Cowboy Butter Turkey: A Flavorful, Juicy Roasted Turkey with Bold Flavors

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Cowboy Butter Turkey is a unique twist on the traditional roasted turkey, using a rich, flavorful cowboy butter that infuses the turkey with delicious, bold tastes. This butter, made with a blend of garlic, herbs, and spices, keeps the turkey juicy while providing a smoky, savory finish. Perfect for Thanksgiving, holiday dinners, or any special occasion, this turkey is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

For the Cowboy Butter:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)

For the Turkey:

  • 1 whole turkey (10-12 lbs), thawed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 lemon, halved
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme

Instructions

Prepare the Cowboy Butter:

  1. Make the Cowboy Butter:
    In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, olive oil, parsley, thyme, rosemary, garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using). Stir well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
  2. Set Aside:
    Set the cowboy butter aside at room temperature while you prepare the turkey.

Prepare the Turkey:

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. Season the Turkey:
    Remove the turkey giblets and pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Rub the outside of the turkey with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Stuff the turkey cavity with the halved lemon, quartered onion, rosemary sprigs, and thyme sprigs.
  3. Apply the Cowboy Butter:
    Gently loosen the skin of the turkey by inserting your fingers under the skin on the breast and drumsticks. Spread half of the cowboy butter under the skin, directly onto the turkey meat. Rub the remaining cowboy butter over the entire surface of the turkey, making sure it’s evenly coated.
  4. Roast the Turkey:
    Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan, breast-side up. Roast the turkey, basting occasionally with the pan drippings, for 13-15 minutes per pound (about 2 1/2 to 3 hours for a 10-12 lb turkey), or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast and 180°F (82°C) in the thigh.
  5. Rest the Turkey:
    Once the turkey is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a moist turkey.
  6. Carve and Serve:
    Carve the turkey and serve it with your favorite side dishes. The buttery, herb-infused flavor will shine through every bite.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 350
  • Fat: 28g
  • Carbs: 2g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Sugar: 1g

Tips for the Best Cowboy Butter Turkey

  1. Infuse Flavor: You can make the cowboy butter ahead of time and let it sit in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld together.
  2. Spicy Kick: If you prefer more heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of chili flakes to the butter.
  3. Perfect Roasting: If your turkey is browning too quickly in the oven, loosely cover it with foil for the last hour of roasting.
  4. Make it Herb-Infused: If you love the flavor of herbs, you can add extra sprigs of rosemary and thyme to the roasting pan for an aromatic touch.

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