Dinner

Classic Christmas Roast Turkey with Herb Butter and Gravy

Name: Classic Christmas Roast Turkey with Herb Butter and Gravy
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 30 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: 1 whole turkey; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped; 2 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped; 1 of Zest lemon; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 lemon, halved; 1 onion, quartered; 1 garlic bulb, halved; A few sprigs of fresh rosemary and thyme; Turkey pan drippings; 3 tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 cups chicken or turkey stock; Salt and pepper, to taste

August 21, 2025

Servings: 12 Total Time: 4 hrs 30 mins Difficulty: Beginner

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Introduction

Nothing says Christmas dinner quite like a beautifully roasted turkey, golden brown on the outside and tender, juicy inside. This Classic Christmas Roast Turkey with Herb Butter and Gravy is a timeless centerpiece for your holiday table. The secret to its succulence lies in the rich herb butter—slathered under the skin and on top—which infuses the meat with flavor and keeps it moist during roasting. Served alongside silky homemade gravy made from the turkey drippings, this dish captures the spirit of holiday feasting: comforting, indulgent, and unforgettable.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s pure tradition and comfort wrapped in one. The smell of the turkey roasting with garlic, rosemary, and thyme fills the house with warmth and instantly sets the holiday mood. What makes it even more special is that it’s not just a dish—it’s the centerpiece of togetherness. I love how the herb butter makes the skin crispy yet keeps the meat tender, and the rich gravy ties everything together perfectly. Every bite tastes like Christmas on a plate.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because:

It’s the ultimate holiday showstopper, perfect for family gatherings.
The herb butter keeps the turkey moist and flavorful, avoiding dryness.
The gravy is made from pan drippings, giving it authentic depth.
It’s versatile—you can pair it with mashed potatoes, stuffing, or roasted vegetables.
It’s a recipe you’ll want to repeat every Christmas, becoming a family tradition.

Preparation & Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 30 minutes (plus overnight thawing if frozen)
Cooking Time: 3–4 hours (depending on turkey size)
Resting Time: 20–30 minutes
Total Time: ~4–5 hours
Servings: 10–12
Calories: ~480 calories per serving (with skin and gravy)

Cuisine & Course

Cuisine: American / European Holiday Cuisine
Course: Main Course, Christmas Dinner

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 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
2 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
Zest of 1 lemon
Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Inside the Turkey:

1 lemon, halved
1 onion, quartered
1 garlic bulb, halved
A few sprigs of fresh rosemary and thyme

For the Gravy:

Turkey pan drippings (from roasting pan)
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken or turkey stock
Salt and pepper, to taste

Simple Directions

Prepare herb butter and rub under and over turkey skin.
Stuff cavity with aromatics.
Roast turkey, basting occasionally.
Rest turkey before carving.
Use drippings to make homemade gravy.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Turkey

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
Pat turkey dry with paper towels. Remove giblets and neck (can be used for stock).

Step 2: Make the Herb Butter

Mix softened butter with garlic, rosemary, thyme, parsley, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
Gently loosen turkey skin (over breast and thighs).
Rub half the butter under the skin and the rest over the top.

Step 3: Stuff the Turkey

Place lemon, onion, garlic bulb halves, and herbs into the cavity for flavor.
Tie legs together with kitchen twine and tuck wings under.

Step 4: Roast the Turkey

Place turkey on a roasting rack inside a large roasting pan.
Roast for about 15 minutes per pound, basting with pan juices every 45 minutes.
Cover with foil if skin browns too quickly.
Turkey is done when internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.

Step 5: Rest the Turkey

Remove from oven, tent loosely with foil.
Let rest 20–30 minutes before carving.

Step 6: Make the Gravy

Pour pan drippings into a bowl; skim off excess fat.
Place roasting pan on stovetop over medium heat.
Whisk in flour, cooking for 1–2 minutes.
Slowly whisk in stock until smooth.
Simmer until thickened, season to taste.

How to Serve

Carve turkey into slices of white and dark meat. Arrange on a platter with herbs for garnish. Serve hot with creamy mashed potatoes, stuffing, roasted vegetables, cranberry sauce, and, of course, ladles of rich turkey gravy.

Additional Recipe Tips

Let turkey rest before carving to keep juices inside.
Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
For crispier skin, rub turkey with butter the night before and refrigerate uncovered.
Save bones for homemade turkey stock!

Variations

Garlic & Herb Brine: Brine turkey overnight for extra juiciness.
Spiced Version: Add paprika and cayenne for a smoky flavor.
Butter Alternatives: Use olive oil for a lighter version.
Gravy Boost: Add white wine to gravy for extra depth.

Freezing & Storage

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze sliced turkey (without gravy) for up to 3 months. Wrap well in foil and place in freezer bags.
Gravy: Store separately for 3–4 days or freeze up to 2 months.

Special Equipment Needed

Large roasting pan with rack
Kitchen twine
Meat thermometer
Carving knife and fork
Saucepan for gravy

Conclusion

The Classic Christmas Roast Turkey with Herb Butter and Gravy is more than just a dish—it’s the heart of the holiday feast. With crispy golden skin, tender juicy meat, and rich gravy, it’s the perfect balance of flavor and festivity. This recipe is easy to follow yet delivers professional-level results, making your Christmas table unforgettable. Whether it’s your first time hosting or a long-standing family tradition, this turkey will bring joy, warmth, and full hearts to your holiday celebration.

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