Mayonnaise Roasted Herb-Infused Turkey Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping centerpiece that’s bursting with flavor and incredibly moist, this Mayonnaise Roasted Herb-Infused Turkey Recipe is your new best friend. The magic lies in that luscious mayonnaise coating, which locks in juiciness while creating a crispy, golden skin infused with fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a special Sunday dinner, this method transforms a sometimes challenging bird into a tender, herb-kissed masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds — trust me, you’re about to make some very happy eaters.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step toward turkey perfection. Each one plays a vital role: from the creamy mayonnaise that seals in moisture, to the fresh herbs that bring a fragrant depth, and the lemons and garlic that add a bright, savory punch.

• 16 pound whole turkey: The star of the show, a good-sized bird ensures plenty of leftovers and festive satisfaction.
• 10 cloves garlic (divided): Garlic provides robust flavor both inside the cavity and in the mayonnaise rub.
• 1 bunch fresh rosemary: Adds a woodsy, aromatic note that complements poultry beautifully.
• 1 bunch fresh thyme: Introduces subtle earthiness and bright herbal tones.
• 1 bunch fresh sage leaves: Sage lends a slightly peppery, savory hint that enhances the herb blend.
• 1½ cups mayonnaise: The secret to irresistibly moist meat and golden, crisp skin.
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts garlic flavor for those delicious layers of taste.
• ½ teaspoon onion powder: Adds gentle sweetness and rounds out the seasoning.
• ¼ teaspoon ground paprika: Gives a subtle smoky touch and enhances the skin’s color.
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Brings mild heat and complexity.
• 3 small onions (sliced into quarters): Aromatic vegetables that fill the cavity and roasting pan with savory goodness.
• 2 lemons (sliced into wedges): Citrus brightness balances richness and infuses the meat beautifully.
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the roasting environment moist and flavorful without overpowering.

How to Make Mayonnaise Roasted Herb-Infused Turkey Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Turkey and Oven

Take your turkey out of the fridge about an hour before cooking to bring it closer to room temperature, which helps it cook evenly. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 325°F, setting the stage for slow, even roasting that locks in flavor and tenderness.

Step 2: Make the Herb and Mayonnaise Mixture

Finely mince 4 cloves of garlic, then chop the leaves from 3 to 4 sprigs each of rosemary, thyme, and sage. Mixing these fresh herbs with mayonnaise gives you a rich, fragrant coating that will keep the meat juicy and gently infused as it roasts. Add salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper to this mixture for that perfectly balanced seasoning.

Step 3: Prepare the Turkey for Seasoning

Remove the neck and giblets – these can be saved for gravy if you like. Then, thoroughly pat the turkey dry with paper towels; this step ensures the mayonnaise rub will cling nicely and help achieve a crisp skin.

Step 4: Season the Cavity and Stuff It

Tuck the wings underneath to prevent burning, then generously season the cavity with salt and pepper. Fill it with quartered onions, lemon wedges, the remaining 6 cloves of garlic, and fresh herb sprigs — this aromatic combo steams the bird from within, adding essential moisture and subtle flavor.

Step 5: Apply the Mayonnaise Herb Rub

Now for the fun part. Rub the mayo mixture all over the turkey, making sure to gently work some under the skin of the breasts. This ensures every bite stays tender and flavorful, while the skin crisps up beautifully during roasting.

Step 6: Prepare the Roasting Pan

Pour 3 cups of low-sodium chicken broth into your roasting pan. Scatter any leftover onions, lemon wedges, garlic cloves, and herbs around the pan to create steam and infuse the turkey as it cooks.

Step 7: Roast the Turkey

Place the bird breast side up on a rack in the pan and pop it into the oven. Roast for about 15 minutes per pound — for a 16-pound turkey, expect around 4 hours. This slow roasting time ensures a tender, evenly cooked bird bursting with flavor.

Step 8: Monitor and Cover If Needed

Keep an eye on the skin’s color. If it starts to get too dark, cover the turkey loosely with foil to protect it while cooking finishes. Use a meat thermometer to check that the thickest part of the thigh or breast reaches 165°F for safe and perfect doneness.

Step 9: Rest Before Carving

Once done, cover the turkey loosely with foil and let it rest for 15 minutes. This resting step allows the juices to redistribute, making your carved slices unbelievably juicy and tender.

How to Serve Mayonnaise Roasted Herb-Infused Turkey Recipe

Garnishes

For presentation that wows, garnish your turkey platter with fresh sprigs of rosemary, thyme, and sage. Add a few lemon wedges for a pop of color and brightness, and don’t forget to drizzle a little of the pan juices over the carved meat for extra moisture and flavor.

Side Dishes

This turkey pairs beautifully with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, tangy cranberry sauce, and roasted root vegetables. Consider a fresh green bean almondine or a vibrant autumn salad to balance the richness of the turkey with some crisp, fresh textures.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, carve the turkey into thick slices and layer it on a wooden serving board lined with herb sprigs and lemon slices. You can also serve thick slices open-faced on crusty artisan bread with a dollop of cranberry sauce for a delicious sandwich twist that guests will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Mayonnaise Roasted Herb-Infused Turkey Recipe is cooled, store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Properly stored, cooked turkey will stay fresh for up to 4 days, making it perfect for next-day sandwiches or salads.

Freezing

If you want to keep turkey longer, slice it and wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Turkey freezes well for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy this deliciousness even weeks after your feast.

Reheating

To reheat without drying out the turkey, cover slices with foil and warm them gently in a low oven (around 300°F) or in a microwave with a damp paper towel covering. Adding a splash of broth or pan juices helps restore moisture.

FAQs

Why use mayonnaise on turkey?

Mayonnaise contains oil and eggs that help lock in moisture and create a crispy, golden skin as it roasts, making the turkey juicy and flavorful throughout.

Can I prepare the herb-mayo rub in advance?

Absolutely! You can make the mayo and herb mixture a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge, which actually allows the flavors to deepen, giving your turkey even more aromatic depth.

Is it necessary to put ingredients inside the turkey cavity?

Stuffing the cavity with aromatics like onions, garlic, lemons, and herbs infuses the meat from inside out, adding moistness and subtle flavor that complements the herb-infused mayo coating.

How do I know when the turkey is done?

Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh or breast; it should read 165°F to ensure the turkey is safely cooked but still juicy.

Can I use this method on other poultry?

Definitely! The mayonnaise and herb rub works wonderfully on chickens and turkeys of various sizes, giving you moist, flavorful results every time.

Final Thoughts

Trust me when I say this Mayonnaise Roasted Herb-Infused Turkey Recipe is about to become your go-to for holiday celebrations and special dinners. The juicy, herbaceous flavor, combined with that irresistibly crisp skin, creates a dish so comforting and impressive you’ll want to make it again and again. So gather your ingredients, invite your loved ones, and enjoy every delicious bite of your next unforgettable turkey feast!

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