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Citrus Butter Sage Roasted Turkey

Citrus Butter Sage Roasted Turkey
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Citrus Butter Sage Roasted Turkey is a flavorful holiday centerpiece that combines zesty citrus and fresh sage with a rich butter glaze to create a moist, tender, and aromatic roast. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion, this recipe offers an easy-to-follow technique with impressive presentation and customizable options to suit various tastes.

Ingredients

Scale

Turkey and Main Ingredients

  • 1 whole turkey (12–14 pounds), fresh or thawed
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup fresh sage, finely chopped
  • 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Zest of 2 lemons
  • Zest of 2 oranges
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2–3 cups chicken or turkey broth

Citrus for Stuffing

  • 2 lemons, halved
  • 2 oranges, halved
  • Extra sage sprigs

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Butter Mixture: Combine the softened unsalted butter with finely chopped fresh sage, minced garlic, freshly grated lemon and orange zest, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the butter is evenly infused with the herbs and citrus aromas.
  2. Clean and Prep the Turkey: Remove the giblets from the turkey cavity if present, then pat the entire bird dry using paper towels to ensure crispy skin during roasting. Carefully loosen the skin over the breasts and thighs without tearing it.
  3. Apply the Butter Mixture: Generously spread the citrus herb butter underneath the loosened skin, massaging it directly onto the meat for maximum flavor infusion. Then spread the remaining butter all over the exterior of the turkey. Stuff the cavity with halved lemons, oranges, and extra sage sprigs.
  4. Season and Roast: Lightly brush the turkey skin with olive oil and season again with salt and pepper. Place the turkey breast-side up on a roasting rack inside a roasting pan. Pour 2-3 cups of broth into the pan to keep the environment moist. Roast in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C), basting every 30 minutes with pan juices and broth, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Rest and Carve: Once fully cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for at least 20 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute before carving for juicy, tender meat.

Notes

  • Allow the turkey to come to room temperature before roasting for even cooking.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Applying butter under the skin flavors the meat directly and helps the skin crisp beautifully.
  • Baste the turkey every 30 minutes, but minimize oven door openings to maintain consistent heat.
  • Resting the turkey before carving preserves juiciness and makes carving easier.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey, roasted turkey, holiday turkey, citrus turkey, sage turkey, Thanksgiving, Christmas, holiday recipes, butter roasted turkey, gluten free turkey, herb roasted turkey

Find it online: https://linacorner.com/citrus-butter-sage-roasted-turkey/