If you’ve ever dreamed of a turkey that’s juicy, tender, and wrapped in an irresistible sweet-savory glaze, then this Maple-Butter-Glazed Roast Turkey Recipe is your new go-to. The magic lies in the harmony of pure maple syrup and rich butter, combined with a perfectly seasoned bird roasted to golden perfection. Whether for a festive celebration or a comforting family dinner, this dish delivers show-stopping flavor with an inviting aroma that fills the whole kitchen. Trust me, once you try this Maple-Butter-Glazed Roast Turkey Recipe, it will become the centerpiece you look forward to every holiday season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of simple yet powerful ingredients that each play a vital role in bringing out the best in your turkey. From the seasoning blend that enhances flavor and texture to the glaze that adds depth, every component is chosen to create a memorable roast.
- Turkey (12–14 lb): The star of the show, fresh or fully thawed for best results.
- Black peppercorns: Ground coarsely for a peppery kick that balances sweetness.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and tenderizing the meat.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle, savory warmth.
- Light brown sugar: Brings a gentle sweetness and helps create a savory crust.
- Vegetable or extra-virgin olive oil: For roasting and helping spices adhere.
- Fresh thyme sprigs: Infuses earthy herbal notes into the glaze.
- Unsalted butter (1 stick): Adds richness and a velvety mouthfeel to the glaze.
- Pure maple syrup (¼ cup): The star ingredient for that glossy, sweet finish.
- Soy sauce or tamari: Provides a savory umami depth to the glaze.
- Unseasoned rice vinegar or white wine vinegar: Introduces a subtle tang to balance sweetness.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds complexity and a slight tangy undertone.
How to Make Maple-Butter-Glazed Roast Turkey Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Break Down the Turkey
Start by placing your turkey breast-side up on a sturdy cutting board and pat it dry. Carefully remove the wings by pulling one wing outward to expose the joint and slicing through it with a sharp knife. Repeat on the other side. Then, separate the legs and thighs by cutting along the skin between them and the body and popping the joints out of their sockets before cutting through. Finally, remove the backbone using kitchen shears; save it for homemade stock if you like. Flatten the breast by pressing down firmly to ensure even roasting.
Step 2: Season the Turkey
Grind the peppercorns into a coarse powder using a spice mill or mortar and pestle for maximum flavor release. Mix together the ground pepper, kosher salt, garlic powder, and light brown sugar in a bowl to create a robust seasoning blend. Rub this mixture all over the turkey pieces, making sure to get some under the skin where the flavors will penetrate beautifully. This careful seasoning step is a game changer for taste and texture.
Step 3: Chill the Turkey for Better Flavor
Place the seasoned turkey pieces on a wire rack inside a rimmed baking sheet. Chill them uncovered in the refrigerator for at least an hour, but overnight is ideal. This resting time helps the seasoning soak deep into the meat, improving tenderness and flavor complexity before roasting.
Step 4: Prepare the Maple-Butter Glaze
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm the vegetable or olive oil and add the thyme sprigs, cooking until fragrant—about one minute. Stir in the unsalted butter, pure maple syrup, soy sauce or tamari, rice or white wine vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Keep stirring until the butter fully melts and the glaze is smooth. This luscious glaze is key to achieving that signature shiny, flavorful finish on your turkey.
Step 5: Roast and Glaze the Turkey
Brush the turkey parts generously with some of the maple-butter glaze, then place them in the oven. Roast for 30 minutes at 425°F to start forming that golden crust. Lower the heat to 350°F (175°C) and continue roasting, basting every 15 minutes with the remaining glaze. Continue until the thickest part of the breast reaches 150°F and the thighs 165°F—usually about 1½ to 2 hours depending on bird size. This slow roasting and constant glazing bring out deep caramelization and moist meat.
Step 6: Rest and Carve
Once perfectly roasted, remove your turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. Resting is a crucial step that allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is tender and juicy without being dry.
How to Serve Maple-Butter-Glazed Roast Turkey Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves or chopped parsley makes an elegant garnish that adds a pop of color and fresh herbal aroma to your Maple-Butter-Glazed Roast Turkey Recipe. You can also scatter some roasted cranberries or orange slices around the platter to introduce vibrant contrast and festive flair.
Side Dishes
Traditional creamy mashed potatoes or herbed roasted vegetables complement the richness of the turkey. For a seasonal twist, try a cranberry-orange relish or a warm butternut squash soup. These sides balance the sweetness of the glaze with savory or bright flavors that round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your maple-butter-glazed turkey carved elegantly on a rustic wooden board or a large white platter for a stunning centerpiece. Add sprigs of fresh herbs and scatter nuts like toasted pecans or walnuts around the edges for added texture and visual interest. For a playful touch, invite guests to customize their servings with a drizzle of additional glaze or a side of spiced apple chutney.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your feast, wrap any leftover turkey tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator, where it will keep safely for 3 to 4 days. Proper storage helps preserve the succulent flavors of your Maple-Butter-Glazed Roast Turkey Recipe for quick, delicious meals throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep turkey leftovers longer, slice the meat and freeze in airtight freezer bags or containers. For best texture and flavor, consume within 2 to 3 months. Label your packaging with the date so you always know when to enjoy your frozen treasure.
Reheating
Reheat turkey gently to avoid drying it out. The oven set to 300°F (150°C) wrapped in foil works great, or microwave slices covered with a damp paper towel for short bursts. Consider brushing with a little reserved maple-butter glaze or broth while reheating to restore moisture and flavor that’ll remind you of the original roast.
FAQs
Can I use frozen turkey for the Maple-Butter-Glazed Roast Turkey Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw your turkey in the refrigerator for several days before starting. This ensures even cooking and proper seasoning absorption for the best results.
What if I don’t have maple syrup? Can I substitute it?
While pure maple syrup is key to the characteristic flavor of this recipe, you can substitute with honey or a mix of honey and a little brown sugar. It won’t be exactly the same but will still taste wonderful.
Do I have to break down the turkey as directed?
Breaking down the turkey into parts helps it cook more evenly and allows the glaze to coat every surface beautifully. If you prefer, you can roast it whole, but expect longer cooking times and less glaze penetration.
Can I prepare the glaze in advance?
Absolutely! The glaze can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Warm it gently before brushing onto the turkey during roasting for convenient meal prep.
How do I know when the turkey is perfectly cooked?
A meat thermometer is your best friend here. The thickest part of the breast should reach 150°F, and the thighs should hit 165°F. This ensures the turkey is safe to eat and stays juicy.
Final Thoughts
This Maple-Butter-Glazed Roast Turkey Recipe is truly a celebration of cozy, comforting flavors wrapped in a stunning presentation. It’s the kind of dish that makes any meal feel special and invites everyone to gather around the table with grateful smiles. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and experience the joy of that first tender, maple-kissed bite. Give it a try—you’re going to love it!
Print
Maple-Butter-Glazed Roast Turkey Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Maple-Butter-Glazed Turkey recipe features a perfectly roasted turkey with a flavorful glaze made from pure maple syrup, butter, and savory seasonings. The turkey is broken down into parts for even cooking and seasoned with a blend of kosher salt, garlic powder, brown sugar, and cracked black pepper. Roasted in the oven and basted repeatedly with a rich maple butter glaze, it delivers breathtaking balance of sweet and savory, making it an ideal centerpiece 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 and pat dry. Pull one wing outward to expose the joint and use a sharp boning or chef’s knife to cut through the joint and remove the wing. Repeat on the other side. Cut through the skin between the legs and the body, then pop the leg joints out and remove both legs and thighs. Remove the backbone by cutting along both sides with kitchen shears and reserve it for stock if desired. Flatten the breast by pressing down firmly.
- Season the Turkey: Grind the black peppercorns into a coarse powder. Mix the ground pepper, kosher salt, garlic powder, and light brown sugar in a bowl. Rub this seasoning mixture all over the turkey parts, including underneath the skin for maximum flavor.
- Chill the Turkey: Place the seasoned turkey parts on a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet. Chill uncovered in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, but preferably overnight. This helps to enhance flavor and tenderness.
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 425°F (220°C) to start roasting the turkey at a high temperature.
- 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 is fully melted and the glaze is smooth. Set aside.
- Roast the Turkey: Brush the turkey parts with some of the maple-butter glaze. Roast the turkey at 425°F for 30 minutes.
- Adjust Oven Temperature and Continue Roasting: Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Continue roasting the turkey, basting with glaze every 15 minutes, until an internal thermometer reads 150°F in the thickest part of the breast and 165°F in the thigh. This will take approximately 1½ to 2 hours depending on the size of the bird.
- Rest and Carve: Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and moist.
Notes
- Removing the backbone and breaking down the turkey helps it cook faster and more evenly.
- Chilling the turkey uncovered allows the skin to dry out, which can improve crispiness when roasting.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is safely cooked and avoid dryness.
- The glaze can be adjusted in sweetness or saltiness by tweaking the amount of maple syrup or soy sauce.
- Save the backbone and turkey giblets to make a rich homemade stock or gravy.
- If you don’t have kosher salt, adjust the measurement accordingly when using table salt.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
