Recipe.net
🍽️ Restaurants ✦ Your Page
🆕 Latest Recipes 📖 Latest Articles

Course

Dietary Preference

Main Ingredient

Cooking Method

Cuisine

Season & Occasions

Cooking Techniques

Ingredient Guides

Substitutions & Swaps

Equipment & Tools

Food Science

Meal Prep & Storage

Baking Basics

Kitchen Basics

How-To Guides

Herb-Roasted Turkey with Cider Gravy

Herb-Roasted Turkey with Cider Gravy

Recipe Details

Prep 45 m
Cook 180 m
Total 225 m
Serves 12
Calories 550 kcal
Level Medium

"This show-stopping holiday centerpiece features a tender, herb-infused turkey and a sophisticated cider-spiked gravy. The combination of fresh garden aromatics and the natural sweetness of the apple cider creates a deeply flavorful and festive experience."

1 Ingredients

Qty Item
1 12-14 lb bird Whole Turkey (thawed)
1 cup Unsalted Butter, softened
2 tbsp Fresh Rosemary, chopped
2 tbsp Fresh Thyme, chopped
1 tbsp Fresh Sage, chopped
4 cloves Garlic, minced
1 large Yellow Onion, halved
2 cups Apple Cider (not vinegar)
2 cups Chicken Broth
0.25 cup All-purpose Flour
2 tbsp Kosher Salt
1 tbsp Black Pepper

2 Instructions

1

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey; pat the skin completely dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy finish.

2

In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.

3

Loosen the skin over the breast and thighs with your fingers. Spread half of the herb butter directly under the skin and rub the remaining half all over the outside of the bird.

4

Place the halved onion and additional herb sprigs inside the turkey cavity. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wings under the body.

5

Roast the turkey in a large roasting pan until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (not touching bone) reaches 165°F (74°C). This usually takes 13-15 minutes per pound.

6

Carefully transfer the turkey to a carving board and tent loosely with foil. Let it rest for 30-45 minutes. Do not skip this step, as it allows juices to redistribute.

7

Pour the pan drippings into a separator or glass bowl. Return 1/4 cup of the fat/drippings to a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes to create a roux.

8

Slowly whisk in the apple cider and chicken broth. Simmer and whisk constantly until the gravy is thickened and smooth, about 8-10 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper and serve hot with the carved turkey.


💡 Tips & Tricks

  • ·

    Pat the turkey skin extremely dry before applying butter for maximum crispiness.

  • ·

    Use an instant-read thermometer to avoid overcooking the breast meat.

  • ·

    If the skin browns too quickly, tent the turkey with aluminum foil halfway through roasting.

  • ·

    For a deeper gravy flavor, deglaze the roasting pan with a splash of cider before transferring to the saucepan.


? Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to thaw a frozen turkey?
Plan for 24 hours of thawing in the refrigerator for every 4 to 5 pounds of turkey.
Can I use hard apple cider for the gravy?
Yes, hard cider works well and provides a less sweet, more complex acidity to the gravy.
Do I need to baste the turkey while roasting?
Basting is optional. Opening the oven often lowers the temperature and can lead to uneven cooking; the herb butter under the skin provides plenty of moisture.
How do I fix lumpy gravy?
If your gravy has lumps, simply pour it through a fine-mesh strainer or give it a quick pulse in a blender before serving.

Turkey Meatloaf

Next Recipe

Turkey Meatloaf

Experience a lighter take on a classic comfort food that doesn't compromise on flavor or texture. This turkey meatloaf is infused with fresh herbs and finished with a signature balsamic-ketchup glaze for a meal that's both healthy and hearty.

Cook Turkey Meatloaf