For Tender & Juicy Thanksgiving Turkey, Try This Butter Trick

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For Tender & Juicy Thanksgiving Turkey, Try This Butter Trick By Alexa Valme Nov. 10, 2025 6:39 am EST

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One of the best ways to cook your Thanksgiving turkey doesn't start with a fancy brine or complicated marinade — it starts with butter. The trick is simple: Gently lift the skin and work softened butter beneath it before roasting. It might sound like an extra step, but that thin layer of fat transforms everything. It bastes the meat from the inside out, keeping each bite tender, juicy, and full of flavor.

Because turkey doesn't carry much natural fat, it tends to dry out faster than richer cuts of meat. Butter makes up the difference. As it melts, it seeps into the meat, adding richness while helping the skin brown to a perfect