Description
This Best Maple Glazed Turkey recipe features a succulent 13-pound turkey roasted to perfection with a fragrant blend of fresh herbs, aromatic fruits, and a luscious maple syrup glaze. Enhanced with a rich maple butter spread and savory seasoning, this dish guarantees a juicy, flavorful centerpiece perfect for holiday meals or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Turkey and Seasoning
- 13 lb turkey (defrosted)
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
Broth and Aromatics
- 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
Maple Butter Spread
- 1 cup salted butter (extra soft)
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
Glaze
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup butter (melted)
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
- Prepare the Turkey: Defrost a 13-pound turkey if frozen. Season the turkey inside and out with 1 tablespoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stuff the cavity with the chopped onion, whole garlic cloves, chopped orange, lemon, apple, and the fresh thyme and rosemary bundle. Optionally, this seasoning and stuffing can be done the night before and refrigerated to allow deeper flavor penetration.
- Make Maple Butter Spread: Combine 1 cup of extra-soft salted butter with 1/2 cup pure maple syrup. Blend thoroughly until smooth. This maple butter will be used to baste the turkey during roasting.
- Roast the Turkey: Place the stuffed and seasoned turkey on a roasting pan. Pour 4 cups of chicken broth into the pan to keep the turkey moist and flavorful. Roast in a preheated oven at an appropriate temperature (typically 325°F/163°C) for approximately 3.5 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Baste the turkey every 30 minutes with the maple butter spread to create a beautifully glazed exterior.
- Prepare the Maple Glaze: In a small saucepan, gently heat 1/2 cup pure maple syrup with 1/4 cup melted butter. Brush this glaze over the turkey during the final 30 minutes of roasting for added richness and shine.
- Make Gravy: After the turkey is done roasting, remove it from the pan and let it rest. Pour the pan drippings into a saucepan, strain to remove solids. In a separate pan, melt 1/2 cup butter, whisk in 1/2 cup all-purpose flour to form a roux, cooking until golden. Gradually whisk in the strained pan juices and 1 to 2 cups chicken broth as necessary, stirring continuously to achieve desired thickness. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Carve the rested turkey and serve with the homemade maple-infused gravy and your preferred side dishes for a festive meal.
Notes
- For larger turkeys (above 13 pounds), consider doubling the maple butter spread to ensure ample basting.
- Stuffing the turkey the night before enhances the flavors and moisture of the bird.
- Basting frequently with the maple butter spread helps achieve a crispy, flavorful skin.
- Monitor the internal temperature carefully to avoid overcooking and dryness.
- This recipe pairs beautifully with traditional side dishes like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and cranberry sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 1191 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 3743 mg
- Fat: 43 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 167 g
- Cholesterol: 570 mg
