Description
This Best Maple Glazed Turkey recipe features a tender, juicy turkey infused with aromatic herbs, fresh fruit, and a delectable maple glaze, perfect for special occasions. The turkey is roasted to perfection with a buttery and sweet maple spread that enhances its natural flavors, while the aromatics and herbs create a savory, fragrant experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Turkey and Aromatics
- 13 lb turkey (defrosted)
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 10 garlic cloves (left whole)
- 1 large orange (chopped)
- 1 large lemon (chopped)
- 1 large apple (chopped)
- 1 bundle fresh thyme and rosemary
Brine and Stock
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp salt
- 2 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
Maple Butter Glaze
- 1 cup salted butter (extra soft)
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup (additional for glaze)
- 1/4 cup butter (melted)
Gravy
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 to 2 cups chicken broth (as needed)
- salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preparation: Defrost the turkey if frozen, then optionally stuff the cavity with the chopped onion, garlic cloves, orange, lemon, apple, and bundle of fresh thyme and rosemary. Season the turkey with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. For best results, season and stuff the turkey the night before, then place it onto a roasting pan and refrigerate until ready to roast.
- Make Maple Butter Spread: In a bowl, combine the extra soft 1 cup salted butter with 1/2 cup pure maple syrup thoroughly. Prepare a double portion of this maple butter spread for larger turkeys.
- Roasting the Turkey: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Rub the turkey skin generously with the maple butter spread, ensuring even coating. Place the turkey breast side up on a roasting pan. Pour 4 cups of chicken broth into the pan to keep the meat moist while cooking.
- Roast and Glaze: Roast the turkey for approximately 3.5 hours (about 210 minutes) or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. During roasting, baste the turkey every 30-45 minutes with the reserved maple butter mixture or pan juices combined with 1/2 cup pure maple syrup and 1/4 cup melted butter to achieve a beautiful, sweet glaze and crisp skin.
- Rest the Turkey: Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and tent it loosely with aluminum foil. Allow it to rest for 20-30 minutes. This helps redistribute the juices throughout the meat for maximum tenderness.
- Make Gravy: While the turkey rests, pour the pan drippings into a saucepan. Melt 1/2 cup butter over medium heat, then whisk in 1/2 cup all-purpose flour to create a roux. Gradually add 1 to 2 cups chicken broth, whisking constantly until the gravy reaches desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Carve the rested turkey and serve with the flavorful maple glaze and homemade gravy for a delightful meal.
Notes
- For larger turkeys, double the maple butter glaze quantities for adequate coverage.
- Allowing the turkey to rest after roasting ensures juicy, tender meat.
- Basting frequently enhances the flavor and creates a caramelized crispy skin.
- Adjust seasoning in gravy to balance sweetness from the maple glaze.
- This recipe works best with a turkey between 12 and 16 pounds.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 1191 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 3743 mg
- Fat: 43 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 167 g
- Cholesterol: 570 mg
