🦃 Maple Butter Glazed Turkey Recipe – A Sweet & Savory Holiday Showstopper

🍁 Introduction: Why Maple Butter Glaze Is a Holiday Game Changer

When you think of holiday turkey, what comes to mind? For most of us, it’s a centerpiece of warmth, tradition, and hopefully—flavorful, juicy meat with crispy, golden skin. This Maple Butter Glazed Turkey is all that and more.

The sweetness of pure maple syrup, the richness of butter, and the depth of herbs and garlic come together to form a caramelized outer crust and succulent interior. This isn’t just another roasted turkey—it’s a flavor experience designed to wow your guests and elevate your holiday table.

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🛒 Ingredients (Serves 10–12)

For the Turkey:

• 1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs), thawed if frozen
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 onion, quartered
• 1 apple, halved
• 1 lemon, halved
• 4 garlic cloves, smashed
• 3–4 sprigs each: thyme, rosemary, sage

For the Maple Butter Glaze:

• ¾ cup unsalted butter
• ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Turkey

• Remove the giblets and neck.
• Pat dry with paper towels.
• Let sit at room temp for 1 hour.
• Season inside and out with salt and pepper.

2. Stuff the Cavity

• Place onion, apple, lemon, garlic, and herbs inside the cavity to infuse flavor.

3. Make the Glaze

• Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
• Stir in maple syrup, mustard, vinegar, garlic powder, thyme, and cinnamon.
• Simmer for 2–3 minutes and set aside.

4. Roast the Turkey

• Preheat oven to 325°F.
• Place turkey breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan.
• Roast uncovered for about 2 hours (for a 12–14 lb bird).

5. Start Glazing

• After 2 hours, begin brushing the glaze every 20–30 minutes.
• Tent with foil if the skin browns too quickly.

6. Final Roast

• Roast until a meat thermometer reads:
  • 160°F in the breast
  • 170°F in the thigh
• Total time: about 3.5–4 hours

7. Rest Before Carving

• Let the turkey rest tented with foil for 30 minutes before carving.

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🧈 Why Maple & Butter Work So Well

• Maple syrup adds a naturally sweet, slightly smoky flavor that caramelizes beautifully.
• Butter provides fat for crispy skin and helps flavor penetrate deeper into the meat.
• The combination brings out the turkey’s natural richness while keeping it moist.

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🍽️ Perfect Pairings

This turkey pairs wonderfully with:

• Buttery mashed potatoes
• Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic
• Classic stuffing or wild rice pilaf
• Cranberry-orange relish
• Dinner rolls or cornbread
• Apple pie or pecan tart for dessert

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🕰️ Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Make-Ahead:

• Prepare the glaze 2–3 days ahead and store in fridge.
• Dry-brine the turkey with salt 1–2 days before roasting for extra juiciness.

Leftovers:

• Store sliced meat in an airtight container with some pan drippings.
• Use within 3–4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

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🧑‍🍳 Expert Tips

• Use a meat thermometer for accuracy—don’t guess!
• Always let the turkey rest before slicing to retain juices.
• Roast on a rack to keep the skin crispy all over.
• Glaze too thick? Thin with 1–2 tbsp broth or water.

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⚠️ Troubleshooting

Too dry? Overcooked—check thermometer early.
Too salty? Reduce brine time or rinse thoroughly before roasting.
Not browning? Brush glaze more often or broil last 5 minutes (watch closely!).
Glaze burning? Tent loosely with foil.

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❓ FAQs

Q: Can I use a smaller/larger turkey?
A: Yes—adjust roasting time based on 15 minutes per pound.

Q: Is it safe to stuff the turkey?
A: Better to bake stuffing separately to ensure safe internal temperatures.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Absolutely—this recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Q: What’s the best maple syrup to use?
A: Use Grade A dark or amber maple syrup for bold flavor.

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🧮 Nutrition (Approximate, per serving)

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 38g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbs: 7g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 550mg

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🎉 Conclusion: A Turkey Worth Celebrating

When you make this Maple Butter Glazed Turkey, you’re doing more than cooking a bird—you’re creating a culinary memory. The warmth of the maple, the rich buttered crust, the tender meat… it’s everything holiday dreams are made of.

With a little planning and this guide in hand, you’ll roast a turkey that guests rave about long after the meal is done. Serve it proudly, carve it slowly, and savor every sweet and savory bite.

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