Make your christmas eve dinner ideas unforgettable with our succulent Roast Turkey with Herb Butter. This recipe combines classic holiday flavors with a touch of elegance, ensuring your family and friends enjoy every bite. The tender, juicy turkey, infused with a rich herb butter, pairs perfectly with all your favorite sides, making it the centerpiece of a memorable Christmas feast.
1 Christmas eve dinner ideas: Succulent Roast Turkey with Herb Butter
Description
Christmas eve dinner ideas
Creating the perfect Christmas Eve dinner can be a delightful experience with our "Christmas Eve Dinner Ideas" Roast Turkey recipe. This recipe ensures that your turkey is juicy, flavorful, and the star of your holiday table. Let's dive into the details that make this dish exceptional.
The Magic of Herb Butter
The key to this roast turkey's amazing flavor is the herb butter. By blending softened butter with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage, and seasoning it with garlic, lemon zest, and a touch of salt and pepper, you create a compound butter that adds incredible moisture and flavor to the turkey.
Preparing the Turkey
Start by choosing a fresh or thawed turkey, around 12-14 pounds, to feed a moderate-sized gathering. Remove the giblets and pat the turkey dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as it allows the skin to crisp up beautifully in the oven. Gently loosen the skin over the breast and thighs and spread a generous amount of herb butter underneath. This ensures that the meat remains moist and flavorful during roasting.
Roasting Process
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan, breast side up. Season the cavity with salt, pepper, and a few extra herbs. Truss the turkey legs to ensure even cooking. Brush the outside of the turkey with melted butter and season with salt and pepper. Roast the turkey in the preheated oven, basting occasionally with pan drippings.
Achieving the Perfect Roast
Roast the turkey for approximately 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature in the thickest part of the thigh reaches 75°C (165°F). If the skin starts to brown too quickly, cover the breast loosely with foil. This prevents over-browning while allowing the rest of the turkey to cook through.
Resting and Carving
Once the turkey is fully cooked, transfer it to a cutting board and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring that each slice is juicy and flavorful. Carve the turkey using a sharp knife, starting with the breast meat and then moving on to the thighs and legs.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this delicious roast turkey with classic sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and roasted vegetables. The rich flavors of the herb butter will complement these sides perfectly, creating a harmonious and festive meal.
Quick Tips
- Tip 1: Ensure your turkey is completely thawed before roasting.
- Tip 2: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
- Tip 3: Baste the turkey every 30 minutes for extra moisture and flavor.
- Tip 4: Let the turkey rest before carving to retain its juices.
- Tip 5: Save the pan drippings to make a delicious gravy.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Prepare the Herb Butter
In a bowl, combine softened butter, chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
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Prepare the Turkey
Remove giblets from the turkey and pat dry with paper towels. Gently loosen the skin over the breast and thighs. Spread a generous amount of herb butter under the skin and inside the cavity.
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Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
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Season and Truss
Season the cavity of the turkey with salt, pepper, and extra herbs if desired. Truss the turkey legs with kitchen twine.
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Roast the Turkey
Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan, breast side up. Brush the outside with melted butter and season with salt and pepper. Roast in the preheated oven, basting with pan drippings every 30 minutes.
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Check for Doneness
Roast for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature in the thickest part of the thigh reaches 75°C (165°F). If the skin browns too quickly, cover the breast loosely with foil.
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Rest the Turkey
Transfer the cooked turkey to a cutting board and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving.
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Carve and Serve
Carve the turkey and serve with your favorite holiday sides.
Servings 10
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 350kcal
- Calories from Fat 180kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 20g31%
- Saturated Fat 8g40%
- Cholesterol 150mg50%
- Sodium 600mg25%
- Potassium 350mg10%
- Total Carbohydrate 2g1%
- Protein 40g80%
- Vitamin A 500 IU
- Vitamin C 2 mg
- Calcium 20 mg
- Iron 2 mg
- Vitamin D 2 IU
- Vitamin E 1 IU
- Vitamin K 4 mcg
- Thiamin 0.1 mg
- Riboflavin 0.2 mg
- Niacin 10 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.5 mg
- Folate 10 mcg
- Vitamin B12 1 mcg
- Biotin 2 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 0.5 mg
- Phosphorus 300 mg
- Iodine 5 g
- Magnesium 25 mmol
- Selenium 35 mg
- Copper 0.1 mg
- Manganese 0.02 mg
- Chromium 1 mcg
- Molybdenum 2 mg
- Chloride 10 mmol
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
This Roast Turkey with Herb Butter is not only perfect for Christmas Eve but also for any festive occasion. The rich flavors from the herb butter permeate through the meat, making each bite a burst of holiday joy. You can prepare the herb butter a day in advance and store it in the fridge, which helps save time on the day of cooking. If you prefer a different herb combination, feel free to experiment with your favorites. Pair this turkey with your preferred sides and a glass of your favorite wine to create a truly special dinner.