This herb-butter holiday turkey pairs Breeze Blends Poultry Blend with fresh rosemary, thyme, and lemon for a savory Thanksgiving or Christmas centerpiece. Butter under the skin adds richness to the breast, while a simple oven-roasting method keeps the preparation approachable.

Poultry Blend combines sea salt, paprika, black pepper, and garlic. Start with the amount below, especially if your turkey is already brined or enhanced with a salt solution.

Prep time: 30 minutes | Estimated cook time: 3–4 hours | Rest time: 30 minutes | Total time: approximately 4–5 hours, excluding thawing | Makes: 10–12 servings

Ingredients

• 1 whole turkey, 12–14 pounds, fully thawed, neck and giblets removed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons Breeze Blends Poultry Blend, divided; reduce for a pre-brined or salt-enhanced turkey
  
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 lemon, zested and then quartered
• 1 medium yellow onion, quartered
• 2 celery stalks, cut into large pieces
• 2 cups low-sodium turkey or chicken broth, plus more as needed

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven and turkey. Heat the oven to 325°F. Place a roasting rack in a large roasting pan. Remove the neck and giblets from the thawed turkey, check both cavities, and pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Do not rinse raw turkey. Keep raw turkey and its juices away from ready-to-eat foods.
2. Mix the herb butter. Stir together the softened butter, 1 tablespoon Poultry Blend, rosemary, thyme, and lemon zest.
3. Season the turkey. Gently loosen the skin over the breast without tearing it. Spread about half the butter beneath the breast skin, then rub the remaining butter over the exterior. Sprinkle the remaining 1 tablespoon Poultry Blend evenly over the outside, using less for an already salted turkey.
4. Add the aromatics. Place some onion, celery, and lemon loosely in the cavity without packing it. Scatter any remaining pieces in the pan. Tuck the wing tips beneath the bird and place the turkey breast-side up on the rack. Pour the broth into the pan, not over the seasoned skin. Cook bread stuffing separately.
5. Roast. Roast at 325°F, allowing approximately 3–4 hours for a 12–14 pound unstuffed bird. Begin checking the temperature at about 3 hours. Tent the breast loosely with foil if the skin browns before the meat is cooked. Add a little broth to the pan if it begins to dry out.
6. Check for doneness. Use a food thermometer to confirm the turkey reaches at least 165°F in the thickest part of the breast, the innermost part of the thigh, and the innermost part of the wing, without touching bone. Check more than one spot. Cooking time is an estimate; temperature determines doneness.
7. Rest and carve. Transfer the turkey to a carving board and rest for 30 minutes before carving. Serve with your favorite holiday sides and gravy made from the pan drippings, if desired.

Tips for a Flavorful Holiday Turkey

Start fully thawed. Thaw in the refrigerator on a tray that catches drips. A 12–14 pound turkey generally needs several days; build thawing time into your holiday plan and follow the package instructions. Never thaw it on the counter.

Check the label before seasoning. A kosher, pre-brined, self-basting, or salt-enhanced turkey already contains salt. Reduce the Poultry Blend rather than adding the full amount automatically.

Dry the skin well. Patting the turkey dry helps the butter adhere. Avoid repeatedly opening the oven or basting, which releases heat and can extend cooking.

Use a thermometer, not the clock. Turkey size, oven accuracy, and starting temperature affect roasting time. The estimated time is a planning guide, not a substitute for checking doneness.

Holiday Turkey Questions

How much Poultry Blend should I use on a whole turkey?

For this 12–14 pound turkey, start with 2 tablespoons divided between the herb butter and the outside of the bird. Use less if your turkey is pre-brined or enhanced with a salt solution because Poultry Blend contains sea salt.

Should I roast turkey covered or uncovered?

Start uncovered so the skin can brown. If the breast or other areas become deeply golden before the turkey reaches a safe temperature, cover those areas loosely with foil and continue roasting.

How long does a 12–14 pound turkey take at 325°F?

Plan on approximately 3–4 hours for this unstuffed recipe, then allow 30 minutes for resting. Begin checking at about 3 hours and continue cooking until all the temperature checkpoints in the instructions reach at least 165°F.

Can I prepare the herb butter ahead?

Yes. Mix the herb butter up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Soften only the amount you need for spreading, and keep the raw turkey refrigerated until preparation.

How do I store leftover turkey?

Remove leftover meat from the carcass and refrigerate in shallow containers within 2 hours of cooking. Use refrigerated cooked turkey within 3–4 days, or freeze it. Reheat leftovers to 165°F.

Why Breeze Blends?

Poultry Blend brings sea salt, paprika, black pepper, and garlic together in one seasoning. Fresh herbs and lemon complement those savory flavors for a holiday turkey without a long list of separate dry spices.

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Prepare your holiday centerpiece with Breeze Blends Poultry Blend, and browse our Recipes blog for more meal inspiration.