Maple Glazed Turkey is a delicious Thanksgiving centerpiece with tender, juicy meat and beautifully golden skin coated in a sweet and savory maple glaze. Fresh herbs, garlic, butter, and maple syrup create a rich flavor that pairs perfectly with classic holiday sides.
This easy roasted turkey is perfect for Thanksgiving dinner, family gatherings, and special holiday meals.
Why This Maple Glazed Turkey Works
- Sweet and savory: Maple syrup balances the herbs and savory seasonings.
- Juicy and flavorful: Butter and fresh herbs add moisture and flavor.
- Beautifully golden: The maple glaze creates an appealing caramelized finish.
- Perfect for Thanksgiving: A festive centerpiece that pairs well with traditional sides.
Ingredients
For the Turkey
- 1 whole turkey, 12–14 pounds, thawed
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 onion, quartered
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 cup chicken or turkey broth
For the Maple Glaze
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
How to Make Maple Glazed Turkey
1. Prepare the Turkey
Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
Remove the giblets from the turkey cavity and pat the turkey completely dry with paper towels. Place it breast-side up on a rack inside a large roasting pan.
2. Make the Herb Butter
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, maple syrup, olive oil, garlic, thyme, rosemary, sage, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Carefully loosen the skin over the turkey breast and rub some of the butter mixture underneath the skin. Rub the remaining mixture over the outside of the turkey.
Place the onion and lemon halves inside the cavity.
3. Add the Broth
Pour the chicken or turkey broth into the bottom of the roasting pan.
4. Roast the Turkey
Place the turkey in the oven and roast for approximately 3–3½ hours, depending on its size.
Baste with the pan juices every 45–60 minutes.
5. Prepare the Maple Glaze
While the turkey roasts, whisk together the maple syrup, melted butter, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and black pepper.
6. Apply the Glaze
During the final 30–40 minutes of roasting, brush the turkey generously with the maple glaze.
Continue roasting, brushing with additional glaze once or twice, until the skin is golden and caramelized.
If the skin begins browning too quickly, loosely cover the turkey with aluminum foil.
7. Check for Doneness
The turkey is ready when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast and thigh reaches 165°F (74°C).
Remove the turkey from the oven and loosely cover it with foil.
8. Rest and Serve
Allow the turkey to rest for 30–45 minutes before carving.
Slice the turkey and serve with the pan juices and your favorite Thanksgiving side dishes.
Tips for the Best Maple Glazed Turkey
- Thaw the turkey completely before roasting.
- Pat the skin dry to encourage better browning.
- Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor.
- Apply the glaze near the end to prevent the maple syrup from burning.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the turkey accurately.
- Let the turkey rest before carving so the juices redistribute.
- Baste regularly for flavorful, moist meat.
Final Thoughts
Maple Glazed Turkey is a beautiful Thanksgiving centerpiece with juicy meat, crispy golden skin, and a delicious sweet-and-savory maple glaze. Fresh herbs, garlic, butter, and Dijon mustard add layers of flavor while the maple syrup creates a festive caramelized finish.
Serve it alongside mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, and your favorite Thanksgiving sides for a memorable holiday meal.
