Holiday Turkey with Chorizo Verde Butter

Holiday Turkey with Chorizo Verde Butter

A bold, herby twist for Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Looking to elevate your holiday turkey this year? Whether you're celebrating Thanksgiving or Christmas, this festive bird is anything but ordinary. Rubbed with a rich, vibrant butter made from Hess Street Foods Chorizo Verde Paste, this turkey stays tender and juicy while the skin roasts to golden perfection. It’s a flavorful showstopper that brings comfort, tradition, and a herby kick to your holiday table.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: Varies by weight (see below)
🍽 Serves: 10–12


Ingredients

  • 1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs), thawed and cleaned
  • 3 sticks unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 jar Hess Street Foods Chorizo Verde Paste
  • 1 lemon (zest + juice)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 15 shallots
  • 1 bunch of fresh parsley
  • 1 head garlic, halved crosswise
  • 2–3 sprigs each of fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage
  • 1 cup chicken or turkey broth (for basting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. Make the Chorizo Verde Butter:
    In a bowl, mix the softened butter with the Chorizo Verde Paste, fresh parsley, salt, pepper, lemon zest, and juice from half the lemon. Stir until smooth and fully combined. Set aside.
  3. Prepare the turkey:
    Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Gently loosen the skin from the breast, thighs, and legs using your fingers—being careful not to tear it. Spread the Chorizo Verde Butter generously under the skin, then rub the remaining butter all over the outside of the bird. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Stuff the cavity:
    Fill the cavity with the shallots, garlic, the remaining half lemon, and the fresh herbs. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine.
  5. Roast:
    Place the turkey on a rack inside a roasting pan. Tent loosely with foil and roast according to this guide:
    ➤ Roast 13–15 minutes per pound, or until a meat thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
    ➤ Baste every 30–45 minutes with pan juices or warm broth for extra moisture and flavor.
  6. Rest before carving:
    Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest, uncovered, for 20–30 minutes before carving to lock in the juices.
  7. Serve and enjoy:
    Carve and plate with your favorite holiday sides. The herbaceous heat of the Chorizo Verde Butter pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a crisp green salad.

Pro Tip:

Make extra Chorizo Verde Butter! It’s incredible slathered over roasted potatoes, grilled veggies, or fresh bread.


Happy Thanksgiving, Feliz Navidad, and Buen Provecho!

Back to blog