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Herb and Butter Roasted Turkey Parts. Roast your holiday turkey in half the time and without any stress. Made with butter, fresh herbs, garlic, onions, and wine, this simple roasted turkey will become the recipe you make every holiday season. Use a sheet of butter-soaked cheesecloth to help the turkey achieve that perfect golden skin we’re always looking for. This turkey recipe is almost effortless but, most importantly, so deliciousโespecially with my simple pan gravy!
I wasn’t sure I would share this recipe, but after I shared it onย Live with Kelly and Mark last week, I knew I needed to give it to you all as well! There was so much excitement around this turkey recipe, and I fullyย understand why.
If you have the butcher cut the meat, it’s pretty much effortless. It also ensures you’ll get a perfectly cooked turkey every single time. You’re going to love this!
I started making this recipe a few years ago. My family is a little picky when it comes to turkey meat. Most of them only like the breast meat. So, one year, I decided to roast only the breasts. It ended up being so much easier than dealing with the entire turkey!
Last year, I got even smarter and asked my butcher to break down the whole turkey for me. Then, I could also roast the thighs and legs (mainly for my oldest brother, Creighton). Roasting just the breasts is great, but I wanted to have some of the juices and flavors from the thighs and legs as well. Plus, I knew the gravy would be more delicious with the juices from the thighs and legs!
Everyone loved the turkey so much that this year, I’m doing the same. We have a smaller group, so it will be perfect.
I’m very excited to give you all the recipe, and just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday, too!
Ingredients
Special Tools
For this recipe, you need either a roasting pan or a large cast iron skillet.
Step 1: the turkey
If you’re going to use a whole turkey, my best advice is to have your butcher cut it up for you. I call my local Whole Foods and have them break the turkey down before I head to the store.
Trust me, this will save you so much time, hassle, and cleanup. Plus, it’s totally free!
Once you have the turkey pieces, you can use all breasts, all thighs, wings, or a mix. I recommend a mix for a super flavorful gravy, but using just the breasts will be great too!
Do what’s going to be best for you and your guests!
Arrange the turkey pieces in a roasting pan. Let them come to room temp for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking.
Step 2: make the herb butter
For the herb butter, I mix one stick of salted butter with fresh sage, thyme, parsley, lemon zest, and black pepper.
Rub the butter all over and underneath the turkey’s skin. I usually season with more salt.
Step 3: the butter-soaked cheesecloth
Dampen the cheesecloth in water, then ring out the excess water.
Melt one stick of butter and submerge the cloth in it. Now, drape the cheesecloth over the turkey. I know this feels weird but think of it like a butter-soaked blanket for your turkey. The butter drips down on the turkey as it cooks, keeping it moist and protecting the skin from burning.
Step 4: roasting
Arrange the onions, shallots, and garlic around the turkey. Roast the turkey at 450ยฐ for 30 minutes, then reduce the oven to 400ยฐ and roast until the turkey registers 160ยฐ on a meat thermometer. For a 14-pound turkey, that should take another 45 minutes to 1 hour.
I recommend using a meat thermometer for best results, as the times will vary depending on the size of our turkey pieces.
Step 5: roasting
Now, let the turkey rest and make the gravy.
For the gravy, place the roasting pan on the burner. Add the wine and scrape up all the browned bits. Now add butter and flour, then whisk in the broth.
Season with sage, salt, and pepper. I like to add a pinch of cayenne too.
Step 6: slice up the turkey
Slice the turkey. Don’t stress on slicing it the perfect way.
Serve the turkey with lots and lots of gravy – of course!
Enjoy this recipe! I hope it provides you all with a very stress-free holiday dinner!
Looking for more dinners? Hereโs a few more to try!
Smothered Chicken in Mushroom Wine Pan Sauce
Crockpot Thai Short Ribs with Coconut Rice
Crockpot Short Rib Bourguignon
Lastly, if you make this Herb and Butter Roasted Turkey Parts, be sure to leave a comment and/or rate this recipe! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And, of course, if you do make this recipe, donโt forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
My partner is concerned that the cheesecloth will get stuck to the turkey skin. Can you please debunk this thought. Also, can I use this recipe for a full turkey and just adjust cook time?
Hi Kate! The cheesecloth doesn’t stick to the skin, I promise! Here is my recipe for the full turkey with all the details and info!https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/herb-and-butter-roasted-turkey-with-white-wine-pan-gravy/ Hope you enjoy! xT
Thanks so much xoxo
Happy holidays ๐
Hello
Do you think this could be cooked the day before and reheated?
Hi Kelly,
I personally wouldn’t recommend that:) If you absolutely had to, I would add broth and just warm on low. I hope you love this recipe! xx
Could I use this same process for an all white meat turkey roast? 7 lbs
Hi Janet,
Sure, that would work nicely for you! I hope you love this recipe, please let me know if you have any other questions! xx
To avoid a last minute rush at the store can the Turkey be purchased prior-cut up by the butcher- then freeze the pieces till they need to defrost for thanksgiving time? Looking to do this next year!!
Hi Linda,
As long as the turkey was not previously frozen, yes that should be fine for you to do! I hope this helps! xx
Only a fresh turkey can be used for this recipe?
Hi Whitney,
If you have a frozen turkey you can thaw and follow this recipe. Please let me know if you have any other questions! xx