Dry-Cured Roasted Turkey with Herb Butter Recipe – Sunset Magazine

Ingredients

• 1 turkey (16 to 18 lbs.), thawed if frozen
• 1/4 cup plus 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened, plus 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves, plus 4 large sprigs
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage leaves, plus 4 large sprigs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper, divided
• 1 large carrot, cut into 1-in. chunks
• 1 stalk celery, cut into 1-in. chunks
• 1 large onion, cut into eighths
• Sprays of herbs, such as bay, sage, or rosemary, and crabapples (optional)