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Cozy Herb Butter Roasted Turkey for Two

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A juicy, golden turkey for two, slathered with herbed butter and roasted to perfection. Perfect for a quiet Thanksgiving, romantic dinner, or cozy weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon fresh sage, chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 (3 to 4 pound) whole turkey or turkey breast
  • 1 small onion, quartered
  • 2 celery stalks, cut into chunks
  • 1 carrot, cut into chunks
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Take the turkey out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, sage (if using), salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Mash together with a fork until well mixed.
  3. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Place it in your roasting pan or baking dish. If you have kitchen twine, tie the legs together; if not, tuck the wing tips under the bird. Stuff the cavity with the quartered onion, celery chunks, and carrot.
  4. Using your fingers, gently loosen the skin over the turkey breast and thighs. Spread about half the herb butter directly onto the meat under the skin. Rub the remaining butter all over the outside of the turkey. Drizzle the olive oil over the top and rub it in.
  5. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan. Roast the turkey for 15 minutes at 425°F. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue roasting for about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes total, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh and 160°F (71°C) in the breast.
  6. About 30 minutes into the roasting time, baste the turkey with pan juices.
  7. When the turkey is done, let it rest on a cutting board for 15 to 20 minutes, loosely covered with foil.
  8. Optional: While the turkey rests, pour pan drippings into a small saucepan. Skim off fat, bring to a simmer, and whisk in a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch mixed with water to thicken. Season with salt and pepper.

Notes

Don’t skip the resting time—it keeps the meat moist. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Butter under the skin is key for flavor. For a crispy skin, pat the turkey dry and don’t baste too often.

Nutrition

Keywords: herb butter roasted turkey, turkey for two, small turkey recipe, cozy turkey, Thanksgiving for two

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