Grilled Herb-Butter Turkey Recipe

If you’ve been hunting for that perfect, show-stopping turkey this season, I have to share my **Grilled Herb-Butter Turkey Recipe** with you. It’s bursting with flavor, beautifully juicy, and that grilled touch adds a smoky charm you wouldn’t expect from your usual oven-roasted bird. I absolutely love how this turns out every time — it’s the kind of recipe that makes everyone want seconds, and I promise, you’ll find it easier than you think to nail this at home.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients here work harmoniously to make the turkey juicy, herby, and grilled to perfection. When shopping, fresh herbs and good-quality butter really shine and elevate the flavor — don’t skip on them!

• Whole turkey: A 12-pound bird works wonderfully for feeding 8-10 people; make sure it’s fully thawed if frozen.
• Extra-virgin olive oil: For rubbing the turkey skin to crisp it up beautifully on the grill.
• Kosher salt: Helps to season deeply and bring out the turkey’s natural flavors.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle kick without overpowering the herbs.
• Unsalted butter: Melts into the herbs for that rich, silky baste that locks in moisture.
• Garlic: Freshly grated or minced gives an aromatic boost that pairs perfectly with lemon and herbs.
• Lemon (zest and juice): Adds brightness to balance the richness of butter and poultry.
• Fresh parsley, rosemary, sage, thyme: The classic herb combo that brings that cozy, earthy flavor you associate with turkey.
• Low-sodium turkey stock: Keeps the roasting pan moist and helps create flavorful drippings.
• Sprigs of thyme and grilled lemon halves (optional): For garnish and serving flair).

Variations

While this grilled herb-butter turkey recipe is my go-to, I love encouraging you to customize it based on what herbs you have on hand or dietary tweaks you might need—personal touches make recipes yours!

• Variation: Sometimes I swap the mixed herbs for a smoky smoked paprika and chipotle blend to give the turkey a southwestern twist — my family goes crazy for this fiery change.
• Variation: For a dairy-free option, substitute the butter with a quality olive oil herb mixture, and it still turns out wonderfully moist and flavorful.
• Variation: On festive occasions, I like stuffing the cavity with orange slices and fresh sage, which adds a fragrant surprise when you carve.

How to Make Grilled Herb-Butter Turkey Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season the Turkey

First things first—preheat your grill to a sturdy 400°F. While it’s warming up, rub the turkey all over with extra-virgin olive oil; this helps crisp the skin while grilling. Then season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on every side. Don’t rush this step; seasoning deeply is key to flavor throughout the meat.

Step 2: Make the Herb-Butter Mixture

In a small pot over medium-high heat, melt those two sticks of unsalted butter. Stir in minced garlic, lemon zest and juice, and all your fresh herbs—parsley, rosemary, sage, and thyme. Give it a good stir just until fragrant, then remove from heat. This herb-butter is pure magic for basting later.

Step 3: Grill for Charred Perfection

Place your turkey breast side down directly on the preheated grill. Let it sit, undisturbed, until lovely grill marks appear—about 5 to 10 minutes. Use large tongs to carefully flip the turkey so the other side can develop those same charred lines. This step adds that signature grilled flavor and makes your turkey extra photogenic!

Step 4: Transfer and Add Stock

Move the turkey gently into a large aluminum roasting pan, breast side up this time. Pour in the low-sodium turkey stock to keep the environment moist as it cooks. Then generously brush the entire bird with your reserved herb butter; trust me, this is where the juicy magic starts to soak in deeply.

Step 5: Grill Low and Slow While Basting

Place the roasting pan directly on the grill grates and close the lid. Grill low and slow, basting the turkey with that herb-butter mixture every 30 minutes. This repeated basting creates a flavorful glaze and prevents drying out. It’ll take about 2 hours and 30 minutes for the turkey to cook through—use an instant-read thermometer to check; when it hits 165°F in the thickest part, you’re golden.

Step 6: Rest, Carve, and Serve

Patience here pays off—let the turkey rest for 30 minutes before slicing. This lets the juices redistribute for ultra-moist meat. For presentation, arrange turkey on a platter with some fresh thyme sprigs and grilled lemon halves for a pop of color and brightness. I promise, everyone will ask you how you nailed such a juicy, flavorful bird!

How to Serve Grilled Herb-Butter Turkey Recipe

Garnishes

I always like to garnish with fresh thyme sprigs—because they’re fragrant and pretty—and grilled lemon halves add a bright, caramelized citrus note that guests love squeezing over their slices. It’s simple but so impactful.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides to accompany this grilled turkey include creamy mashed potatoes, garlicky green beans, and a fresh cranberry-orange relish. The creamy and tart balance is just what you want alongside the rich herb butter.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love serving this turkey carved into thick slices on a platter surrounded by roasted seasonal veggies and edible flowers like pansies or nasturtiums. It elevates the look instantly and impresses guests without extra work.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover turkey in airtight containers in the fridge within two hours of carving. This helps keep the meat moist. It usually lasts about 3-4 days when refrigerated properly—perfect for turkey sandwiches or salads during the week.

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftovers successfully by slicing the turkey, laying the slices flat in freezer bags with parchment paper in between to avoid sticking. This way, you can thaw individual portions without compromising texture.

Reheating

When I reheat, I prefer low and slow in the oven at 300°F wrapped in foil with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Microwave can dry the meat out, so the oven method works best to preserve that juicy texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Herb-Butter Turkey Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it turned roasting turkey from a stressful ordeal into a fun, show-stopping centerpiece for family gatherings. The grilling method adds so much flavor and keeps the meat tender that even turkey skeptics come back for more. I hope you try this out soon—you might just find it becoming your new favorite way to enjoy turkey, too!

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