Thanksgiving Maple Herb Turkey Recipe

Introduction

This Thanksgiving Maple Herb Turkey offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, making your holiday meal truly special. The combination of maple syrup and aromatic herbs creates a juicy, flavorful bird that your family will love.

Ingredients

• 1 medium-sized whole turkey (about 13-16 pounds)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, divided
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 tablespoons sage
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons thyme
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to the temperature recommended on the turkey packaging.
2. Step 2: Rinse the completely thawed turkey inside and out and pat dry thoroughly. Place it on a rack in a large roasting pan, ensuring it is elevated from the bottom.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, combine salt, sage, garlic powder, black pepper, thyme, and cinnamon. Add 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup and stir well to form a spice rub.
4. Step 4: Rub the spice mixture all over the turkey, including inside the body cavity, until evenly coated.
5. Step 5: Place the turkey in the oven and set a timer according to the suggested cooking time on the packaging.
6. Step 6: At the 1-hour mark, melt the butter and brush it all over the turkey’s surface, then return it to the oven.
7. Step 7: After 2 hours, brush the turkey evenly with 1/2 cup pure maple syrup.
8. Step 8: At 3 hours, brush the turkey again with melted butter.
9. Step 9: Continue roasting until done. Near the end, check the internal temperature of the breast with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F, avoiding contact with bones.
10. Step 10: Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest before carving. Reserve the drippings and juices for making gravy or bone broth.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh herbs if available for a brighter, more vibrant flavor.
• For extra crisp skin, pat the turkey dry again before each butter or maple syrup application.
• Add a splash of apple cider or white wine to the roasting pan for added moisture and flavor.
• Try substituting cinnamon with nutmeg or allspice for a slightly different spice profile.

Storage

Store leftover turkey in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep the meat moist. You can also freeze cooked turkey for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use this recipe for a smaller or larger turkey?

Yes, you can adjust the quantities of butter, maple syrup, and seasonings proportionally based on the weight of your turkey. Always follow cooking times recommended on your turkey’s packaging.

What if I don’t have a roasting rack?

If you don’t have a rack, you can place the turkey on a bed of chopped vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery inside the roasting pan. This elevates the turkey and adds flavor to the drippings.

Thanksgiving Maple Herb Turkey Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 97 reviews

• Author: Rafael
• Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes to 4 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves 10–12 people 1x

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Description

This Thanksgiving Maple Herb Turkey recipe features a perfectly roasted whole turkey glazed with a flavorful combination of pure maple syrup, butter, and a fragrant herb and spice rub. The turkey is rubbed with a blend of sage, thyme, garlic powder, cinnamon, black pepper, and salt, then slowly roasted in the oven with periodic brushing of maple syrup and melted butter to create a moist, tender, and richly glazed holiday centerpiece.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 medium-sized whole turkey (about 13–16 pounds)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup plus 2 Tbsp. pure maple syrup, divided

Herb and Spice Rub

• 1 Tbsp. salt
• 2 Tbsp. sage
• 1 Tbsp. garlic powder
• 1 Tbsp. ground black pepper
• 2 Tbsp. thyme
• 1 tsp. cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to the temperature recommended on your turkey packaging to ensure even cooking and proper roasting conditions.
2. Prepare Turkey: Rinse the completely thawed turkey inside and out with cold water, then pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Place the turkey on a rack inside a large roasting pan so it is elevated and juices can drip into the pan.
3. Make the Spice Rub: In a small bowl, combine the salt, sage, garlic powder, black pepper, thyme, and cinnamon. Stir in 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup until well incorporated to create a sticky herb-spice rub.
4. Apply Rub: Using your hands, thoroughly rub the spice mixture all over the entire turkey, including inside the body cavity, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
5. Roast Turkey: Place the seasoned turkey in the preheated oven and set a timer according to the cooking time suggested on the packaging based on turkey weight.
6. First Butter Brush (1 Hour): After one hour of roasting, melt the butter and brush it thoroughly over the entire turkey to help baste and keep the skin moist.
7. Maple Syrup Glaze (2 Hour Mark): At two hours, brush the turkey all over with the remaining 1/2 cup of pure maple syrup to add a sweet, glossy glaze.
8. Second Butter Brush (3 Hour Mark): After three hours, brush melted butter over the turkey again to build layers of flavor and enhance browning.
9. Finish Cooking: Continue roasting the turkey until cooked through. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast (avoiding bones) to check doneness; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
10. Rest and Serve: Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows juices to redistribute for a moist slice.
11. Save Drippings: Reserve the pan drippings and juices to make a rich bone broth gravy to accompany the turkey.

Notes

• Ensure the turkey is completely thawed before beginning preparation.
• Use a roasting rack to promote even cooking and prevent the turkey from sitting in its own juices.
• Adjust the oven temperature and cooking time as per your turkey’s packaging instructions.
• Use a reliable meat thermometer to confirm the turkey is fully cooked but not overdone.
• Allow the turkey to rest before carving to keep it juicy.
• The reserved drippings can be used to make delicious gravy or bone broth.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 to 4 hours (depending on turkey weight and oven temperature)
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Thanksgiving turkey, maple glazed turkey, herb turkey, roasted turkey recipe, holiday turkey, maple herb glaze, oven roasted turkey