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Thanksgiving Maple Herb Turkey Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 97 reviews
  • Author: Rafael
  • Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes to 4 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 10-12 people 1x

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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

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Find it online: https://tastewithrafael.com/thanksgiving-maple-herb-turkey-recipe/