Maple Glazed Turkey

🕒 Prep: 30 min
🔥 Cook: 3 hours 40 min
🍽 Serves: 12
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This Maple Glazed Turkey recipe brings a sweet, aromatic twist to your classic roast. With a luscious maple syrup glaze and fragrant herbs, it's perfect for holiday gatherings or whenever you're in the mood for a show-stopping meal.

Ingredients for Maple Glazed Turkey

The star of our dish is, of course, the turkey — a 10-12 lb bird is perfect for this recipe, ensuring enough meat for everyone and some leftovers. Pure maple syrup adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory elements. Unsalted butter helps the glaze adhere and adds richness. Fresh rosemary and thyme bring an aromatic, earthy touch, while salt and black pepper provide essential seasoning. Garlic, minced finely, infuses the turkey with a subtle, savory depth. Finally, fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors and keeps everything balanced.

Tips & Tricks

  • To prevent burning, cover the turkey loosely with foil if it starts browning too quickly.
  • Use a meat thermometer for accuracy — it's the best way to ensure doneness.
  • Letting the turkey rest is key; don’t skip this step.

Serving Suggestions

This maple glazed turkey pairs wonderfully with roasted root vegetables, such as carrots and parsnips, which can be cooked in the same oven for simplicity. A side of creamy mashed potatoes and a fresh green salad with a citrus vinaigrette will balance the richness of the turkey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different sweetener instead of maple syrup?
Honey can be a good substitute, but it will have a different flavor profile. Adjust the quantity to taste.
How can I tell if my turkey is cooked without a thermometer?
Check that the juices run clear when you pierce the thickest part of the thigh. However, a thermometer is the most reliable method.
Can this recipe be prepared ahead of time?
You can prepare the glaze a day in advance, but the turkey is best roasted fresh.

Maple Glazed Turkey Recipe Walkthrough

First off, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This moderate temperature ensures that the turkey cooks evenly without drying out. While the oven is warming up, grab a small bowl to mix your glaze ingredients. Combine the melted butter, maple syrup, rosemary, thyme, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well incorporated — this mixture will coat the turkey beautifully.

Next, pat the turkey dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for crisp skin, as moisture can prevent browning. Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan to allow air to circulate all around it. Now, rub the maple-butter mixture all over the bird, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. Squeeze the lemon halves over the turkey for a burst of freshness, and then place them inside the cavity to infuse the meat from within.

Put the turkey in your preheated oven and let it roast, basting every 30 minutes with the juices from the pan. This keeps the meat moist and ensures that the glaze penetrates deeply. You're aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), which should take about 3 to 3.5 hours, depending on your oven and the size of your turkey.

Once done, let the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes before carving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, making for a juicier, more flavorful bird.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Combines sweet, savory, and herbal flavors seamlessly.
  • Simple ingredients with a gourmet result.
  • Perfect for impressing guests without the stress.
  • The glaze keeps the turkey moist and flavorful.

Ingredients

1 whole turkey (10-12 lbs)
1 cup pure maple syrup
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
1 tbsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon, halved

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, maple syrup, rosemary, thyme, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels and place it on a rack in a roasting pan.
4. Rub the maple-butter mixture all over the turkey, ensuring it is evenly coated. Squeeze the lemon halves over the turkey and place them inside the cavity.
5. Roast the turkey in the preheated oven, basting every 30 minutes with the pan juices, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), about 3 to 3.5 hours.
6. Let the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes before carving.

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