Hot Honey Butter Roasted Turkey
Servings: 8–10
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Marinating Time: 1 hour
Cooking Time: 2–2.5 hours
Total Time: 3.5–4 hours
Ingredients
- 1 whole turkey (4–5 kg / 8–10 lbs), fully thawed
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup hot honey (or regular honey with a pinch of chili flakes)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tsp chopped fresh sage
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 onion, quartered
Optional Garnish: Fresh herbs
Instructions
1. Prepare the Turkey:
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Pat the turkey dry using paper towels. Season the cavity with salt and pepper, then stuff it with the lemon halves and onion pieces.
2. Make the Hot Honey Butter:
In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, hot honey, minced garlic, paprika, thyme, rosemary, sage, salt, and pepper until smooth and well blended.
3. Apply the Butter:
Carefully loosen the skin over the turkey breast and spread half of the butter mixture underneath the skin. Rub the rest evenly over the entire surface of the turkey.
4. Roast the Turkey:
Place the turkey breast-side up on a roasting rack in a large baking pan. Roast for 2 to 2½ hours, basting every 30 minutes with the pan juices or remaining hot honey butter. If the skin starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.
5. Check for Doneness:
The turkey is ready when its internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F) in the thickest part of the breast and thigh. Remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving.
6. Serve:
Slice the turkey and drizzle with pan drippings or extra hot honey butter. Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon slices for a beautiful presentation.
Tips
- Hot Honey Substitute: Combine honey with chili flakes for a sweet-and-spicy twist.
- Let It Rest: Resting helps keep the meat juicy and flavorful.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the honey butter a day before to let the flavors deepen.
