Name: Maple Glazed Turkey Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 3 h 30 min
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 13 lb turkey (defrosted); 1 tbsp salt; 1 tsp ground black pepper; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 4 cups chicken broth; 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; 1 cup salted butter (extra soft); 1/2 cup pure maple syrup; 1/2 cup pure maple syrup; 1/4 cup butter (melted); 1/2 cup butter; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1 to 2 cups chicken broth (as needed); salt and pepper (to taste)

If you’re on the hunt for that perfect centerpiece for your holiday table or a weekend feast that will have everyone asking for seconds, look no further than this Maple Glazed Turkey Recipe. I absolutely love how the sweet, sticky maple glaze pairs with the savory herbs and juicy turkey — it turns out tender, flavorful, and simply irresistible. Keep reading to discover how you can make this fan-freaking-tastic turkey your new go-to, even if you haven’t roasted a bird before!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Impressively Juicy: The combination of herbs, fruit, and butter sealed in during roasting keeps the turkey unbelievably moist.
Sweet & Savory Balance: The pure maple syrup glaze caramelizes to create a beautiful flavor contrast that’s simply addictive.
Simple to Prep: You can season and stuff the turkey the night before to save time on the big day, making entertaining stress-free.
Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this turkey every time — it’s become a holiday tradition I know you’ll love too.

A white oval plate holds two dark brown cooked chicken drumsticks on the left side, their skin crispy and shiny. To the right of them, there are thick slices of golden brown roasted chicken breast arranged in two neat rows. Blueberries and green leaves are scattered around the chicken pieces for decoration. At the top of the plate, there is a small red apple and a cluster of blueberries. Near the bottom, a small orange fruit adds color. A vintage silver fork rests on the left edge of the plate. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, with some leafy green sprigs and orange fruits near the top left and a colorful cloth napkin on the bottom right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Maple Glazed Turkey, holiday turkey recipes, juicy roasted turkey, savory maple turkey glaze, festive turkey main dish

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Maple Glazed Turkey Recipe lies in the harmony between fresh aromatics, comforting herbs, and that signature touch of real maple syrup. Each ingredient plays a key role in building layers of flavor and ensuring your turkey turns out tender and golden.

Flat lay of a whole defrosted raw turkey with pale pink skin, a large peeled and chopped yellow onion, ten whole unpeeled garlic cloves scattered nearby, a large bright orange cut into chunks, a large yellow lemon cut into chunks, a large red apple cut into pieces, a fresh bundle of green thyme and rosemary sprigs tied together, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden pure maple syrup, a small white ceramic bowl holding soft salted butter cubes, a small white ceramic bowl containing pale all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl with clear golden chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl filled with coarse white salt, and a small white ceramic bowl with ground black pepper, all arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Maple Glazed Turkey, holiday turkey recipes, juicy roasted turkey, savory maple turkey glaze, festive turkey main dish

Turkey: Aim for a fresh or fully defrosted turkey around 12-16 pounds for the best roasting results.
Chicken broth: Adds moisture and flavor to the roasting pan to keep the meat juicy.
Salt: Essential for seasoning the bird inside and out to enhance natural flavors.
Salted butter: Softened butter helps create the maple butter spread that bastes the turkey beautifully.
Pure maple syrup: Not the imitation stuff! The real deal caramelizes perfectly on the skin without being too sweet.
Ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder: The trifecta of seasoning that adds savory depth.
Onion, garlic cloves, orange, lemon, apple: Fresh chopped aromatics and fruit to stuff inside the turkey for fragrant steam and flavor infusion.
Fresh thyme and rosemary: Bundled herbs to bring earthy, woodsy notes to your roast.
All-purpose flour: For thickening the pan juices into a luscious gravy after roasting.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

While I stick to the classic maple and herb combo most times, I’ve enjoyed messing around with this recipe to tailor it to different occasions and dietary preferences. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Herb swap: I once replaced rosemary and thyme with sage and tarragon for a slightly earthier aroma, which was a hit at Thanksgiving.
Spice it up: Adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the butter spread gave the glaze a subtle smoky warmth that my guests adored.
Gluten-free: Skip the flour for the gravy and use cornstarch or arrowroot powder instead to keep it friendly for gluten sensitivities.
Vegetarian twist: I’ve used the glaze on a hearty roasted cauliflower head for a vegan-friendly alternative that’s just as delicious.

How to Make Maple Glazed Turkey Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season Your Turkey

Start by making sure your turkey is fully defrosted—nothing worse than a frozen center mid-roast! I like to pat the skin dry with paper towels to help it get extra crispy. Then, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder and rub this seasoning all over the outside and inside of the bird. Stuff the cavity with chopped onion, garlic cloves, orange, lemon, apple, and your fresh herb bundle. This aromatic stuffing helps to infuse the turkey from within while it roasts. Once stuffed and seasoned, you can cover and refrigerate it overnight to let all those flavors mingle — this trick makes a HUGE difference.

Step 2: Make the Maple Butter Glaze

While your turkey chills, whisk together softened butter and pure maple syrup. This sweet butter mix is what I’ll be slathering all over the turkey skin to create that luscious, golden glaze everyone raves about. When I first made this recipe, I learned to reserve half of the glaze for basting throughout the roasting process — it keeps the turkey skin sticky and caramelized without burning.

Step 3: Roast Low and Slow

Place your stuffed turkey breast-side up on a roasting rack inside a pan filled with chicken broth. This broth keeps the roasting environment moist, locking in juiciness. Tent the bird loosely with foil to prevent the skin from over-browning too quickly. Roast at 325°F (163°C) for about 3.5 to 4 hours for a 13-pound bird, basting every 30 minutes with that gorgeous maple butter glaze. About 45 minutes before it’s done, remove the foil to let the skin crisp up to a beautiful golden finish. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) — this guarantees perfectly cooked meat without dryness.

Step 4: Make the Pan Gravy

Once the turkey rests, pour the pan drippings into a saucepan. Add melted butter and whisk in flour to make a roux. Gradually add chicken broth while stirring until the gravy thickens to your liking. If you like, season with a little extra salt and pepper. This homemade gravy, enriched with turkey flavor, maple sweetness, and herbs, completes the meal perfectly.

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Pro Tips for Making Maple Glazed Turkey Recipe

Brine Alternative: If you’re short on time, seasoning the turkey well and letting it rest overnight imparts great flavor without the fuss of a full brine.
Patience with Basting: Frequent basting locks in moisture and builds that signature maple glaze; don’t skip it even if it seems tedious!
Keep the Thermometer Handy: Using a probe thermometer lets you pull the turkey out at just the right moment — no guessing or drying out.
Resting is Key: Let the turkey rest for at least 20 minutes before carving — the juices redistribute so every bite is juicy and tender.

How to Serve Maple Glazed Turkey Recipe

A whole roasted turkey with shiny, deep golden brown skin is placed on a white oval plate. The turkey's skin shows some darker, richer brown areas on the wings and top, with the legs tied together at the front. Inside the turkey is visible stuffing made of light brown ingredients and small herbs. Around the turkey on the plate are bright red apples, small apricot yellow fruits, and a bunch of plump, dark blueberries mixed with green eucalyptus leaves. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and beside it are a wooden-handled fork and a black-handled knife. A white towel with colorful floral designs in blue, orange, and yellow is partly shown behind the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Maple Glazed Turkey, holiday turkey recipes, juicy roasted turkey, savory maple turkey glaze, festive turkey main dish

Garnishes

I love finishing my maple glazed turkey with a few sprigs of fresh rosemary and thyme right on top, adding a pop of green and a fragrant touch. Sometimes I scatter a handful of cooked dried cranberries or fresh pomegranate seeds around the platter—that little burst of tart sweetness balances the rich glaze beautifully.

Side Dishes

This turkey pairs wonderfully with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts tossed in balsamic glaze, and a warm sweet potato casserole. For a fresh twist, I often whip up a crisp apple and fennel slaw—its zingy crunch contrasts in the best way!

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive occasion, I’ve arranged the carved turkey slices fan-shaped on a wooden board decorated with fresh orange slices and sprigs of rosemary. Adding small ramekins of the maple gravy around the board lets guests customize their servings and adds a lovely rustic vibe to the presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the meal, I make sure to cool any leftover turkey completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. Properly stored, it stays good for up to 4 days — perfect for making post-feast sandwiches or salads.

Freezing

If you want to save turkey for longer, slice or shred leftover meat and freeze it in portioned freezer bags. I always label and date mine — it lasts about 2-3 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

For reheating, gently warm leftover turkey covered with foil in a low oven (around 300°F) to maintain moisture. Adding a splash of broth or reserved maple glaze while reheating helps keep those tender bites juicy.

FAQs

Can I use this Maple Glazed Turkey Recipe for a turkey breast only?

Absolutely! The glaze and seasonings work beautifully on turkey breast, although cooking times will be shorter. Just adjust your internal temperature goal to 165°F and watch closely to avoid overcooking.
What type of maple syrup works best for the glaze?

I recommend using pure maple syrup, ideally Grade A Amber, for its balanced sweetness and flavor. Avoid imitation syrups — they won’t caramelize well and can result in a sticky, overly sweet glaze.
Can I prepare the turkey fully a day ahead?

Yes! Seasoning and stuffing your turkey the night before, then keeping it covered in the fridge, enhances the flavors and makes your busy day easier. Just make sure to let it come closer to room temperature before roasting.
How do I avoid burning the maple glaze during roasting?

Roast at a moderate temperature and tent the turkey with foil in the early stages to protect the glaze. Remove the foil near the end to crisp the skin. Frequent basting also creates a protective glaze layer.

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this Maple Glazed Turkey Recipe, I was amazed at how easy it was to achieve that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and herbaceous flavors. It’s become my family’s festive favorite because it’s hearty, comforting, and full of personality. If you’re looking to wow your guests (or just want a show-stopping meal to enjoy yourself), give this recipe a go—you’ll definitely thank me later!