Herb & Citrus Butter Roasted Turkey

Herb & Citrus Butter Roasted Turkey

A beautiful centerpiece for the fall table, this Herb & Citrus Butter Roasted Turkey is all about simple ingredients and big, seasonal flavor. A generous layer of garlic, lemon, rosemary, thyme, and sage butter is tucked beneath the skin and rubbed over the bird, creating deeply golden, flavorful skin and tender, juicy meat. Finished with fresh herbs, citrus, and onion in the cavity, this is the kind of roast that makes a gathering feel special.

We’re proud to share this recipe from one of our partners, Jessi the Farmer — @jessithefarmer — owner and farmer at @adamafarm in Marengo, Illinois.

Adama Farm is a first-generation, no-till regenerative farm growing a diverse mix of seasonal vegetables, herbs, fruit, and flowers. Founded by Jessica Davies, the farm is rooted in stewardship of the land, with a focus on building healthy soil, supporting biodiversity, and cultivating a meaningful connection between food, people, and place. Adama Farm practices no-till farming and does not use pesticides or chemical sprays on the food they grow.

We love that this recipe reflects that same appreciation for thoughtfully grown food and the people behind it. Pair the turkey with roasted seasonal vegetables or Adama Farm’s Roasted Acorn Squash & Tomato Soup for a cozy fall meal made to be shared.

Ingredients

Unsalted Butter, softened
1 cup
Garlic, finely minced
4–5 cloves
Lemon Zest & Juice of Lemon
1
Fresh Rosemary, finely chopped
2 tbsp
Fresh Thyme Leaves
2 tbsp
Fresh Sage, finely chopped
1 tbsp
Bay Leaves
2–3
Kosher Salt, plus more as needed
1 tbsp
Freshly Ground Black Pepper
1 tsp
Onion, quartered
1
Lemon, quartered
1
Several sprigs fresh rosemary and thyme
Olive oil, as needed

Utensils

  • Small bowl
  • Large roasting pan

Instructions

In a small bowl, make the herb butter by combining the softened butter with garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, and black pepper.

Prepare the turkey by patting it completely dry. Gently loosen the skin over the breast and spread some of the herb butter underneath the skin.

Rub the remaining butter generously over the outside of the turkey.

Place the quartered onion, lemon, fresh herb sprigs, and bay leaves inside the cavity.

Refrigerate the seasoned turkey for a few hours before roasting. Remove it from the refrigerator while the oven preheats.

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Place the turkey in a roasting pan and roast until beautifully golden and the thickest portions of the breast and thigh reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

Remove the turkey from the oven and allow it to rest for at least 20–30 minutes before carving.

This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the meat tender.

Serve and enjoy!

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