How to Make A Butter Roasted Turkey | Go Bold With Butter (2024)

FAQs

How do you get butter to stick to turkey? ›

Cut a 20-inch piece of cheesecloth and fold twice, creating 4 layers. Submerge the cloth in the melted butter, making sure it is completely saturated with it. Gently squeeze the cloth, then re-form so there are 4 layers and place on top of the turkey, covering it completely.

Before going into the oven, the bird is coated in a simple, flavorful butter rub mixed with rosemary, sage, and thyme, which makes the skin crispy and golden, and the meat moist and flavorful.

Why isn't the butter sticking to the turkey? The bird may be condensating or your butter may be too cold and firm. Make sure the turkey comes to room temperature for an hour and pat it with paper towels to remove moisture before you butter it.

Cut Up or Grate Butter

If you cut your butter into chunks instead of leaving it in one big stick, it'll warm up to room temperature much faster. First, measure the amount of butter you'll need, and then unwrap that amount. Cut the sticks into thin slices or chunks, and in around 10 minutes you'll have softened butter.

You should plan on using this injection marinade several hours before you start cooking. If you have the time, inject the bird the night before roasting. While you can brine your turkey, that process mostly adds salt rather than additional flavors—plus it also takes more time.

Sometimes the ambient temperature can be too warm or the friction of the churning and shaking process can create some warmth. Find the coolest place in the house to leave the cream to culture.

Should you rub turkey with butter or oil? Some chefs suggest rubbing the turkey skin with vegetable or olive oil rather than using butter for turkey. This debate has very little to do with the meat itself but more to do with getting brown, crispy skin.

How long does it take to soften butter? Setting out chilled butter at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes before using gives it time to soften. The same approach works for frozen butter, though it can take a couple of hours.

This top-secret butter infusion is another time-saving measure – this turkey doesn't need a brine or constant basting to stay juicy, says PC ^® Product Developer Taylor Hoch.

Starting around the neck, run your hand between the skin and meat of turkey, gently separating them. Do the same from the other side of the bird, loosening the skin around thighs and legs. Now use about two thirds of the compound butter to rub over the meat, under skin of turkey.

Do you put water in the bottom of the roasting pan for turkey? ›

"Often, consumers will inquire about adding water to the bottom of their roasting pans. We do not recommend adding water to the bottom of the pan. Cooking a turkey with steam is a moist heat-cook method and is acceptable, sure, but is not the preferred method for cooking your turkey."

You can use an injection like this Turkey Injection Sauce with Honey and Herbs or this Fried Turkey Rub with Cajun Injection. This time around I opted to use a butter/herb mixture under the skin like in this Mouth-Watering Herb Roasted Turkey Recipe. Then sprinkle kosher salt all over the turkey skin.