Creating a Garlic Butter Roasted Turkey involves several key steps. Follow this detailed process to achieve a beautifully roasted, flavorful turkey.

Preparing the Turkey

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Prepare the Turkey: Remove the giblets and pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Season the cavity generously with salt and pepper.
3. Stuff the Turkey: If desired, stuff the turkey cavity with quartered onions, halved lemon, and fresh herbs.

Making the Garlic Butter Glaze

4. Mix the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
5. Apply the Garlic Butter: Carefully loosen the skin over the turkey breast by sliding your fingers underneath. Spread about half of the garlic butter mixture under the skin. Rub the remaining butter mixture over the entire surface of the turkey.
6. Drizzle with Olive Oil: Lightly drizzle olive oil over the turkey to enhance the skin’s crispiness.

Roasting the Turkey

7. Place in Roasting Pan: Transfer the turkey to a large roasting pan fitted with a rack. Tuck the wing tips under the body of the turkey to prevent burning.
8. Roast the Turkey: Roast the turkey in the preheated oven. Baste occasionally with the pan juices, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F (74°C), approximately 3 to 3.5 hours.
9. Rest the Turkey: Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven. Let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving, allowing the juices to redistribute.

Preparing the Gravy (Optional)

10. Collect the Drippings: Carefully pour the drippings from the roasting pan into a saucepan, skimming off excess fat.
11. Make the Roux: Place the saucepan over medium heat, adding the flour. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 2 minutes.
12. Add the Stock: Slowly whisk in the chicken or turkey stock, continuing to stir until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.