Savory Maple-Glazed Roast Turkey
This Savory Maple-Glazed Roast Turkey is a delightful centerpiece for any festive gathering. An inspired blend of fresh herbs and the rich sweetness of real maple syrup creates a tantalizing flavor profile that elevates this classic dish. The turkey is roasted to perfection, resulting in moist and succulent meat, while the accompanying roasted vegetables infused with lemon and herbs offer a satisfying side. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any special occasion, this recipe promises to impress your guests and become a cherished family tradition.
12
Servings
1000
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
apple cider
2 cups (none)
real maple syrup
1/3 cup (none)
fresh thyme
4 tablespoons (chopped)
fresh marjoram
4 tablespoons (chopped)
fresh sage
4 tablespoons (chopped)
lemon zest
2 tablespoons (grated)
lemon
1 (juiced)
butter
3/4 cup (softened)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
whole turkey
12 lb (neck and giblets reserved)
onions
2 cups (chopped)
celery
1 1/2 cups (chopped)
carrots
1 1/2 cups (chopped)
chicken broth
3 cups (none)
all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (none)
Instructions
1
In a saucepan, combine the apple cider and maple syrup. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until reduced to 1/2 cup, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon each of thyme, marjoram, sage, and the grated lemon zest. Mix in the softened butter until melted. Season with salt and pepper, then cover and refrigerate until cooled.
2
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Position a rack in the lower third of the oven.
3
Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan. Reserve 1/4 cup of the maple butter for later use in the gravy. Rub the remaining maple butter under the skin of the turkey breast and over the skin. Scatter the chopped onions, celery, and carrots around the turkey, along with the reserved lemon, turkey neck, and giblets. Sprinkle with 2 1/2 tablespoons each of thyme, marjoram, and sage, and drizzle lemon juice over the vegetables. Pour 2 cups of chicken broth into the pan.
4
Roast the turkey for 30 minutes in the preheated oven. Then reduce the heat to 350°F (175°C) and cover the turkey loosely with aluminum foil. Continue roasting for approximately 2 1/2 hours or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 180°F (85°C). Once cooked, transfer the turkey to a platter and let it rest for 30 minutes.
5
While the turkey is resting, strain the pan juices into a large measuring cup and discard any excess fat. Add enough chicken broth to the pan juices to make 3 cups total. Pour this mixture into a saucepan and bring it to a boil.
6
In a small bowl, mix the reserved 1/4 cup of maple butter and 1/3 cup of flour until smooth. Gradually whisk this mixture into the boiling broth. Stir in the remaining thyme, marjoram, and sage. Allow the gravy to boil until it reaches a sauce consistency, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired.
7
Serve the turkey with the prepared gravy and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
60g
Fat
18g
Carbs
71g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the flavor profile of the Savory Maple-Glazed Roast Turkey?
The flavor profile is a blend of fresh herbs like thyme, marjoram, and sage combined with the rich sweetness of real maple syrup and tangy lemon.
How many servings does this turkey recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to provide 12 servings.
What is the total calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 1000 calories.
What are the primary herbs used in the glaze and seasoning?
The recipe uses fresh thyme, fresh marjoram, and fresh sage.
How do I prepare the maple glaze base?
Combine apple cider and maple syrup in a saucepan, bring to a boil, and reduce to 1/2 cup before adding herbs, lemon zest, and butter.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
Where should I position the oven rack for roasting the turkey?
The rack should be positioned in the lower third of the oven.
How is the maple butter applied to the turkey?
The maple butter is rubbed under the skin of the turkey breast and also over the exterior skin.
What vegetables are roasted in the pan with the turkey?
Chopped onions, celery, and carrots are scattered around the turkey in the roasting pan.
How long does the initial roasting phase last?
The turkey is first roasted for 30 minutes at 375°F before the temperature is reduced.
What is the target internal temperature for the turkey?
The turkey is done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 180°F (85°C).
Should the turkey be covered during roasting?
Yes, after the initial 30 minutes of roasting, the turkey should be covered loosely with aluminum foil.
How long should the turkey rest after coming out of the oven?
The turkey should rest for 30 minutes before carving.
How is the gravy thickened?
The gravy is thickened by whisking a mixture of reserved maple butter and flour into the boiling pan juices and broth.
What is the fat content per serving for this recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 60g of fat.
How much protein is in one serving of this turkey?
There are 71g of protein per serving.
What ingredients are used to make the gravy liquid?
The liquid consists of strained pan juices combined with enough chicken broth to make 3 cups.
How long does the gravy need to boil to reach the correct consistency?
The gravy should boil for about 10 minutes, or until it reaches a sauce consistency.
Do I need to keep the turkey neck and giblets?
Yes, they are reserved and placed in the roasting pan to enhance the flavor of the juices and gravy.
What should I do with the apple cider?
The apple cider is reduced with maple syrup to create a concentrated base for the herb butter.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 18g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much butter is required for the entire recipe?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of softened butter.
Can I use bottled maple-flavored syrup?
The recipe specifically recommends real maple syrup for the best flavor profile.
What is the recommended weight for the turkey?
This recipe is based on a 12 lb whole turkey.
How much chicken broth do I need in total?
You will need 3 cups of chicken broth in total for the roasting pan and gravy.
What part of the lemon is used in the butter mixture?
Two tablespoons of grated lemon zest are mixed into the herb butter.
When is the lemon juice added?
The lemon juice is drizzled over the vegetables in the roasting pan before cooking.
What should I do with the pan drippings?
Strain them into a measuring cup, discard the fat, and use the liquid as the base for the savory gravy.
What is the final step before serving?
Whisk the remaining herbs into the gravy, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve alongside the carved turkey.
How do you prepare the maple butter for the gravy thickener?
Reserve 1/4 cup of the prepared maple-herb butter and mix it with 1/3 cup of flour until smooth.