Herb Butter for Turkey

Herb butter rubbed turkey on a tray with festive greenery.

5 from 5 votes

This Herb Butter for Roasted Turkey combines softened butter with fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage to create a flavorful coating for roasted turkey. Spread the herb butter under the skin and over the outside of the bird to season the meat and help the skin become golden and flavorful as it roasts.

Prep Time10

Total Time10

Course: Condiment

Cuisine: American, French

Keyword: herb butter, turkey rub

Servings: 15-pound turkey

Author: Elena Davis

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme finely chopped
1½ teaspoons fresh sage finely chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice optional
2 teaspoons lemon zest from 1 lemon; optional

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Mix the softened butter with minced garlic, chopped herbs, salt, pepper, lemon zest, and lemon juice (if using). Be sure to stir until everything is evenly mixed.
Gently loosen the turkey skin from the meat and rub a generous amount of the herb butter under the skin and all over the outside of the turkey. This ensures a crispy, golden skin, and infuses the meat with flavor.
Roast the turkey according to your favorite recipe. I recommend my roasted Thanksgiving turkey recipe!

Notes

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Use softened butter: Softened butter blends easily with the herbs and spreads smoothly without tearing the turkey skin.
Pat the turkey dry: Removing excess moisture helps the butter spread evenly and encourages better browning.
Get the butter under the skin: Gently loosen the skin and spread the herb butter directly over the breast meat for more flavor in every slice.
Work gently: Take your time when loosening the skin so it stays intact and gives you enough space to spread the butter evenly.

Nutrition