The Best Maple Glazed Turkey (video)
The most delicious maple turkey recipe! My Maple Glazed Turkey is going to be the star of your holiday dinner this year! This easy recipe yields a super juicy and super flavor turkey! It’s stuffed full of onion, garlic, oranges, apples, and fresh herbs! I then coat the turkey with an easy maple butter spread! The butter makes the turkey extra juicy! Plus, check out all my favorite side dish suggestions and more tips for making a great holiday feast!
Special Note: turkeys can take a while to defrost! I recommend removing your turkey from the freezer anywhere from 3 to 6 days prior to brining/roasting, depending on weight!
My Maple Glazed Turkey Video Tutorial
Watch my YouTube video tutorial for step-by-step instructions for making this incredible Maple Glazed Turkey! Plus, more tips and tricks! Want to stay up to date on new recipe releases? Subscribe to my website emailing list and to my YouTube channel and turn on notifications!
Ingredients for Maple Turkey Recipe
I love how simple yet incredibly delicious this turkey recipe is! It requires staple ingredients that you already have in your pantry! Here are the main ingredients you’ll need; find the full list in the recipe card below!
- Turkey: this recipe will work great with any size turkey, from small to large! Check out my roasting chart below for cooking times!
- Butter: I like to use a high-quality, grass-fed, salted butter. It adds the most amount of flavor and it’s totally worth it for this recipe!
- Pure Maple Syrup: use real syrup for the best results. The other stuff is just corn syrup! The maple syrup adds so much incredible flavor and aroma to this turkey! Plus, it makes the skin a rich amber color and extra crispy!
- Garlic & Onion: for stuffing the turkey. Both of these add tons of flavor!
- Apples, Oranges & Lemons: this combination of fruit adds both flavor and extra moist inside the turkey, keeping it juicy!
- Chicken Broth: I add it directly into the roasting pan to add extra moisture into the oven. It’s also great for basting the turkey and for making a gravy!
Brining Your Turkey
This maple turkey recipe will be fantastic on its own, but I personally love to brine my turkeys, too! I use my classic ‘Apple Cider Turkey Brine’ in combination with this recipe. You can brine the turkey anywhere from 24 to 48 hours.
The brine will make the turkey a bit more juicy but it also adds tons of great flavor! The turkey will have almost a ham-like texture and flavor! Make sure to check out my recipe for my video tutorial and all the instructions!
Preparing the Turkey For Seasoning
If you’re brining your turkey, I recommend removing it from the brine onto a baking sheet with a wire rack. This way, any of the excess liquids will drip down into the pan. Use paper towels to pat the turkey dry before you start stuffing and seasoning it. Do this even if you’re not brining the turkey. The excess moisture will make it harder to add the butter.
Next, use your hands to create a separation between the skin and the turkey breast meat. We’ll use these pockets for stuffing with butter! Check out my video tutorial to see how it’s done. Be extra careful not to tear holes in the skin!
Making the Maple Butter Spread
My turkey recipe is all about the maple butter! It’s super easy to make and it keeps the turkey super juicy and very flavorful. Here’s how to make it:
- Start with extra soft, but not melted, butter. I like to use a good quality salted butter for even more flavor. Place the butter into a medium mixing bowl and add in the 2 tablespoons of salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder and onion powder.
- Next, pour in the maple syrup. Use a whisk to cream together the butter and the syrup until a creamy and smooth spread forms. Keep this spread at room temperature
How to Make a Maple Glazed Turkey
Once you have the maple butter spread ready to go and the turkey prepped, it’s time to bring it all together! You can season and have the turkey on the roasting pan and ready to go the night before. This way, you’ll have less work the day of your meal!
- Start by seasoning the inside cavity of the turkey with about a tablespoon of salt. Stuff the turkey with a combination of chopped onions, cloves of garlic, fresh herbs and chopped orange, lemon and apple pieces. The stuffing ingredients that don’t fit, simply place into your roasting pan.
- Make sure to pat the turkey dry first! Apply a very generous amount of the spread underneath the turkey skin, pressing it into place with your hands. Before adding the spread on the outside, I recommend trussing the turkey. Wrap a long piece of kitchen twine around the back of the turkey, bringing it forward underneath the drumsticks, wrap it around the drumsticks, then tie them together.
- Transfer the turkey into a roasting pan and tuck the turkey wing tips underneath the bird to prevent them from burning. Apply the remaining spread on the outside of the turkey. It’s okay if it’s not perfect, it can slide around!
- Cover the ends of the drumsticks with foil to keep them from burning. Next, pour the chicken broth into roasting pan. Now the turkey is ready for roasting!
Roasting Guide for Turkey & Instructions
You’ll need to roast this maple glazed turkey until the internal temperature reaches 160F. The final temperature should reach 165F but the turkey will continue to cook after it’s been removed from the oven. Take the temperature reading by inserting your thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey, in between the drumstick and thigh.
- The time it takes for a turkey to roast is based on weight! My 13-pound turkey took about 3 hours and 15 minutes. Here’s a handy turkey roasting guide you can follow for approximate roasting times. I recommend checking the temperature within 30 minutes of the finish time.
- If your turkey starts to get too dark in color, simply tent it lightly with foil to prevent it from browning further.
Basting the Turkey & Adding the Glaze
When this maple turkey is in the oven, it smells so good! The aroma is mouthwatering! With the last 30 minutes remaining, you can start basting the turkey and adding the final glaze!
- Remove the turkey from the oven with 30 minutes to go and baste it generously with the broth collected at the bottom of the pan using a baster. Place the turkey back into the oven for 15 minutes and prepare the maple glaze.
- In a large measuring cup, combine the maple syrup and melted butter. With about 15 minutes left on the clock for the turkey, brush it generously with half of the prepared maple glaze. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the turkey reaches 160F.
- Remove the turkey from the oven, baste one more time, then apply the remaining maple glaze. Allow the turkey to rest for about 20 minutes before carving it. The turkey will be extremely hot so be extra careful! Check out my full carving tutorial for more instructions.
- Save all the broth collected at the bottom of the roasting pan and strain it to create a gravy. Check out my ‘Garlic Butter Turkey’ for instructions on how to make the best turkey drippings gravy.
- For serving the turkey, garnish a large platter with greens; fruits such as apples, oranges, persimmons and/ pomegranate; or berries.
The Best Turkey Drippings Gravy
Make sure to save all the broth collected at the bottom of the roasting pan and strain it to create a gravy! Check out my ‘Garlic Butter Turkey’ for instructions on how to make the best turkey drippings gravy. It’s the one and only recipe I ever use!
- For the gravy, strain the turkey drippings from the roasting pan into a large measuring cup; I recommend lining your strainer with cheesecloth to catch all impurities. Allow the drippings to stand for a few minutes, until the oil collects at the top. Use a spoon to skim the oil off the top.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter over medium heat, then add 1/2 cup all-purpose flour. Whisk the flour into the butter vigorously, until smooth. Cook the roux for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flour to cook. Begin adding the strained broth, about 1/2 cup at a time, whisking and cooking after each addition. If needed, add additional chicken broth until the gravy reaches your desired consistency.
- Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste. Keep gravy warm and covered until ready to serve.
How to Carve a Turkey
Carving a turkey can seem quite intimidating but it’s actually super easy! I have a step-by-step video tutorial to show you how it’s done! You can watch it here, or check out my ‘How to Carve a Turkey Like a Pro’ post!
Side Dish Ideas for Maple Turkey
This maple glazed turkey isn’t complete with the best side dishes to go along with it! I have you covered with all my favorites! Here are some delicious choices:
More Recipes to Try!
Enjoyed this delicious maple turkey recipe? Check out some of my other recipes you’re sure to enjoy!
- Garlic Butter Turkey – one of my all-time favorite turkey recipes! This one is made with a garlic and herb butter spread! It’s been super popular on my blog and YouTube channel!
- How to Smoke a Turkey – switch things up this year and make a smoked turkey! It’s super easy and you can use any turkey recipe!
- Stuffed Turkey Breast Roll – need a smaller recipe this holiday season? Make this stuffed turkey breast instead of a whole turkey!
- Oven-Roasted Whole Duck – I love to make duck for the holidays, too! This easy and simple recipe makes the most delicious duck!
- Garlic & Herb Maple Dijon Turkey Breast – quick and easy turkey breast dinner with aromatic garlic butter, served with roasted potatoes!
- Lemon & Herb Spatchcock Turkey – a unique way of preparing turkey that significantly reduces roasting time! Plus, easy seasoning recipe!
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Supplies & Tools for the Recipe
Needs some supplies or tools to make this delicious turkey recipe? You can get them here online! (Amazon Affiliate Links)
- Digital Thermometer – I love this handy, instant read meat thermometer! I have several of these in my kitchen!
- Large Roasting pan – this large, stainless steel roasting pan will fit even large turkeys!
- Turkey Baster – a simple baster is all you need to get the job done!
- Kitchen Twine – you’ll use this handy twine for so many things in the kitchen! And, one roll lasts a while!
- Lifting forks – use these large forks to lift your turkey from the roasting pan and onto your carving board or serving platter.
- Pure Maple Syrup – I recommend real maple syrup for the best results!
The Best Maple Glazed Turkey Recipe (video)
Ingredients
- 13 lb turkey, defrosted
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp salt
For Maple Butter Spread:
- 1 cup salted butter, extra soft
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
For Turkey Stuffing:
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 10 garlic cloves, left whole
- 1 large orange, chopped
- 1 large lemon, chopped
- 1 large apple, chopped
- 1 bundle fresh thyme and rosemary
For Maple Glaze:
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
For Turkey Drippings Gravy:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 to 2 cups chicken broth, as needed
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- This recipe is written for a medium sized turkey, between 12 and 16 pounds. I recommend making a double portion of the maple butter spread for larger turkeys. Servings/nutritional info are based on 13 pound turkey.
- The turkey can be stuffed and seasoned the night before, placed onto a roasting pan and kept in the refrigerator until you're ready to roast it.
Preparing the Turkey:
- This maple turkey recipe will be fantastic on its own, but I personally love to brine my turkeys, too! I use my classic ‘Apple Cider Turkey Brine’ in combination with this recipe. You can brine the turkey anywhere from 24 to 48 hours. The brine will make the turkey a bit more juicy but it also adds tons of great flavor! The turkey will have almost a ham-like texture and flavor! Make sure to check out my recipe for my video tutorial and all the instructions!
- If you’re brining your turkey, I recommend removing it from the brine onto a baking sheet with a wire rack. This way, any of the excess liquids will drip down into the pan. Use paper towels to pat the turkey dry before you start stuffing and seasoning it. Do this even if you’re not brining the turkey. The excess moisture will make it harder to add the butter.
- Next, use your hands to create a separation between the skin and the turkey breast meat. We’ll use these pockets for stuffing with butter! Check out my video tutorial to see how it’s done. Be extra careful not to tear holes in the skin!
Maple Butter Spread:
- Next, make the maple butter spread. If you have an extra-large turkey, I recommend doubling the recipe. Start with extra soft, but not melted, butter. I like to use a good quality salted butter for even more flavor. Place the butter into a medium mixing bowl and add in the 2 tablespoons of salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder and onion powder.
- Next, pour in the maple syrup. Use a whisk to cream together the butter and the syrup until a creamy and smooth spread forms. Keep this spread at room temperature
Stuffing the Turkey:
- Start by seasoning the inside cavity of the turkey with about a tablespoon of salt. Stuff the turkey with a combination of chopped onion, cloves of garlic, fresh herbs and chopped orange, lemon and apple pieces. The stuffing ingredients that don’t fit, simply place into your roasting pan.
- Make sure to pat the turkey dry first! Apply a very generous amount of the spread underneath the turkey skin, pressing it into place with your hands. Before adding the spread on the outside, I recommend trussing the turkey. Wrap a long piece of kitchen twine around the back of the turkey, bringing it forward underneath the drumsticks, wrap it around the drumsticks, then tie them together.
- Transfer the turkey into a roasting pan and tuck the turkey wing tips underneath the bird to prevent them from burning. Apply the remaining spread on the outside of the turkey. It’s okay if it’s not perfect, it can slide around!
- Cover the ends of the drumsticks with foil to keep them from burning. Next, pour the chicken broth into roasting pan. Now the turkey is ready for roasting!
Roasting Instructions:
- You’ll need to roast this maple glazed turkey until the internal temperature reaches 160F. The final temperature should reach165F but the turkey will continue to cook after it’s been removed from the oven. Take the temperature reading by inserting your thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey, in between the drumstick and thigh.
- The time it takes for a turkey to roast is based on weight! My 13-pound turkey took about 3 hours and 15 minutes. Use my roasting chart in the post above for timing! I recommend checking the temperature within 30 minutes of the recommended time.
- If your turkey starts to get too dark in color, simply tent it lightly with foil to prevent it from browning further.
Basting & Glazing:
- Remove the turkey from the oven with 30 minutes to go and baste it generously with the broth collected at the bottom of the pan using a baster. Place the turkey back into the oven for 15 minutes and prepare the maple glaze.
- In a large measuring cup, combine the maple syrup and melted butter. With about 15 minutes left on the clock for the turkey, brush it generously with half of the prepared maple glaze. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the turkey reaches 160F.
- Remove the turkey from the oven, baste one more time, then apply the remaining maple glaze. Allow the turkey to rest for about 20 minutes before carving it. The turkey will be extremely hot so be extra careful! Check out my full carving tutorial for more instructions.
Making Turkey Drippings Gravy:
- For the gravy, strain the turkey drippings from the roasting pan into a large measuring cup or bowl; I recommend lining your strainer with cheesecloth to catch all impurities. Allow the drippings to stand for a few minutes, until the oil collects at the top. Use a spoon to skim the oil off the top.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter over medium heat, then add 1/2 cup all-purpose flour. Whisk the flour into the butter vigorously, until smooth. Cook the roux for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flour to cook. Begin adding the strained broth, about 1/2 cup at a time, whisking and cooking after each addition. If needed, add additional chicken broth until the gravy reaches your desired consistency.
- Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste. Keep gravy warm and covered until ready to serve.
Carving & Serving:
- For serving the turkey, garnish a large platter with greens; fruits such as apples, oranges, persimmons and/ pomegranate; or berries.
- Carving a turkey can seem quite intimidating but it’s actually super easy! I have a step-by-step video tutorial to show you how it’s done! You can watch it here, or check out my ‘How to Carve a Turkey Like a Pro’ post!
Note:
- Nutritional info calculated for turkey meat only for 13 pound turkey; doesn't include gravy.
Hi
Are we using salted or unsalted butter for the Maple Glaze and Turkey Gravy.
Hi! I like to use a high quality salted butter for this recipe, but unsalted will also work well. Enjoy!
This was very good. Juicy and taste wonderful. I believe this is the second time I’ve ever made a turkey. The instructions were spot on! Thanks!
Awesome!! 🙂 I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe! My favorite! 🙂