Holiday turkey should be juicy and full of flavor. Many home cooks end up with dry slices or pale skin even when they follow directions carefully. The reliable fix is simple. Use real butter and the right balance of herbs so the meat stays moist and the skin turns deeply golden.
Stirring Shawhan Farms Poultry Seasoning into softened butter does more than season the surface. The rosemary, sage, and thyme infuse under the skin and into the drippings, which builds an aromatic crust and a steady self-baste while the turkey roasts. You get tender meat and balanced, savory flavor without an overnight brine.
Ingredients (Serves 10 to 12)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons Shawhan Farms Poultry Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 whole turkey, 12 to 14 pounds
Instructions
- Prepare the turkey: Pat dry with paper towels. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes so it roasts evenly.
- Make the herbed butter: In a bowl, mash butter with Poultry Seasoning, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Season under and over the skin: Gently loosen the skin over the breast and legs. Spread half of the butter under the skin. Spread the remaining butter over the entire surface of the bird.
- Roast: Set the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan. Roast at 325°F. Baste with pan drippings every 45 minutes. Cook until the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F.
- Rest: Transfer to a board, tent loosely with foil, and rest 30 minutes before carving. Resting keeps the juices in the meat.
Tips to Make It Work
- Make extra butter for the table: Double the butter blend and set half aside before you rub the turkey. Serve it in a small dish with the carved meat. It melts over slices and adds moisture and depth.
- Boost the drippings: After roasting, whisk a pinch of Poultry Seasoning into the hot pan drippings before you make gravy. It intensifies the roasted flavor without extra salt.
- Fix store-bought gravy: Stir 1/2 teaspoon Poultry Seasoning into prepared gravy. Simmer 2 minutes. The herbs lift the flavor and make it taste homemade.
- Upgrade the sides: Sprinkle a little Poultry Seasoning over mashed potatoes, green beans, or stuffing just before serving. The blend ties all the dishes together.
- Prep ahead: Mix the butter up to 3 days in advance. Refrigerate, then bring to room temperature before spreading.
- Golden finish option: For gentle caramelization, whisk a teaspoon of honey into the butter blend before you apply it.
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Shawhan Farms: Shop the Seasonings · Proudly U.S. woman-owned. Born in Kentucky. Made with care in Texas.