s a meal that embodies the spirit of gathering, celebration, and love.

A well-roasted turkey is not just food—it’s a holiday tradition, a dish that brings families together around the table, filling the home with incredible aromas that spark joy and nostalgia.

Why I Love This Recipe

• Flavorful & Moist: The herb butter, rubbed under and over the skin, keeps the meat succulent and adds incredible depth of flavor.
• Golden Presentation: A perfectly roasted turkey looks stunning and festive—worthy of a holiday feast.
• Homemade Gravy: The pan drippings turn into a silky, savory gravy that ties everything together.
• Tradition with Comfort: It’s a recipe steeped in heritage, but adaptable for modern tastes.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it’s:

• The perfect Christmas centerpiece, guaranteed to impress guests.
• A make-ahead friendly dish with prep tips that reduce holiday stress.
• A recipe that teaches you how to roast turkey confidently, a skill you’ll use for years to come.
• Deliciously customizable with herbs, stuffing, or spice variations.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 30–40 minutes (plus optional overnight brining)
• Cooking Time: 3–3.5 hours (for a 12–14 lb turkey)
• Resting Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: ~4–5 hours (including resting)

Servings & Nutrition

• Servings: 12–14 (depending on turkey size)
• Calories (per serving): ~480 kcal (with skin and gravy)

Course & Cuisine

• Course: Main Dish
• Cuisine: Western / Traditional Holiday

Ingredients

For the Turkey:

• 1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs), thawed if frozen
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 onion, quartered
• 1 lemon, halved
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cups chicken broth or turkey stock

For the Gravy:

• Pan drippings from the roasted turkey
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups turkey stock (or chicken broth)
• Salt & pepper, to taste

Directions (Quick Overview)

1. Preheat oven and prepare roasting pan with vegetables and broth.
2. Mix herb butter and spread under/over turkey skin.
3. Stuff cavity with aromatics (onion, lemon, herbs).
4. Roast turkey, basting occasionally, until golden and cooked through.
5. Rest turkey before carving.
6. Make gravy with pan drippings and flour.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Turkey

1. Remove giblets and pat turkey dry with paper towels.
2. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
3. Place carrots, celery, and half the onion in the roasting pan, along with broth.

Step 2: Make the Herb Butter

1. In a bowl, mix softened butter with garlic, rosemary, thyme, sage, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Season the Turkey

1. Gently loosen the turkey skin and spread half the herb butter under the skin.
2. Rub the remaining butter over the outside of the turkey.
3. Stuff cavity with remaining onion and lemon halves.

Step 4: Roast the Turkey

1. Place turkey breast-side up on roasting rack in the pan.
2. Roast for 3–3.5 hours, basting every 45 minutes with pan juices.
3. Turkey is done when a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Rest the Turkey

• Remove turkey from oven, tent with foil, and let rest for 30 minutes before carving.

Step 6: Make the Gravy

1. Strain pan drippings into a saucepan.
2. Skim excess fat, leaving about 2–3 tablespoons.
3. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
4. Slowly add stock, whisking until smooth.
5. Simmer until thickened. Season with salt & pepper.

How to Serve

• Arrange carved turkey slices on a platter, garnish with fresh herbs and citrus slices.
• Serve with the warm gravy on the side.
• Pair with classic Christmas sides like mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.

Recipe Tips

• Brining optional: Brine turkey overnight for extra juiciness.
• Thermometer is key: Always check temperature instead of relying on cooking times.
• Resting is essential: Allows juices to redistribute for moist meat.
• Butter under the skin: Keeps breast meat from drying out.

Variations

1. Garlic-Parmesan Butter: Add grated parmesan to the herb butter for a richer flavor.
2. Spiced Turkey: Mix paprika, cayenne, or chili powder for a smoky-spicy twist.
3. Maple-Glazed Turkey: Brush turkey with maple syrup during the last 30 minutes for a sweet finish.
4. Stuffed Turkey: Fill with bread stuffing or wild rice mix for extra holiday tradition.

Freezing & Storage

• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Turkey meat freezes well for up to 3 months. Slice and store with a bit of gravy to prevent dryness.
• Reheating: Reheat gently with a splash of broth to keep moist.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large roasting pan with rack
• Basting brush or bulb
• Meat thermometer
• Carving knife & fork
• Saucepan for gravy

Conclusion

This Classic Christmas Roast Turkey with Herb Butter and Gravy is the definition of holiday tradition—aromatic, flavorful, and festive. With golden skin, tender meat, and a luscious gravy, it’s the perfect centerpiece for your Christmas dinner. Whether you’re cooking your first turkey or perfecting your family tradition, this recipe will fill your home with the spirit of the season and bring smiles to every guest at the table.

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Classic Christmas Roast Turkey with Herb Butter and Gravy

Author: admin Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 40 mins Cook Time 210 mins Rest Time 30 mins Total Time 4 hrs 40 mins

Servings: 14 Calories: 480kcal

Description

Few dishes capture the warmth, tradition, and festive cheer of Christmas dinner better than a beautifully roasted turkey. This Classic Christmas Roast Turkey with Herb Butter and Gravy is the ultimate centerpiece for your holiday table.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Turkey:

• 1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs)
• 1 cup (2 sticks)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 onion, quartered
• 1 lemon, halved
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cups chicken broth or turkey stock

For the Gravy:

• Pan drippings from the roasted turkey
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups turkey stock (or chicken broth)
• Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Turkey: Remove giblets and pat turkey dry with paper towels.Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Place carrots, celery, and half the onion in the roasting pan, along with broth.
2. Step 2: Make the Herb Butter: In a bowl, mix softened butter with garlic, rosemary, thyme, sage, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
3. Step 3: Season the Turkey: Gently loosen the turkey skin and spread half the herb butter under the skin. Rub the remaining butter over the outside of the turkey. Stuff cavity with remaining onion and lemon halves.
4. Step 4: Roast the Turkey: Place turkey breast-side up on roasting rack in the pan. Roast for 3–3.5 hours, basting every 45 minutes with pan juices. Turkey is done when a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (74°C).
5. Step 5: Rest the Turkey: Remove turkey from oven, tent with foil, and let rest for 30 minutes before carving.
6. Step 6: Make the Gravy: Strain pan drippings into a saucepan. Skim excess fat, leaving about 2–3 tablespoons. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add stock, whisking until smooth. Simmer until thickened. Season with salt & pepper.

Keywords: Classic Christmas Roast Turkey with Herb Butter and Gravy