Top Navigation Explore Martha Stewart SUBSCRIBE MARTHASTEWART.COM FOOD & COOKING RECIPES INGREDIENTS MEAT & POULTRY Roast Turkey with Herb Butter Roast Turkey with Herb Butter Getting a great-tasting turkey on the Thanksgiving table is easier than you might think. Here, the bird is rubbed with a flavorful mixture of butter and fresh rosemary, sage, and thyme before going into the oven. Use the roasted vegetables and turkey neck to make Rich Gravy. Everyday Food, November 2005 Save Pin Print More Gallery CREDIT: DAVID LOFTUS Recipe Summary test Prep: 1 hr Total: 5 hrs Servings: 10 ADVERTISEMENT Ingredients Ingredient Checklist 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature 1 tablespoon each chopped fresh rosemary, sage, and thyme Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper 1 whole turkey (about 12 pounds), thawed if frozen, rinsed and patted dry, neck reserved (set aside giblets for stuffing, if desired) Cornbread And Sausage Stuffing 4 to 6 large carrots, halved crosswise 2 large onions, cut into 8 wedges 2 stalks celery, halved crosswise Directions Instructions Checklist Step 1 Preheat oven to 350 degrees with rack in the lowest position. Make herb butter: In a small bowl, mix together 4 tablespoons butter with chopped herbs; season generously with salt and pepper. Step 2 Prepare and stuff the turkey. Loosen skin: Working from the neck end, slide fingers under skin until you reach the end of the breast, being careful not to tear the skin; rub herb butter under the skin. Fill neck cavity: Place turkey breast side down. Fill neck cavity with stuffing; avoid packing. Close up by folding skin over and fastening with skewers or trussing needles. Tuck wings: Turn turkey over; bend wing tips underneath bird so they stay in place (you may have to break the bones). Loosely fill large cavity with stuffing. Tie legs: Using cotton kitchen twine, tie legs together securely (they will overlap) so bird retains its shape and moisture during cooking. Step 3 Cut neck into pieces; mix with carrots, onions, celery, and 2 cups water in a large roasting pan. Set roasting rack over vegetables in pan. Step 4 Lift turkey onto rack; rub with remaining tablespoon butter. Season generously with salt and pepper. Tent turkey loosely with foil. Roast 1 hour, then baste every 30 minutes with pan liquids, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of thigh (avoiding bone) registers 125 degrees, about 3 hours. Step 5 Remove foil; raise oven heat to 400 degrees. Continue roasting, basting occasionally, until thigh reaches 180 degrees, 45 to 60 minutes more. Tent with foil if bird browns too quickly; add more water if pan becomes dry. Transfer turkey to a serving platter; cover loosely with foil, and let it rest at least 30 minutes before carving. Cook's Notes The herb butter can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Return to room temperature before using. 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Cavity stuffed with apple, celery, and onion and bird baked breast side do first 1/2 baking time. Martha Stewart Member Rating: 4 stars 11/21/2017 My favorite go-to recipe! I use a cheese cloth over the turkey to retain moisture. Removing it at the end of roasting for even browning. I try not to go overboard with the herbs - the turkey is moist and wonderful. Martha Stewart Member Rating: 5 stars 11/11/2017 I've made this turkey several times. It's a very tasty bird. Martha Stewart Member Rating: Unrated 12/01/2013 The turkey was good but with all the butter, I felt like it was sitting in grease. Next time I will not use all of the butter that it called for. As for the stuffing, it was Fabulous!! My husband thought it was a little too sweet though. So, next time, instead of buying the prepared cornbread in the bakery, which tends to be sweeter, I will make my own. That being said, the stuffing was my favorite part of the meal! Martha Stewart Member Rating: Unrated 11/28/2013 Great stuffing its not dry is just perfect and very quick to do. Thanks. Martha Stewart Member Rating: Unrated 11/24/2013 Hi, has anyone tried this recipe with a different stuffing? Thoughts on switching to an apple herb stuffing? Martha Stewart Member Rating: Unrated 11/27/2009 this receipe totally saved my thanksgiving! Thank you sooo much :) Martha Stewart Member Rating: Unrated 01/09/2009 This was my first attempt to cook Thanksgiving Turkey ever! It came out really tasty and moist. Nevertheless, I must confess I went a bit overboard with the herbs and I think the rosemary was a bit overpowering. I will adjust for the next time. Martha Stewart Member Rating: Unrated 11/20/2008 I am looking for the dry brine salt rub recipe Martha did on her show this past Wednesday. My frig is not big enough for a 5 gallon bucket for the traditional brine, and this was a fantastic alternative. Thanks. Martha Stewart Member Rating: Unrated 11/19/2008 elzpine type PERFECT ROAST TURKEY in the search. I believe the recipe you are looking for is the fourth one down the list. Its from the issue Martha Stewart Living | November 1995. I have used this recipe for years and its the best. Martha Stewart Member Rating: Unrated 11/18/2008 I am looking for the turkey recipe where Martha covered the turkey in cheesecloth Thanks elzpine@aol.com Martha Stewart Member Rating: Unrated 11/24/2007 hi foxfire: go to the top of page to Martha's Search engine and type in "Rich Gravy" hit enter and sit back and wait. the recipe you are looking for should be the first one at the top of the list. It looks good. Martha Stewart Member Rating: Unrated 11/15/2007 I saw Martha make this turkey years ago. I made it for my first Thanksgiving and have made it every year since. It's great. The turkey is so moist! Martha Stewart Member Rating: Unrated 11/07/2007 Where is the recipe for the "Rich Gravy'? 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