The Best Garlic Butter Thanksgiving Turkey (video) (2024)

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88 comments

    • Caitlin

    Hi! Long time listener, first time caller. Are the drum sticks the only bits you cover in foil? We’ve always covered our turkey with foil for baking but we’ll try anything for ours to look like this one.

    • Reply
      • tatyanaseverydayfood

      Hi! 🙂 For the first 2 1/2 hours, I cover just the drumsticks. Once the turkey is nice and golden, I tent it with foil for the remainder of the time

      • Reply
    • Anna

    Hi Tatyana!

    I have never cooked a whole roasted turkey in my life, but my mother-in-law just asked me to make one for this Thanksgiving dinner :)) Of course, I said YES. So I found your recipe and I think I will go with it. It looks yummy and very festive. I am excited and both intimidated.. any advice to a first time turkey cook? Also I have a question about a tray to use – it is a roaster with a rack in your video – will a regular tray work? Or it is better to use something like yours?

    Thank you for your help!
    Anna

    • Reply
      • tatyanaseverydayfood

      Hi! Good luck with your first turkey – I know the first one is always the scariest! A regular tray will work if you don’t have a roasting pan like the one I used! Use my timing chart to determine the baking time based on the size of your turkey. I recommend tenting/covering the turkey with foil after about 2 – 2 1/2 hours, or once it reaches a nice, golden brown color. Covering with foil will prevent it from getting too dark. Other than that, enjoy! 🙂

      • Reply
    • Marina

    Hi! I was wondering if you put the turkey in brine first? Thank you!

    • Reply
      • tatyanaseverydayfood

      Not the one I used for this recipe, but you can definitely brine the day before. I’ve tried both brining and a combination of brine and this recipe and they were identical… 🙂

      • Reply
    • Girly

    Thank you so much for your wonderful turkey recipe
    It was my very first time to cook turkey and your recipe did not disappoint me. I followed every single step ?
    My family and friends really enjoyed it!
    Happy thanksgiving!

    • Reply
      • tatyanaseverydayfood

      Wonderful! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Happy Thanksgiving! 🙂

      • Reply
    • Mckenzie

    Hi! In the ingredients it states a 8-10 pound turkey. If I am making a 20 pound turkey do I need to double any ingredients? Or will everything, aside from cook time, remain the same?

    • Reply
      • tatyanaseverydayfood

      Hi! Yes, if you have a larger turkey, you’ll need to increase the ingredients. I would double them for a 20 pound bird. And follow my cooking chart for the timing. Enjoy! 🙂

      • Reply
    • Jack

    Hello! Do you have any advice for doing this recipe for a 6+ pound turkey breast instead of a whole turkey?

    Thanks!

    • Reply
      • tatyanaseverydayfood

      Hi! You can use the same ingredients – the garlic butter spread and the stuffing. Make sure to coat the turkey breast well and layer the citrus, onion and garlic into the roasting pan and add a bit of chicken broth. Bake until the turkey breast is done, internal temperature needs to be 165F. Make sure to bast the turkey with the juices 🙂

      • Reply
    • Jessica

    Hi can I season the turkey the night before?

    Can’t wait to try this recipe!

    • Reply
      • tatyanaseverydayfood

      Absolutely! I’ll be doing the same 🙂 Happy Thanksgiving!

      • Reply
    • Tina

    Hi,
    Your recipe looks really good. This is my first time cooking a Turkey. I bought an injecting marinate (Garlic Herb flavor). Can I use this recipe but also use the marinate Turkey overnight? I am really overwhelmed with all the suggestions. Would greatly appreciate your input.
    Thank you

    • Reply
      • tatyanaseverydayfood

      Hi Tina! Cooking your first turkey can be overwhelming! You can definitely marinate the turkey overnight, then use this recipe when you’re ready to put it into the oven. Just pat it dry before applying the butter so it sticks better. Good luck! 🙂

      • Reply
        • Tina

        Thank you for your reply, Turkey was delicious and everyone loved it. THANK YOU. Hope you are having a great Thanksgiving also. 🙂

        • Reply
    • Cynthia

    How much ground black pepper does the recipe require? It doesn’t say on the ingredients list. Also, can I cook this turkey in an oven bag? Thank you.

    • Reply
      • tatyanaseverydayfood

      Hi! Sorry about the confusion. I didn’t add any but feel free to add some, about 1 tsp 🙂

      • Reply
    • Rebecca

    Hi your turkey recipe turned out great for my first turkey!! I would suggest putting into the recipe tenting the turkey once its golden as I missed this step until I was leaving my review. Still turned out great just a tad dark. Thanks so much. Happy holidays!!

    • Reply
    • Jessica

    I have made quite a few turkeys and this recipe by far was the best. Thank you so much for sharing. My turkey was absolutely delicious!!

    • Reply
      • tatyanaseverydayfood

      I’m so glad to hear that! 🙂 Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

      • Reply
    • Zeinab

    Hi Tatyana!
    I will be using this recipe to cook my first turkey this christmas! However I still have a few questions:
    Can I season (herbed butter part) and stuff the turkey (citrus, orange, shallots etc.) the day before and leave it covered in the fridge? Or can I only season it and is it better to stuff it right before cooking? Can I place potatoes and other vegetables under/next to the turkey or will these get to soft/burned because of the long cooking time? And lastly do you use a fan forced setting or a conventional setting for your oven?
    Hope to hear from you soon!

    • Reply
      • tatyanaseverydayfood

      Hi! I hope you enjoy the recipe! Yes, you can definitely get the turkey seasoned and stuffed the night before; that will save you some time in the morning! I would add the potatoes and veggies about half way through baking and they should be fine. I use a regular oven, no forced fan. Once the turkey is nicely browned, you can tent it with foil to prevent it from getting too dark. Happy holidays!

      • Reply
    • GRACE LUNARDELLI

    I made this turkey for the first time last year and it was a hit it was my first time making a turkey LOL, my question is can I season the turkey the night before? And if so should I rub some more butter on it the day of? Thank you so much for sharing your recipe

    • Reply
      • tatyanaseverydayfood

      Hi Grace! I’m so glad you enjoyed the turkey last year! You can absolutely prepare the turkey the night before to save time in the morning. I recommend applying the butter and stuffing it exactly like in my video recipe and placing it into the refrigerator. Enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving! 🙂

      • Reply
    • Oscar Camejo

    Thanks. This is a great recipe, which I used today. I finished way too early before the family eats. It’s just after 12pm and we won’t gather until 4pm.

    Any suggestions for keeping the turkey moist until later? It’s sitting on the stove in the oven bag I used and baking pan, still in it’s juices. I baste it every so often.

    • Reply
      • tatyanaseverydayfood

      Hi Oscar! Sorry for the late reply! Hope everyone enjoyed it! 🙂

      • Reply
    • Gaby

    Hello!
    I’m hosting a Friendsgiving this year and was planning on using a different recipe other than my mom’s and I found yours which looks really yummy! When cooking this turkey what do you think about using an oven bag to help it retain even MORE moisture? If you believe I can use it how would you recommend I incorporate it to the recipe and cooking time? Could I start baking it with the oven bag on then half way though open the bag up to allow it to brown and for basting? First time making it a different way that my mom’s and I would love for it to be as close a perfect as can be!

    Thanks!

    • Reply
      • tatyanaseverydayfood

      Hi! You’re going to love this recipe!! It’s been a huge hit with everyone! I actually don’t recommend using an oven bag. It won’t let the turkey turn a beautiful golden color and this recipe keeps the turkey very moist! Opening the bag half way through would definitely be a better idea! You’re going to love it!

      Enjoy!

      • Reply
    • Alysha Di Perna

    Hey! I am going to be trying this turkey for thanksgiving and I a mreally excited! Is there a way to make stuffing inside the turkey or are your ingredients just for the flavouring of the turkey itself? any tips would be great!

    Thanks!
    Alysha

    • Reply
      • tatyanaseverydayfood

      Hi Alysha! You’re going to love this recipe! The stuffing for this recipe is for the flavorings only. However, you can use the turkey drippings from the roasting pan to add flavor to a separate stuffing recipe. Hope that makes sense! Enjoy!

      • Reply
    • Regina Divine
    • The Best Garlic Butter Thanksgiving Turkey (video) (1)

    I have chosen your recipe for this Thanksgiving. One question though, do you brine your turkey?

    • Reply
      • tatyanaseverydayfood

      You’re going to love this recipe! 🙂 It’s a family favorite! I’ve had this recipe both ways – brined and not brined. They’re both delicious! I personally love to brine my turkey since it adds a little more of that ham-like flavor. I have my brine recipe here: https://tatyanaseverydayfood.com/apple-cider-turkey-brine/

      • Reply
    • Sarah

    Hi 👋 was wondering if you used fine or coarse salt for this recipe. Thank you 😊

    • Reply
      • tatyanaseverydayfood

      Hi! Both will work great for this recipe. While I usually use coarse sea salt for meat, I find that regular or fine sea salt blends with the butter better. Enjoy!

      • Reply
    • hassen
    • The Best Garlic Butter Thanksgiving Turkey (video) (2)

    thank you for sharing.it’s delicious 🤤.i’m going to make it.

    • Reply
      • tatyanaseverydayfood

      You’re very welcome! Enjoy! 🙂

      • Reply
    • Eva

    Would it be ok to substitute the shallot for
    a regular onion? I hardly ever cook with shallots. BTW- this is my first time cooking the Turkey for the family. Excited and nervous.

    • Reply
      • tatyanaseverydayfood

      Yes! Regular onion will work perfectly here, too! Hope you enjoy the recipe and Happy Thanksgiving!

      • Reply
      • tatyanaseverydayfood

      Hi Diana! Do you mean roast it ahead of time or season it? I recommend seasoning it no more than 2 or 3 days ahead of time and keeping it covered with plastic wrap. Enjoy!

      • Reply
    • Jenny

    I am so happy I came across this recipe, I will be hosting Thanksgiving and will definitely use this! Quick question, do you use regular salt, or sea salt,for the garlic butter spread? I feel that regular salt is more “salty” if that makes sense. Please let me know and thank you in advance.

    • Reply
      • tatyanaseverydayfood

      I’m so glad you found my recipe! I usually use sea salt in my kitchen. I totally get you, I do feel that regular salt is more salty! Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

      • Reply
      • Tasha

      When you say prep roasting pan does that mean take roasting pan out just so its there or am I supposed to add something to it like water and if so how much my turkey is about 20lbs

      • Reply
        • tatyanaseverydayfood

        Sorry for the confusion! Just have the roasting pan out and ready to be used. You’ll add some chicken broth later in the recipe.

        • Reply
    • Jenny

    Hi there! Will the seasonings work for a roast chicken instead of turkey? Not a lot of turkey lovers in my family.

    • Reply
      • tatyanaseverydayfood

      Yes! This will be amazing for chicken, too! Enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving!

      • Reply
    • MARIA D PRECIADO

    Hello , my turkey weight 17.lb48oz how many hours in the oven? Please.

    • Reply
      • tatyanaseverydayfood

      Hi Maria! You’ll need to roast the turkey for about 4 hours, plus or minus 10 minutes. Make sure to use a thermometer and insert into the thickest part of the turkey; the temperature should reach 165F.

      • Reply
    • NICOLE JENSEN
    • The Best Garlic Butter Thanksgiving Turkey (video) (3)

    Everyone who ate Thanksgiving dinner at my house told me this was the best turkey they ever had! Thanks for this amazing recipe!

    • Reply
      • tatyanaseverydayfood

      You’re very welcome! I’m so happy everyone loved the recipe! Happy Thanksgiving!

      • Reply
    • Innesa
    • The Best Garlic Butter Thanksgiving Turkey (video) (4)

    Amazing !

    • Reply
      • tatyanaseverydayfood

      I’m so happy you enjoyed the recipe! 🙂

      • Reply
    • Jackie
    • The Best Garlic Butter Thanksgiving Turkey (video) (5)

    Best Turkey we’ve ever made! Used a hair dryer to get the bird good and dry so the butter mixture would stick to the skin!

    • Reply
      • tatyanaseverydayfood

      What a great idea!! 🙂 I’m so happy you enjoyed the recipe!

      • Reply
    • Amanda Peterson
    • The Best Garlic Butter Thanksgiving Turkey (video) (6)

    I made my first turkey this weekend for thanksgiving and it was moist and flavorful!

    • Reply
      • tatyanaseverydayfood

      I’m so happy you enjoyed this recipe!! Happy holidays!

      • Reply
    • ariela ramirez
    • The Best Garlic Butter Thanksgiving Turkey (video) (7)

    the best!First time making a turkey and it was so good! everyone loved it! we also did the brine recipe, the mashed potatoes, and the gravy recipes and all were a hit! thank you!

    • Reply
      • tatyanaseverydayfood

      You’re very welcome!! 🙂 I’m so happy everyone loved the turkey!

      • Reply
    • Rena

    Hi Taty,
    I was wondering how I would adjust the temperature and cooking time if I was using this recipe for a whole chicken?

    • Reply
      • tatyanaseverydayfood

      Hi Rena! You’ll want to use the same oven temperature (350F) and roast the chicken to the same internal temperature (165F). To calculate the roasting time, use this method: 20 minutes per pound, plus 15 minutes. Enjoy!

      • Reply
    • Michael

    Great recipe. What a great addition to our heart warming winter meal. Many thanks.

    • Reply
      • tatyanaseverydayfood

      You’re very welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed this recipe!

      • Reply
    • Joe Moreira
    • The Best Garlic Butter Thanksgiving Turkey (video) (8)

    I’m doing this recipe for 4 years now. Amazing Christmas turkey and gravy

    • Reply
      • tatyanaseverydayfood

      That’s so wonderful to hear! I’m so glad you love the recipe! 🙂

      • Reply
    • Chris & Donna
    • The Best Garlic Butter Thanksgiving Turkey (video) (9)

    Absolutely our Go-To Turkey Recipe for the last 3 years. Turns out amazing every time! Thanks again!

    • Reply
      • tatyanaseverydayfood

      You’re very welcome! I’m so glad you enjoy this recipe!

      • Reply
    • Nell

    Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

    • Reply
      • tatyanaseverydayfood

      Hi! Yes, vegetable broth will work great, too. Enjoy!

      • Reply
    • Anna

    My turkey comes pre-brined. Would you reduce the amount of salt if that lady the case or keep it the same?

    • Reply
      • tatyanaseverydayfood

      Hi Anna! I brine my turkey, too but I don’t reduce the salt amount. However, since it’s store brined, I would reduce the salt a little bit. It’s easier to add salt later! Enjoy!

      • Reply
    • Jessica

    I found your recipe and would love to give it a try. Is there anything different you need to do to cook it in a turkey cooker? That’s usually what I use to cook my turkey.

    • Reply
      • tatyanaseverydayfood

      Hi Jessica! No need to change the ingredients for a cooker. I’m not sure how you would need to adjust the timing though. Enjoy!

      • Reply
    • Samantha
    • The Best Garlic Butter Thanksgiving Turkey (video) (10)

    I love this recipe! I’ve used it for the past 3 years and my family absolutely loves it.
    This year I won’t have access to an oven. Do you have any suggestions on how to convert the oven cooking time for a crock pot?

    • Reply
      • tatyanaseverydayfood

      Hi Samantha! That’s so wonderful to hear! I’m very glad you’ve been enjoying my recipe! I did a quick search online and it looks like you can cook the turkey in a crock pot, too! You won’t need to change the seasonings, just add about 1/2 cup of chicken broth instead of 1 cup. Enjoy and have a great Thanksgiving!

      • Reply
        • Jennifer

        Making this turkey this thanksgiving!! One question… is the garlic just for stuffing the bird or do I mince and add to the butter? Thank you in advance!!

        • Reply
          • tatyanaseverydayfood

          Hi Jennifer! I hope you love it, I’ll be making it again this year, too! The garlic is for the stuffing; I like to use garlic powder in the butter spread since it doesn’t burn. Enjoy!

          • Reply
    • Gina

    Hi! Do you keep the twine on while the Turkey is in the oven? Thanks!

    • Reply
      • tatyanaseverydayfood

      Hi Gina! Yes, you’ll want to keep the twine on throughout the roasting and resting stages. I remove it when I’m ready to carve the turkey. Enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving!

      • Reply
    • Jay

    when and where do you put the 15-20 cloves of garlic?

    • Reply
      • tatyanaseverydayfood

      Hi Jay! You’ll want to use the whole garlic cloves as the stuffing for the turkey, along with the fresh herbs and citrus. Enjoy!

      • Reply
    • Caroline

    Hi. I was not aware that my turkey was pre-brined. I used the 2 tablespoons of salt for the herb butter according to your recipe. Will the turkey turn out too salty?? Thanks

    • Reply
      • tatyanaseverydayfood

      Hi Caroline! Not to worry, I brine my turkey also before applying the spread. It won’t be too salty. Enjoy!

      • Reply
    • Elke

    It asks for 2 table spoons of Salt.
    Is that for inside of the Turkey or in the Butter spread for under the skin?
    Thank you 😊

    • Reply
      • tatyanaseverydayfood

      Hi! I use it for the butter spread. You’ll need additional salt for the inside. Enjoy!

      • Reply
    • Melinda
    • The Best Garlic Butter Thanksgiving Turkey (video) (11)

    I made this recipe for Thanksgiving and I’m making it again for Christmas- it’s that good!!

    • Reply
The Best Garlic Butter Thanksgiving Turkey (video) (2024)

FAQs

What does putting butter under the skin of a turkey do? ›

Impart rich flavor and add moisture to your Thanksgiving turkey by adding a layer of butter under the skin before roasting. Learn how to do this simple (but genius) technique for a delicious Thanksgiving turkey.

Is it better to cook a turkey at 325 or 350? ›

Oven-Roasted Turkey

We recommend starting the turkey in a 425 degree oven for 30-45 minutes before tenting the pan with foil and lowering the temperature to 350 degrees until a meat thermometer reads 165 degrees when inserted into the thickest part of the bird.

Do you butter and season the turkey the night before? ›

Yes! It doesn't so much matter when you season your bird—whether it's just before popping it in the oven or several days in advance for a dry-brine technique—as long as you season it before it gets cooked.

Should I cover my turkey with foil? ›

We've found that covering a turkey in foil yields much moister results than roasting it without foil, and we favor simply covering up the breast to even out cooking time. Some people swear that roasting a turkey breast-side down and flipping it halfway through achieves the same results as a foil covered breast.

Should I inject my turkey and put butter under the skin? ›

A turkey injection keeps the meat moist without any need for a turkey brine. Butter adds moisture and flavor to turkey throughout the meat, keeping it tender and tasty with every bite. Additionally, a butter injection helps crisp up the turkey skin.

Should I rub butter or oil on my turkey? ›

Because turkey breast is especially lean, I like to rub softened fat beneath the skin just before roasting. It melts and gives the meat extra flavor, richness, and moisture. Duck fat is wonderful for this, and it fortifies the poultry flavors, but unsalted butter works well, too.

What should I put in the cavity of my turkey? ›

Add halved onions, carrot chunks, celery and fresh herbs to the cavity of your turkey, inserting them loosely. These flavor builders are the base of stock and most soups. As your turkey cooks, they'll steam and infuse your bird with moisture and flavor.

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."

Should you rinse a turkey? ›

Wash your hands, but not the turkey! Many consumers think that washing their turkey will remove bacteria and make it safer. However, it's virtually impossible to wash bacteria off the bird. Instead, juices that splash during washing can transfer bacteria onto the surfaces of your kitchen, other foods and utensils.

How long should a 12 lb turkey rest? ›

As the roast turkey rests (30–60 minutes is ideal), the residual heat will continue to push the internal temperature up to the goal temperature, without going over. Rest your bird on a cutting board with a trough, or on a platter, to collect any runoff juices (save them for gravy).

How long to cook 14 lb turkey? ›

10. Calculate turkey cooking time and temperature. The simplest way to figure out turkey roasting times is to calculate 13 minutes per pound at 350°F for an unstuffed turkey (that's about 3 hours for a 12- to 14-lb. turkey), or 15 minutes per pound for a stuffed turkey.

Does butter make turkey skin crispy? ›

The cool, dry air of the fridge will further dry out the skin, ensuring maximum crispiness. Next, just before you're ready to put the turkey in the oven, give it a generous rub of oil. Many people like to use butter for this, but using oil will actually yield a crispier skin because butter is 20% water.

How often should I butter my turkey? ›

How Often to Baste a Turkey. Most recipes will tell you to baste your turkey every thirty minutes. But our rule of thumb is actually every forty minutes, and here's why. You don't want to open the oven too many times, or else the whole bird will take much long to cook, and that's a huge inconvenience.

Should I put a stick of butter inside my turkey? ›

Just soften a stick of butter (or two, if your turkey is bigger than 15 pounds) and massage it over every square inch of turkey right before roasting. Really go for it: the skin is important, but don't neglect the cavity, and be sure to get as much butter under the skin as you possibly can.

When should I inject butter into my turkey? ›

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.

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