Roasted Herb-Crusted Turkey with Citrus Glaze

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A tender roasted turkey seasoned with fresh herbs and finished with a bright citrus glaze perfect for holiday celebrations. This american-inspired christmas ready in about 240 minutes pairs whole turkey, fresh rosemary, fresh thyme for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 12, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 210 min Serves 12 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F. In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup olive oil, 3 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, 3 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, 6 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp salt, and 1 tbsp freshly ground black pepper to create a herb paste.
  2. Step 2: Pat the 12 lb whole turkey dry with paper towels. Rub the herb paste all over the turkey, including under the skin and inside the cavity for maximum flavor.
  3. Step 3: Place the turkey breast-side up on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan. Tent loosely with foil and roast for 3 hours.
  4. Step 4: While the turkey roasts, combine 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice and 1/4 cup honey in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes until slightly thickened and fragrant.
  5. Step 5: After 3 hours, remove the foil and brush the turkey with 4 tbsp melted unsalted butter, then brush with the citrus glaze. Increase oven temperature to 425°F and roast for an additional 30 minutes, basting every 10 minutes with the glaze, until the skin is golden and a meat thermometer reads 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh.
  6. Step 6: Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 20 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Roasted Herb-Crusted Turkey with Citrus Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 240 minutes (30 min prep + 210 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Roasted Herb-Crusted Turkey with Citrus Glaze?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep whole turkey from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Roasted Herb-Crusted Turkey with Citrus Glaze?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Roasted Herb-Crusted Turkey with Citrus Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Roasted Herb-Crusted Turkey with Citrus Glaze?

American christmas like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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