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a golden roast turkey on a platter in a wide horizontal shot, crisp browned skin with a gravy boat alongside, fresh herbs and citrus garnish, on a festive holiday table, warm natural light, shallow depth of field, landscape orientation

Classic Roast Turkey with Herb Gravy

A golden roast turkey and herb butter with a rich and savory herb gravy.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 14 lb whole turkey thawed
  • 1/2 cup butter softened
  • 3 tbsp fresh herbs chopped
  • 1 onion quartered
  • 1/3 cup flour
  • 4 cups turkey or chicken broth
  • 1.5 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper

Method
 

  1. Heat oven to 325F, pat the turkey dry, and season inside and out with salt and pepper.
  2. Rub herb butter all over and under the skin, then tuck the onion in the cavity.
  3. Roast on a rack about 3.5 hours, basting now and then, until it reaches 165F.
  4. Rest the turkey under foil while you make the gravy.
  5. Whisk flour into the pan drippings, then add broth and simmer until thickened.
  6. Stir in extra herbs, then carve the turkey and pass the gravy.

Notes

Tent the breast with foil if it browns too fast.