Maple Butter Glazed Roast Turkey Recipe

If you’re looking for a turkey recipe that’s anything but ordinary, you’ve got to try this Maple Butter Glazed Roast Turkey Recipe. The sweet, buttery glaze transforms a classic roast turkey into a show-stopper that’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. I absolutely love how this turns out every single time—and I’m confident you’ll find that this method gives your turkey a beautiful golden glow and a flavor punch that’s perfect for any holiday or family gathering.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Maple Butter Glazed Roast Turkey Recipe come together to create a beautiful balance of savory, sweet, and aromatic flavors. When shopping, aim for quality where it counts, like pure maple syrup and fresh thyme, to really make this recipe sing.

• Whole Turkey: Opt for a 12–14 lb turkey. I always remove the neck and giblets for smooth roasting.
• Kosher Salt: Essential for the dry brine—kosher salt’s crystalline texture helps the meat absorb flavors without over-salting.
• Coarse Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the brine.
• Garlic Powder: Brings warmth and earthiness without overpowering.
• Light Brown Sugar: Balances the salt with a gentle sweetness.
• Olive or Vegetable Oil: Helps the skin crisp up beautifully during roasting.
• Water: Used in the roasting pan to keep the bird moist and prevent drippings from burning.
• Unsalted Butter: The star of the glaze, it melts down to a rich base that carries all the other flavors.
• Pure Maple Syrup: For that unmistakable sweet, woody note that sets this glaze apart.
• Soy Sauce or Tamari: Adds umami depth to counterbalance the sweetness.
• Rice or White Wine Vinegar: Brings a subtle tartness that brightens the glaze.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Layered complexity with tangy, savory undertones.
• Fresh Thyme: Fresh herbs infuse the glaze with a lovely herbal fragrance.

Variations

I love encouraging a bit of personalization, so feel free to tweak the glaze or seasoning based on what you have or prefer. Maple butter glaze pairs beautifully with some smoky or herb-forward tweaks.

• Smoky Maple Butter Glaze: Once, I added a dash of smoked paprika to the glaze, and my family went crazy for the subtle smoky twist it gave.
• Herb-Infused Butter: Mixing rosemary and sage into the butter before glazing adds a cozy, rustic note, perfect for fall dinners.
• Vegan-Friendly Glaze: Swap butter for vegan margarine and use tamari for soy sauce—trust me, it still tastes amazing!
• Spicy Maple Glaze: If you like a little kick, I sometimes add chili flakes to the glaze for a sweet-heat combo that surprises everyone.

How to Make Maple Butter Glazed Roast Turkey Recipe

Step 1: Dry Brine Like a Pro

First things first: pat your turkey super dry with paper towels. I can’t stress this enough—it helps the skin crisp up gorgeously. Then mix kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and brown sugar. Rub this mixture all over the turkey, making sure to get under the skin where you can, especially on the breast. Pop the bird uncovered in your fridge for 12 to 24 hours. This step is a game changer; the turkey absorbs those seasonings deeply while the skin dries out a bit, which means crispy skin and juicy meat.

Step 2: Prep and Roast with Confidence

When you’re ready to roast, take the turkey out and let it come to room temperature for about an hour—this helps it cook evenly. I give the bird a light rub with oil to help the skin brown. Preheat your oven to 325°F and set the turkey on a rack in your roasting pan. Pour about a cup of water into the bottom of the pan to keep things moist and catch drippings. Roast the turkey for 2.5 to 3 hours until the internal temperature hits around 135°F (that’s before the glaze!). If you notice the skin browning too quickly, tent it loosely with foil to avoid burning.

Step 3: Make the Magic Maple Butter Glaze

While the turkey is roasting, make your glaze. In a small saucepan, bring butter, maple syrup, soy sauce or tamari, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh thyme sprigs to a simmer. Let it cook gently for 5 to 7 minutes so the flavors melt together. Then, discard the thyme sprigs—don’t miss this step or your glaze will get too herbaceous! The glaze should be glossy and slightly thickened.

Step 4: Glaze and Finish Roasting

Starting when your turkey hits about 135°F, brush it generously with the maple butter glaze every 20 minutes. This layering creates that gorgeous shiny coat and helps build flavor while cooking through fully to 165°F in the thigh. Expect the total roasting time to be around 3.5 to 4.5 hours depending on your bird’s size. Using a meat thermometer here is key—don’t guess! Resting the turkey after cooking lets all those juices settle, which brings me to the next step.

Step 5: Rest, Carve, and Serve

Let the turkey rest covered loosely with foil for 20 to 30 minutes before carving. This resting period helps the juices redistribute inside, making each slice tender and juicy. I like to serve it with extra glaze on the side or drizzle a little warm pan drippings over the carved meat for that extra wow factor.

How to Serve Maple Butter Glazed Roast Turkey Recipe

Garnishes

I love adding fresh thyme sprigs and some thinly sliced oranges or cranberries around the platter—they add a pop of color and a lovely citrusy aroma that enhances the maple glaze’s sweetness without overpowering.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this turkey are creamy mashed potatoes (the ultimate comfort food), roasted Brussels sprouts tossed in balsamic glaze, and a simple green bean almondine. For a bit of extra indulgence, cranberry sauce made from scratch balances the maple sweetness like a charm.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to carve the turkey into thick slices and fan them out on a large wooden board drizzled with a little extra glaze and garnished with fresh herbs and pomegranate seeds. It’s eye-catching and invites guests to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I tightly wrap leftover turkey in aluminum foil or store it in airtight containers in the fridge. It stays juicy for up to 4 days if stored properly. I swear by using glass containers for an easy grab-and-go during busy days.

Freezing

I have frozen leftover turkey slices wrapped tightly in freezer-safe bags with a bit of extra glaze to prevent drying out. It freezes well for up to 3 months and defrosts nicely in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the turkey slices with foil and warm them gently in a 325°F oven until just heated through, usually about 15-20 minutes. Occasionally basting with a little reserved glaze or pan juices keeps the meat moist.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Maple Butter Glazed Roast Turkey Recipe has become my go-to for special family dinners because it’s consistently delicious, easy to follow, and impresses every time. I used to struggle with dry turkey, but incorporating the dry brine and glaze changed the game for me entirely. Give it a try and you’ll see why it’s quickly becoming a new classic to cherish. Trust me, your family will be begging for seconds!

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