What Herbs to Put in Turkey for Flavorful, Moist Meat

Turkey can often end up dry and bland, but it doesn’t have to be that way Infusing flavorful herbs into the meat is an easy way to make your holiday turkey extra delicious I’ve tried a number of different herb combinations over the years and have narrowed it down to my top picks for getting the best herb-roasted turkey.

Why Add Herbs to Turkey

Herbs are an ideal way to boost the flavor of mild, lean poultry like turkey Their fresh, aromatic qualities infuse right into the meat, especially when slipped under the skin This helps combat the drying effect of oven heat for a turkey that turns out incredibly moist and tender. Herbs also add tons of flavor without lots of sodium or fat.

Best Herbs for Turkey

I’ve had great success using these herbs to flavor roast turkey:

• Rosemary – This woody, pine-like herb is perfect for poultry. It has an assertive flavor that seasons the meat without overpowering it. Use fresh rosemary sprigs in the cavity and ground rosemary in the herb butter.
• Thyme – Another herb that pairs beautifully with poultry Its earthy, faintly lemon notes provide seasoning without stealing the spotlight Use it fresh or dried.
• Sage – This warm, slightly minty herb has a savory flavor that’s a natural fit for turkey. Rubbed sage works great with poultry.
• Parsley – Bright, fresh parsley offers a vibrant herbal note and splash of green. Mix it into herb butter.
• Marjoram – Subtly sweet with a hint of citrus. It blends well with other herbs.
• Savory – Similar to marjoram with a peppery quality. Use dried savory in the herb mix.

I like to use a blend of these herbs in an easy herb butter that gets slathered all over the turkey and tucked under the skin. The butter helps the herbs adhere and also keeps the turkey incredibly moist.

Herb Butter for Turkey

Herb butter is simple to make right in the food processor. Here’s an easy recipe:

• 1 stick softened butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
• 1 teaspoon dried savory
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Pulse the ingredients in a food processor until fully incorporated. You can also mix by hand in a small bowl. Scoop the herb butter under the turkey skin and coat all over the outside too. Be sure to get plenty under the skin covering the breast meat.

Stuff Turkey Cavity with Herbs

For even more herb flavor, stuff some fresh herb sprigs, garlic cloves, lemon wedges, and onion quarters into the main cavity before roasting. Some good options include:

• Rosemary sprigs
• Sage sprigs
• Thyme sprigs
• Parsley sprigs
• Quartered lemons
• Quartered onions
• Garlic cloves
• Apple chunks

As the turkey roasts, the aroma from these fresh herbs and aromatics will further boost the overall flavor.

Roast the Herb-Infused Turkey

Once your turkey is prepped with loads of flavorful herbs, roast it up for a super moist, tender and delicious holiday centerpiece! Follow these tips:

• Preheat the oven to 450°F to start. This high temp will help the turkey brown quickly.
• Once the turkey has browned, after about 45 minutes, reduce heat to 350°F.
• Roast approximately 15 minutes per pound, until the thigh temp reaches 165°F.
• Tent with foil if the turkey browns too fast.
• Baste every 30 minutes with pan juices for maximum moisture.
• Let rest 30 minutes before carving for easy slicing.

Follow this simple herb roasted turkey method and you’ll have the best, juiciest turkey ever gracing your holiday table!

Herb-Roasted Turkey Recipes

Here are some fantastic herb-roasted turkey recipes to try that use my herb infusion tips:

Easy Herb-Roasted Turkey

This is a back-to-basics turkey recipe using an herb butter coating [1]. It delivers a beautiful golden bird brimming with flavor.

Herb butter:

• 1⁄2 cup butter, softened
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh sage
• 1 Tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh thyme
• 1⁄4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper

Coat the turkey completely with the herb butter. Roast at 450°F for 45 minutes, then 350°F until 165°F. Let rest 30 minutes before slicing.

Herb-Roasted Turkey with Gravy

This turkey is first dry brined for extra juicy meat, then coated in a garlic-herb butter [2]. It’s served with an amazing scratch-made gravy.

Herb butter:

• 1 stick butter, softened
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tsp dried sage
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1⁄2 tsp dried savory
• 1⁄4 cup chopped fresh parsley

A salt and herb rub is also tucked under the skin for incredible flavor.

Complete Herb-Roasted Turkey Dinner

This Thanksgiving menu includes a beautiful herb-roasted turkey along with classic holiday sides like cornbread dressing, mashed potatoes, roasted veggies and an easy cranberry sauce [3].

The savory turkey is coated with a mix of rosemary, thyme, sage, parsley, salt, pepper and butter. Fresh rosemary and thyme are added to the cavity as well.

As you can see, infusing plenty of fresh, aromatic herbs into the turkey is the secret to exceptionally moist, flavorful holiday meat. Try one of these tasty herb-roasted turkey recipes this year for your best bird yet.