Irresistible Maple Butter Glazed Turkey Recipe for Fall Feasts

Succulent maple butter glazed turkey brings a touch of culinary magic to your holiday table.

Autumn’s golden warmth infuses every delectable bite with rich, sweet complexity.

Crisp seasonal ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of incredible flavors.

Tender meat glistens under a luxurious maple-infused coating that promises pure satisfaction.

Subtle hints of herbs and butter complement the star ingredient, making each slice memorable.

Your guests will marvel at the gorgeous golden-brown surface and incredible aroma wafting through the kitchen.

Prepare to impress with this irresistible centerpiece that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary celebration.

Glaze Variations for Maple Turkey Recipes

• Herb-Infused Turkey: Replace maple syrup with herb-infused olive oil and add rosemary, sage, and parsley for an aromatic Mediterranean-style variation.
• Low-Sodium Version: Swap soy sauce for coconut aminos, reduce salt in dry brine, and use a lighter glaze with less sodium content for heart-healthy eating.
• Spicy Cajun Turkey: Incorporate cayenne pepper, paprika, and ground mustard into the dry brine, then add hot sauce to the glaze for a spicy Creole-inspired recipe.
• Gluten-Free Alternative: Use tamari instead of Worcestershire sauce, ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, and maintain the same cooking technique for those with gluten sensitivities.

Carving and Serving Maple-Glazed Turkey Beautifully

• Holiday Feast Centerpiece: Create a stunning holiday table display with the golden-brown maple-glazed turkey as the star attraction.
• Gourmet Sandwich Transformation: Slice leftover turkey thinly and layer between artisan bread with cranberry sauce and fresh arugula for a delicious next-day meal.
• Side Dish Companions: Pair the rich, sweet-savory turkey with roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes to complement the maple glaze flavor profile.
• Flavor-Packed Gravy Boost: Use pan drippings mixed with remaining glaze to create an incredibly luxurious sauce that elevates the entire dish's taste experience.

Best Storage for Maple-Glazed Turkey Leftovers

• Transfer leftover turkey pieces to airtight containers, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the glaze separate in a sealed container.
• Wrap turkey slices in plastic wrap, place in freezer-safe bags, remove excess air, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place turkey slices on a microwave-safe plate, drizzle with reserved glaze, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

FAQs

• What is dry brining, and why is it important for this recipe?

Dry brining helps season the turkey deeply, tenderize the meat, and create a crispy skin by drawing out moisture and concentrating flavors before cooking.

• Can I use different types of maple syrup for the glaze?

Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor. Avoid artificial maple-flavored syrups, as they won’t provide the same rich, natural taste in the glaze.

• How do I know when the turkey is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the meat, ensuring it’s safe to eat and remains juicy.

Maple-Butter-Glazed Turkey That Shines at Gatherings

• Elevate Your Cooking: Upgrade your culinary skills with this gourmet turkey recipe that transforms a classic dish into a showstopping meal.
• Quick Prep, Big Flavor: Simplified technique allows you to break down the turkey easily, ensuring maximum taste with minimal complicated steps.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Dry brining technique lets you prepare turkey pieces in advance, giving you flexibility and deeper flavor development without last-minute stress.
• Crowd-Pleasing Glaze: Maple-butter mixture creates a rich, glossy coating that adds incredible depth and sweetness, making this turkey irresistible for family gatherings and holiday meals.

Ingredients for Maple-Butter-Glazed Turkey Perfection

• Turkey: Fresh whole turkey that serves as the primary protein for the dish.

• Kosher Salt, Black Peppercorns, Garlic Powder, Brown Sugar: Blend of seasonings that adds depth of flavor and helps tenderize the turkey meat.

• Unsalted Butter, Pure Maple Syrup: Core ingredients that create a rich and sweet base for the glaze.
• Soy Sauce, Worcestershire Sauce, Vinegar: Savory and tangy components that balance the sweetness of the maple syrup.
• Fresh Thyme: Herb that provides an aromatic and earthy note to the glaze.

• Water: Used to create moisture in the roasting process and prevent the turkey from drying out.

Roasting Directions for Maple-Glazed Turkey

Step 1: Prepare Turkey Pieces

Carefully separate the turkey by removing legs, wings, and breast.

Trim the backbone if desired.

Use paper towels to thoroughly pat each turkey piece until completely dry.

Step 2: Create Dry Brine Mixture

• Kosher salt
• Garlic powder
• Brown sugar

Thoroughly coat turkey pieces with the spice blend.

Place pieces on a wire rack positioned over a baking sheet.

Refrigerate for up to 24 hours to allow dry brining.

Step 3: Craft Delicious Maple Glaze

• Unsalted butter
• Pure maple syrup
• Soy sauce
• Vinegar
• Worcestershire sauce
• Fresh thyme

Cook until the mixture transforms into a thick, glossy glaze.

Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 4: Prepare Oven

Heat oven to 425F.

Position turkey pieces on a wire rack over a baking sheet.

Add one cup of water to the bottom of the baking sheet.

Roast for 20-30 minutes until initial browning occurs.

Step 5: Slow Roast And Glaze

Lower oven temperature to 300F.

Continue roasting for 50-70 minutes.

Every 20 minutes, generously brush turkey with prepared maple glaze.

This creates a beautiful caramelized exterior.

Step 6: Final Resting

Remove turkey from oven.

Allow meat to rest for 15-20 minutes before carving.

This helps retain delicious juices.

Serve and enjoy your perfectly glazed turkey.

Pro Tips for Juicy Maple-Butter Turkey

• Pat turkey pieces thoroughly with paper towels to guarantee crispy, golden-brown skin during roasting.
• Adjust salt and sugar ratios in dry brine for personalized flavor profiles without overpowering the turkey's natural taste.
• Simmer maple butter glaze until slightly thickened but still pourable, preventing burning during repeated basting.
• Use meat thermometer to check turkey reaches 165°F for safe, perfectly cooked meat without drying out.
• Cover turkey with aluminum foil if skin browns too quickly during extended roasting time.

Maple Butter Glazed Turkey Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 14 1x

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Description

Succulent maple butter glazed turkey brings festive Canadian culinary magic to your holiday table. Rich maple syrup and golden butter create a glossy, irresistible coating you cannot resist savoring with family and friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 12–14 pounds Turkey (neck and giblets removed)
• 2/3 cup Kosher salt (or 6 tablespoons plus 1/2 teaspoon Morton salt)
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) Unsalted butter

Seasoning and Spices:

• 1 tablespoon Black peppercorns, coarsely ground
• 2 tablespoons Garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons Light brown sugar
• 2 sprigs Thyme

Glaze and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup Pure maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons Soy sauce or tamari
• 2 tablespoons Unseasoned rice vinegar or white wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Vegetable oil or olive oil
• 1 cup Water

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Instructions

1. Deconstruct the turkey by carefully removing legs, wings, and breast. Trim the backbone if desired. Use paper towels to thoroughly dry each turkey segment.
2. Create a seasoning blend by coarsely grinding black peppercorns and mixing with kosher salt, garlic powder, and brown sugar. Generously coat turkey pieces with the mixture. Position pieces on a wire rack over a baking sheet and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, allowing flavors to penetrate and skin to dry.
3. Craft the maple glaze by combining unsalted butter, pure maple syrup, soy sauce, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh thyme in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until the mixture reduces and thickens to a glossy consistency, approximately 8-10 minutes.
4. Heat the oven to 425F. Position turkey pieces on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Pour one cup of water into the bottom of the pan to create moisture. Roast for 25-35 minutes until initial browning occurs.
5. Lower oven temperature to 300F. Continue roasting for 55-75 minutes, periodically brushing turkey with prepared maple glaze every 20 minutes to develop a rich, caramelized exterior.
6. Remove turkey from oven and let rest for 15-20 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat before carving and serving.

Notes

• Customize the dry brine by experimenting with different herbs and spices like rosemary, sage, or smoked paprika for unique flavor profiles.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption, preventing overcooking or undercooking.
• For a gluten-free version, replace traditional Worcestershire sauce with a gluten-free alternative or tamari sauce.
• Create a lighter version by using a reduced-fat butter or substituting part of the butter with olive oil to lower overall calorie content.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 14
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 1,670 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 53 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg