If you’re looking to bring a burst of flavor and festive charm to your holiday table, the Christmas Turkey Crown with Orange and Herb Butter Recipe is absolutely the way to go. This dish combines succulent turkey with a bright, zesty orange and fragrant herb butter that seeps into every bite. The result? Tender, juicy meat with a golden crust that feels both classic and delightfully fresh. It’s a showstopper centerpiece that’s surprisingly straightforward to prepare, making your Christmas dinner as joyful in the kitchen as it is around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this Christmas Turkey Crown with Orange and Herb Butter Recipe means gathering a handful of simple yet vital ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of deliciousness—herbs bring earthiness, oranges add brightness, and butter ensures moistness and that irresistible golden finish.
- 7.5 lbs. turkey crown: The star of the show; lean and tender, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
- 2 tsp dried basil: Offers a subtle, sweet herbal note that complements the turkey beautifully.
- 7-8 thyme sprigs: Fresh thyme lends aromatic depth and earthy freshness to the butter.
- Spices (as desired): Feel free to add your favorite spices to customize the flavor profile.
- 3 tsp salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the natural flavors in the dish.
- 2 oranges: Provide refreshing citrus zing and moisture under the skin and around the roast.
- 1/3 cup soft butter: The key to a rich, luxurious herb butter that melts into the turkey for ultimate juiciness.
How to Make Christmas Turkey Crown with Orange and Herb Butter Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Herb Butter
Start by preheating your oven to 390°F. While it’s warming up, put the soft butter into a bowl and add the salt, dried basil, and carefully picked thyme leaves. This mix will form the flavorful base for your butter.
Step 2: Mix Until Creamy
Using a spoon or spatula, mix the butter and herbs thoroughly until you create a smooth and spreadable paste. This herb butter is what will infuse the turkey with incredible flavor under the skin and on top.
Step 3: Prep the Turkey Crown
Wash your turkey crown and pat it dry with paper towels. Gently separate the skin from the breast meat without tearing it—this is where all those glorious flavors will be nestled!
Step 4: Spread Butter Under the Skin
Take about one-third of your herb butter mixture and spread it evenly over the turkey breast beneath the skin. This step ensures the meat stays moist and is infused with herb and citrus notes.
Step 5: Layer Orange Slices
Slice one of the oranges into thin ½ inch pieces and carefully place four of these orange slices under the skin over the buttered turkey. The citrus will add a subtle sweetness and help keep the meat tender as it cooks.
Step 6: Coat the Turkey
Brush the remaining herb butter all over the outside of the turkey crown, making sure to cover every inch. Sprinkle some extra salt on top to enhance the flavors further.
Step 7: Roast to Perfection
Place the turkey crown in a high-sided roasting dish, then pour ½ cup of water into the base of the dish. Squeeze the juice from the second orange over the turkey and tuck the remaining orange slices under the crown for extra moisture and aroma. Cover the dish tightly with foil and roast for 1 hour and 40 minutes at 390°F. Remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes at 400°F to achieve a crispy, golden skin. To check if it’s done, pierce the fillet; if the juices run clear, your turkey is ready.
Step 8: Serve Warm or Cold
Once cooked, you can serve the Christmas Turkey Crown whole, making a striking centerpiece, or carve it into slices for easy plating. It’s delightful both warm and cold, perfect for enjoying leftovers the next day.
How to Serve Christmas Turkey Crown with Orange and Herb Butter Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh herbs like thyme or a few orange zest curls on the serving platter instantly elevates the visual appeal and complements the flavors already infused in the turkey. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper on top before serving adds a subtle kick.
Side Dishes
This turkey pairs beautifully with classic festive sides. Think creamy mashed potatoes, honey-glazed carrots, and a vibrant green bean almondine. The citrus and herb notes in the turkey crown work well with both traditional and slightly modern vegetable sides, bringing balance to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, slice the turkey crown and fan it out on a decorated platter with orange segments and fresh rosemary sprigs. Alternatively, serve individual slices topped with a dollop of cranberry sauce or a drizzle of pan juices for an elegant touch that guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover turkey crown should be cooled completely, then wrapped tightly in foil or stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days, making wonderful sandwich fillings or additions to salads.
Freezing
If you want to save turkey for a longer period, slice the meat and freeze it in sealed freezer bags. It’s best consumed within 2-3 months for optimal freshness and flavor retention.
Reheating
To gently reheat leftover turkey, cover it with foil and place it in a moderate oven (around 325°F) until warmed through. Adding a splash of broth or water helps keep the meat moist. Alternatively, microwave slices on a medium setting with a damp paper towel cover to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Absolutely! Fresh herbs like thyme and basil bring a wonderful fragrance and often a brighter flavor compared to dried. Just use about three times the quantity of fresh herbs to dried to achieve the same effect in your herb butter.
Is the orange flavor strong in this recipe?
The orange adds a lovely, subtle citrus note that brightens the rich turkey without overpowering it. It balances beautifully with the herbs and butter, creating a harmonious flavor profile perfect for the holidays.
Can I prepare this turkey crown ahead of time?
You can prepare the herb butter and assemble the turkey with the orange slices under the skin the night before. Keep it covered and refrigerated overnight, then roast fresh the next day for best results.
What temperature should I cook the turkey crown to?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F when measured in the thickest part of the breast. Cooking times can vary, so using a meat thermometer ensures perfectly cooked, juicy meat every time.
Can I make the Christmas Turkey Crown with Orange and Herb Butter Recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! This recipe naturally contains no gluten, so it’s safe to serve to gluten-sensitive guests without any substitutions needed.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so special about the Christmas Turkey Crown with Orange and Herb Butter Recipe that makes holiday gatherings feel truly memorable. Simple ingredients come together for a dish that’s bursting with flavor, moistness, and festive spirit. I can’t recommend trying this recipe enough—it’s the kind of meal that invites smiles and second helpings all around your table.
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Christmas Turkey Crown with Orange and Herb Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Western, Christmas
Description
This festive Christmas Turkey Crown recipe features a succulent turkey breast infused with fragrant herbs, citrusy orange slices, and a buttery herb spread. Roasted to golden perfection, this turkey crown is moist, flavorful, and perfect for holiday gatherings, serving 4 to 4.4 people.
Ingredients
Turkey Crown
- 7.5 lbs turkey crown
Herb Butter Mixture
- 1/3 cup soft butter
- 3 tsp salt
- 2 tsp dried basil
- 7–8 thyme sprigs (leaves only)
Citrus
- 2 oranges
Additional
- Water (1/2 cup for roasting)
- Spices as desired
Instructions
- Prepare the herb butter: Preheat your oven to 390°F (199°C). In a bowl, combine the soft butter with salt, dried basil, and thyme leaves. Mix these ingredients well until they form a smooth and spreadable herb butter paste.
- Prepare the turkey crown: Rinse the turkey crown thoroughly and pat it dry with paper towels. Carefully loosen the skin from the turkey breast by gently sliding your fingers underneath without tearing it.
- Apply herb butter under skin: Spread about one-third of the herb butter evenly underneath the turkey skin directly onto the breast meat. This will infuse moisture and flavor during cooking.
- Add orange slices under skin: Thinly slice one of the oranges into approximately 1/2 inch thick slices. Place four orange slices underneath the skin over the herb butter to add citrus aroma and moisture.
- Coat turkey crown exterior: Using the remaining herb butter, brush the entire outside surface of the turkey crown. Sprinkle additional salt as needed and apply any desired spices to the surface for enhanced flavor.
- Roast the turkey crown: Place the prepared turkey crown into a high-sided roasting dish. Pour 1/2 cup water into the bottom of the dish to maintain moisture. Drizzle the juice of the second orange over the turkey and place the remaining orange slices underneath the crown in the dish. Cover the roasting dish tightly with foil and place it in the preheated oven.
- Baking times and finishing: Roast covered for at least 1 hour and 40 minutes at 390°F (199°C). After this time, remove the foil and continue roasting uncovered for another 20 minutes at 400°F (204°C) to develop a golden, crispy crust. Check turkey doneness by piercing the breast; if the juices run clear, the turkey is fully cooked.
- Serving suggestion: Remove the turkey crown from the oven and allow it to rest. Serve whole or sliced, either hot or cold, according to your preference.
Notes
- Rest the turkey crown for 10-15 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Adjust herbs and spices as desired to suit your taste preferences.
- Saving pan juices can make a flavorful gravy or sauce.
- For easier skin separation, refrigerate the turkey for a few hours before cooking.
