Herb-Butter Roast Turkey for the Holidays

Method 6 steps

1. 01

   Two days ahead, mix the salt, sugar and pepper and rub over the turkey and inside the cavity. Refrigerate uncovered on a tray for 48 hours.

2. 02

   Take the turkey out 1 hour before roasting. Heat the oven to 425 F and line a rimmed sheet pan with parchment and a rack.

3. 03

   Mash the butter with sage and thyme. Loosen the breast skin with your fingers and spread half the butter underneath, then rub the rest over the outside.

4. 04

   Stuff the cavity with onion, lemon and garlic, tuck the wings under and tie the legs loosely.

5. 05

   Roast 30 minutes, then reduce to 325 F and roast 2 to 2 1/2 hours more, tenting the breast with foil if it browns too fast, until the thigh reads 170 F and the breast 160 F.

6. 06

   Rest the turkey for at least 30 minutes before carving so the juices settle.

Tap a step to mark it done.