Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Southern-Style Holiday Turkey (Juicy, Flavorful & Perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas)

Sarah Smith
Nov 5, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Dec 24, 2025

Roasted chicken garnished with rosemary and lemon on a white plate. Wooden table setting with lit candle and herbs in soft light. Cozy mood.

There’s nothing quite like the smell of a turkey roasting in the oven — golden skin, buttery herbs, and that unmistakable aroma that means the holidays are here. This Southern-Style Herb Butter Turkey is juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and seasoned with garlic, thyme, rosemary, and sage. It’s simple enough for a first-timer yet flavorful enough to impress your whole family.

Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Sunday dinner, this cozy classic will fill your kitchen with warmth and memories that last long after the leftovers are gone. Finish your feast with a slice of Sweet Potato Pie or Hummingbird Cake — true Southern favorites.

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 3 hours (for 12–14 lb turkey) Servings: 10–12

Ingredients

1 whole turkey (12–14 pounds), thawed
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
1 onion, quartered
1 lemon, halved
2 cups chicken broth or stock

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 325°F. Adjust the rack so your turkey will sit in the center of the oven.
Make the Herb Butter: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, and sage. Mix until smooth.
Prepare the Turkey: Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Gently lift the skin over the breast and spread the herb butter under and over the skin. Tuck wings under and tie legs together with kitchen twine.
Stuff & Roast: Place the onion and lemon halves inside the turkey cavity. Set the turkey breast-side up in a roasting pan and pour broth around the bottom.
Roast the Turkey: Roast for about 3 hours, basting every 30–45 minutes with pan juices. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh.
Rest Before Carving: Remove from the oven, tent with foil, and let rest 20–30 minutes before carving.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this turkey with my Sweet Potato Casserole for the perfect mix of savory and sweet.
Add Southern Biscuits to soak up the flavorful gravy.
For a crowd, serve alongside Brown Sugar Glazed Ham for a holiday feast everyone will remember.

Tips for a Perfect Turkey

Room Temp Butter: Let your butter soften so it spreads easily.
Don’t Over-Baste: Every 30–45 minutes is plenty — opening the oven too often drops the temperature.
Crispy Skin Trick: For extra-crispy skin, broil for the last 3–5 minutes (watch closely!).
Leftovers: Shred leftover turkey for sandwiches or soups the next day.

FAQ

Q: How do I keep the turkey juicy? Baste the turkey every 30–45 minutes and roast it at a steady temperature. Let it rest for at least 20–30 minutes before carving so the juices redistribute.

Q: Do I have to brine the turkey? Brining is optional, but a saltwater or buttermilk brine adds incredible flavor and tenderness to Southern-style turkey.

Q: Can I use a turkey breast instead of a whole turkey? Yes — roasted turkey breast cooks faster and still delivers the same Southern flavors.

Q: How do I know when the turkey is done? The internal temperature should reach 165°F at the thickest part of the breast and thigh.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead? You can season the turkey up to 24 hours ahead. Roast the day of for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

Southern-Style Holiday Turkey is the kind of centerpiece that brings everyone to the table. Juicy, tender, and deeply seasoned, this turkey delivers classic holiday flavor with a comforting Southern touch. It’s reliable enough for first-time hosts yet impressive enough for special gatherings, making it perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive meal. If you’re looking for a turkey recipe that turns out beautifully golden and flavorful every time, this one is sure to become a holiday tradition your family asks for year after year.