If you’re on the hunt for a centerpiece that’s sure to wow your guests and fill your kitchen with the most inviting aromas, this Maple-Butter-Glazed Turkey Recipe is an absolute must-try. Combining the rich, savory flavors of a perfectly roasted turkey with a luscious maple-butter glaze, this dish strikes a beautiful balance of sweet and savory that elevates your holiday or weekend feast to stunning new heights. From the golden, caramelized skin to the juicy, tender meat, every bite bursts with warmth and comfort, making this turkey an unforgettable culinary delight you will want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this Maple-Butter-Glazed Turkey Recipe, the ingredients are refreshingly straightforward yet thoughtfully curated to build layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays a role in seasoning, glazing, or roasting the bird to perfection, ensuring that every element shines through delightfully.
- 1 (12–14 lb) turkey: The star of our dish that will soak up all the wonderful flavors.
- 1 Tbsp black peppercorns: Ground fresh to add a mild pungency that wakes up the palate.
- ⅔ cup Diamond Crystal kosher salt (or 6 Tbsp + ½ tsp Morton kosher salt): Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavor of the turkey.
- 2 Tbsp garlic powder: Adds a savory depth and aromatic layer to the seasoning mix.
- 2 Tbsp light brown sugar: Brings a subtle sweetness that balances the savory and helps with caramelization.
- 1 Tbsp vegetable oil or extra-virgin olive oil: Used to create a crispy, golden crust on the turkey skin.
- 2 sprigs thyme: Fresh herbs infuse a lovely earthiness during the glaze preparation.
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create a silky, luxurious glaze.
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup: The star ingredient that gives this recipe its signature sweet and buttery glaze.
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce or tamari: Adds umami and balances the sweetness of the maple syrup.
- 2 Tbsp unseasoned rice vinegar or white wine vinegar: Provides a subtle acidity to cut through the richness.
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Deepens the glaze’s complexity with savory, tangy notes.
How to Make Maple-Butter-Glazed Turkey Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Turkey
Start by placing the turkey breast side up on a large cutting board and pat it dry. This drying step is key to getting that gorgeous, crispy skin once you roast it. Then, carefully pull one wing outward and use a sharp boning or chef’s knife to cut through the joint to remove the wing. Repeat on the opposite side to ease handling.
Step 2: Remove the Legs and Backbone
Next, cut between the legs and body, popping the leg joints from their sockets and removing the legs and thighs. Use kitchen shears to cut along both sides of the backbone, removing it entirely – save it for making stock later if you like. Flatten the breast by pressing firmly; this helps it cook evenly and makes for beautiful plating.
Step 3: Make the Seasoning Mix
Coarsely grind the black peppercorns using a spice mill or mortar and pestle. In a small bowl, mix the ground pepper with kosher salt, garlic powder, and light brown sugar. This seasoning blend is the foundational flavor that will penetrate the turkey skin and meat.
Step 4: Season the Turkey
Rub the seasoning mixture all over the turkey parts, including underneath the skin where possible. This ensures every bite is flavorful. Then, place the turkey on a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet and chill uncovered in the fridge for at least one hour, preferably overnight. This resting time lets the flavors develop deeply while drying the skin for roasting.
Step 5: Prepare the Maple-Butter Glaze
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm the oil and add the thyme sprigs, cooking until fragrant, about one minute. Add butter, maple syrup, soy sauce, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce, stirring until the butter melts and the glaze is smooth. Set this luscious mixture aside—it’s what will make your turkey shine.
Step 6: Roast and Glaze Your Turkey
Brush some of the glaze over the turkey parts and roast for 30 minutes at 425°F. Then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue roasting, basting generously with glaze every 15 minutes. Roast until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast reads 150°F and the thighs reach 165°F. This usually takes about 1½ to 2 hours depending on the bird’s size.
Step 7: Rest and Carve
Once out of the oven, let your turkey rest for at least 20 minutes. Resting is an absolute game-changer, allowing the juices to redistribute so every slice is juicy and tender. After resting, carve and prepare to impress everyone at your table!
How to Serve Maple-Butter-Glazed Turkey Recipe
Garnishes
Garnish your turkey platter with fresh thyme sprigs and a few orange or lemon slices for a pop of color and freshness that complements the maple-butter glaze beautifully. A scattering of dried cranberries or toasted pecans can add subtle texture and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This turkey pairs brilliantly with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or a bright green salad with vinaigrette. Consider adding a wild rice pilaf or simple sautéed greens to balance the richness of the glaze. You want sides that enhance but never overpower the star—the maple-butter-glazed turkey.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, carve the turkey into thick slices and layer them on a beautiful wooden or ceramic platter. Drizzle a little extra reserved glaze over the slices just before serving. Alternatively, serve slices family-style on individual plates, each adorned with a small brush of glaze and garnished with fresh herbs to make everyone feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your feast, wrap leftover turkey tightly in aluminum foil or store in airtight containers to keep it moist and flavorful. Refrigerate for up to four days, making it perfect for sandwiches or salads later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep leftovers for longer, freezing is your friend. Slice the turkey, place pieces in freezer bags with as much air removed as possible, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to preserve the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat turkey gently in a low oven (about 300°F) covered with foil to prevent drying out. Basting with a bit of leftover maple-butter glaze or some broth will revive moistness. Alternatively, microwave slices covered with a damp paper towel for quick reheating, though the oven method preserves textures best.
FAQs
Can I use a whole turkey or just parts for this recipe?
You can definitely use the whole turkey, but breaking it down into parts as described allows for more even cooking and faster roasting times. Plus, the glaze can saturate every surface for incredible flavor throughout.
What if I don’t have pure maple syrup? Can I substitute it?
Pure maple syrup is ideal for its rich, natural sweetness and depth, but if unavailable, a quality maple-flavored syrup or even honey can work as a substitute. Just keep in mind the flavor might be a bit different but still delicious.
Is it necessary to remove the backbone and legs?
Removing the backbone and legs helps flatten the turkey for more even cooking and makes carving easier. This method, sometimes called spatchcocking, results in juicier meat and crispier skin, but you can roast the turkey whole if you prefer.
How long can the turkey marinate with seasoning in the fridge?
While an hour is sufficient, letting the turkey rest overnight uncovered in the refrigerator enhances flavor penetration and dries the skin for optimal crispiness.
Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the maple-butter glaze a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. Warm it gently before using to restore its smooth, pourable consistency for basting during roasting.
Final Thoughts
This Maple-Butter-Glazed Turkey Recipe is truly a showstopper that combines comfort, elegance, and ease into one unforgettable meal. Whether it’s a holiday celebration or a special weekend dinner, the luscious glaze and perfectly roasted bird will make everyone ask for seconds. Don’t wait for a special occasion—gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try soon. Your taste buds and guests will thank you!
Print
Maple-Butter-Glazed Turkey Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Maple-Butter-Glazed Turkey recipe offers a moist, tender, and flavorful holiday centerpiece. The turkey is broken down, seasoned with a savory-sweet dry rub, and glazed with a luscious maple-butter sauce enriched with soy, vinegar, and Worcestershire. Roasted to perfection in the oven and basted frequently, this turkey delivers golden, caramelized skin and juicy meat, perfect for festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Turkey and Seasoning
- 1 (12–14 lb) turkey, neck and giblets removed
- 1 Tbsp black peppercorns
- ⅔ cup Diamond Crystal kosher salt (or 6 Tbsp + ½ tsp Morton kosher salt)
- 2 Tbsp garlic powder
- 2 Tbsp light brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp vegetable oil or extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 sprigs thyme
Maple-Butter Glaze
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 2 Tbsp unseasoned rice vinegar or white wine vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Turkey: Place the turkey breast side up on a large cutting board. Pat it completely dry with paper towels to remove any moisture.
- Remove the Wings: Pull one wing outward to expose the joint, then cut through the joint using a sharp boning or chef’s knife to remove the wing. Repeat on the other side.
- Remove the Legs and Thighs: Cut through the skin between each leg and the body, then pop each leg joint out of its socket. Cut to remove both legs and thighs from the turkey.
- Remove the Backbone: Using kitchen shears, cut along both sides of the backbone and remove it. Save the backbone if you want to make stock later.
- Flatten the Breast: Press down firmly on the turkey breast to flatten it for even cooking.
- Prepare the Seasoning: Grind black peppercorns into a coarse powder using a spice mill or mortar and pestle. Mix this with kosher salt, garlic powder, and light brown sugar in a small bowl.
- Season the Turkey: Rub the seasoning mixture all over the turkey parts, making sure to get some under the skin for deeper flavor.
- Chill the Turkey: Place the turkey pieces on a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet and refrigerate uncovered for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight. This helps develop flavor and tenderizes the meat.
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 425°F (220°C) to begin roasting.
- Make the Glaze: Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add thyme sprigs and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add butter, maple syrup, soy sauce, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until the butter melts and the mixture is smooth, then set aside.
- Start Roasting: Brush the turkey parts generously with some glaze. Roast the turkey in the oven for 30 minutes at 425°F.
- Lower Oven Temperature and Continue Roasting: Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Continue roasting the turkey, basting every 15 minutes with the remaining glaze, until the thickest part of the breast registers 150°F and thighs reach 165°F. This will take about 1½ to 2 hours depending on turkey size.
- Rest the Turkey: Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest uncovered for at least 20 minutes before carving. This allows juices to redistribute for juicy, tender meat.
Notes
- Breaking down the turkey allows for more even cooking and easier serving.
- Chilling the turkey uncovered before roasting helps dry the skin for crispier results.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is perfectly cooked and safe to eat.
- Reserve the backbone to make flavorful turkey stock for soups or gravy.
- Frequent basting with the maple-butter glaze builds a beautiful caramelized crust and infuses flavor.
