Mayonnaise Roasted Herb-Infused Turkey Recipe

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If you’re looking for a show-stopping centerpiece that’s bursting with flavor and boasts incredibly moist meat, the Mayonnaise Roasted Herb-Infused Turkey Recipe is an absolute game-changer. This method uses a creamy mayonnaise herb rub that locks in juiciness while infusing the bird with fragrant rosemary, thyme, and sage. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of savory herbs, subtle garlic, and a golden, crispy skin that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds and the secret behind it all. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to turkey for all special occasions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be intimidated by the length of this recipe — the ingredients are simple and straightforward, each chosen to build layers of wonderful aromas and tastes that bring out the best in your turkey. From fresh herbs to mayo, every component plays a crucial role in creating that tender, flavorful outcome.

• 16 pound whole turkey: The star of the dish, make sure it’s fully thawed for even cooking.
• 10 cloves garlic (divided): Garlic adds a beautiful pungency and depth that complements the herbs perfectly.
• 1 bunch fresh rosemary: Offers a piney aroma that infuses the turkey with an earthy elegance.
• 1 bunch fresh thyme: Brings a delicate, floral flavor that keeps the seasoning fresh and balanced.
• 1 bunch fresh sage leaves: Known for its warm, slightly peppery notes essential to Thanksgiving-style flavors.
• 1½ cups mayonnaise: This is the magic ingredient that keeps the turkey incredibly moist and helps create that golden crust.
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Provides a subtle, lingering garlic punch beyond fresh cloves.
• ½ teaspoon onion powder: Adds a sweet, umami complexity to the herb mayo rub.
• ¼ teaspoon ground paprika: Imparts a mild smokiness and beautiful color to the turkey skin.
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Gives gentle heat and depth against the creamy mayo base.
• 3 small onions (sliced into quarters): Stuffed inside and added to the roasting pan, they help flavor the bird from within.
• 2 lemons (sliced into wedges): Lemon wedges brighten the herb blend and add a fresh citrus zing.
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the roasting pan moist and adds savory notes to the drippings for gravy.

How to Make Mayonnaise Roasted Herb-Infused Turkey Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Turkey

Start by removing the turkey from the refrigerator at least an hour before cooking. This step helps the bird reach a more even internal temperature as it roasts. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 325°F. Warming the oven early ensures that your turkey will cook beautifully – slowly and evenly – locking in all those delicious flavors.

Step 2: Create the Herb-Infused Mayonnaise Rub

Mince 4 cloves of garlic and finely chop the leaves from a few sprigs each of rosemary, thyme, and sage. Combine these fresh herbs and garlic with mayonnaise, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper. This luscious herb mayo mixture is what transforms the turkey, giving it incredible moisture and a fragrant, perfectly seasoned crust.

Step 3: Prep the Turkey for Roasting

Remove the neck and giblets from the turkey cavity and pat the whole bird dry with paper towels to ensure the skin crisps up nicely. Tuck the wings securely underneath the bird—it helps the turkey cook more evenly and look tidier.

Step 4: Season and Stuff the Cavity

Lightly season the turkey cavity with salt and pepper. Then fill it with the quartered onions, lemon wedges, the remaining 6 cloves of whole garlic, and additional fresh herbs. This aromatic stuffing infuses the turkey inside and out with bright, herbal flavors throughout the long roasting process.

Step 5: Apply the Mayonnaise Herb Rub

Generously rub the prepared mayonnaise herb mixture all over the turkey’s surface, making sure to get underneath the skin, especially on the breasts. Getting under the skin lets the herbs and moisture penetrate even deeper, resulting in succulent, flavorful meat that’s truly unparalleled.

Step 6: Prepare the Roasting Pan

Pour the chicken broth into your roasting pan to keep the environment moist and to collect drippings for gravies or sauces later. Add any extra onions, lemon wedges, garlic cloves, and herbs left over to the pan to enrich the aroma and flavor during roasting.

Step 7: Roast the Turkey

Place your turkey breast-side up on a rack within the roasting pan. Slide it into the oven and let it roast for about 15 minutes per pound, which will be roughly 4 hours for a 16-pound bird. This slow roasting ensures tender meat and beautifully rendered skin.

Step 8: Monitor and Cover if Needed

Keep an eye on your turkey as it cooks. If the skin begins to take on too much color, gently tent the bird with foil to prevent burning. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature at the thickest part of the thigh or breast so you know exactly when it hits a safe and juicy 165°F.

Step 9: Rest Before Carving

Once out of the oven, loosely cover the turkey with foil and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every slice is mouthwateringly tender.

How to Serve Mayonnaise Roasted Herb-Infused Turkey Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh sprigs of rosemary, thyme, and a few lemon slices placed on the platter add a pop of color and a fragrant touch that invites everyone to dig in. For a touch of elegance, scatter some toasted pine nuts or cranberries around the senior slices.

Side Dishes

Pair this herbaceous turkey with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, honey-glazed carrots, and buttery green beans for a comforting meal. For something a bit different, a crisp apple and fennel salad or roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze complements the richness of the bird perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your turkey carved on a rustic wooden board surrounded by seasonal fruits such as figs or pomegranates. Alternatively, present individual turkey roulades infused with the herb mayo mixture for a stunning dinner party centerpiece that’s as visually impressive as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your cooked turkey tightly in plastic wrap or place it in airtight containers and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. Leftover turkey will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge, perfect for delicious sandwiches and salads.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover turkey by portioning it into airtight freezer bags or containers. Label and date them so you can enjoy your Mayonnaise Roasted Herb-Infused Turkey Recipe up to 3 months later without losing any of the wonderful flavors.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm turkey slices in a covered baking dish with a splash of chicken broth in a 325°F oven, ensuring they don’t dry out. Using the broth helps maintain the moist, tender texture that this recipe is famous for.

FAQs

Can I use other herbs if I don’t have rosemary, thyme, or sage?

Absolutely! While those herbs are classic for turkey, you can swap in tarragon, oregano, or marjoram to create your own delicious herb blend. The key is to use fresh herbs whenever possible for the most vibrant flavor.

Why use mayonnaise on turkey instead of butter or oil?

Mayonnaise contains oil and egg yolks, which help keep the turkey juicy while simultaneously encouraging even browning and crisp skin. It also acts as a carrier for herbs and spices, delivering flavor right under the skin.

How long should I roast a 16-pound turkey using this recipe?

Roast the turkey for approximately 15 minutes per pound at 325°F, which means around 4 hours total. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.

Can I prepare the turkey the night before?

You can apply the herb mayonnaise rub the night before and keep the turkey covered in the refrigerator. This marinating step enhances flavor even further but be sure to bring the turkey to room temperature before roasting.

What kind of pan and rack work best for roasting?

A sturdy roasting pan with a rack is ideal because it elevates the turkey, promoting even heat circulation and preventing it from steaming in its own juices. If you don’t have a rack, arranging thick slices of onion or lemon can work as a natural stand.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Mayonnaise Roasted Herb-Infused Turkey Recipe enough if you want a stress-free way to achieve a tender, juicy, and flavorful turkey that will wow your family and guests. It’s a secret weapon for any festive table, turning a simple bird into the star of your celebration with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction. Give it a try and watch everyone fall in love with turkey all over again.

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