Description
This Cajun Butter Turkey is a bold twist on a holiday classic. Juicy, buttery, and packed with Cajun flavor, it’s roasted to golden perfection and guaranteed to steal the show at any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 whole turkey (10–12 lbs)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 4–5 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 lemon, halved
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and position the rack in the lower third.
- In a bowl, mix softened butter with Cajun seasoning, garlic, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Place the turkey on a rack in a large roasting pan and pat it dry.
- Loosen the skin over the breast and legs and rub the Cajun butter under the skin and all over the outside of the turkey.
- Stuff the cavity with lemon halves and thyme sprigs.
- Roast the turkey for 3 to 3.5 hours, basting every 30–40 minutes with pan juices.
- If the skin browns too quickly, tent the turkey loosely with foil.
- Once internal temperature reaches 165°F in the breast, remove from oven and let rest for 20–30 minutes before carving.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness.
- Let the turkey rest before carving to keep juices in.
- Adjust Cajun spice level to match your taste.
- Can be prepped a day ahead and refrigerated until ready to roast.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: Cajun butter turkey, roasted turkey, holiday turkey, spicy turkey, Southern turkey recipe