Name: Maple Glazed Roast 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 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; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 tbsp salt; 1 cup salted butter (extra soft); 1/2 cup pure maple syrup; 2 tbsp salt; 1 tsp ground black pepper; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 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 a turkey recipe that’s going to absolutely wow your guests, I’ve got you covered. This Maple Glazed Roast Turkey Recipe is everything you want in a holiday centerpiece — juicy, flavorful, and with that perfect sweet-savory maple glaze that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. I remember the first time I roasted this turkey; the house smelled like a warm hug, and my family couldn’t stop raving about it. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will be on your regular rotation for every special occasion.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Juicy, Flavor-Packed Turkey: The secret is in the aromatic fruit and herb stuffing plus the chicken broth base that keeps the meat tender and moist.
Perfect Maple Glaze: A blend of pure maple syrup and butter creates a golden, sticky glaze that caramelizes beautifully during roasting.
Simple Yet Impressive: This recipe uses easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for home cooks wanting that “wow” factor without stress.
Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe fits the bill and dazzles your guests.

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 Roast Turkey, holiday turkey recipe, sweet-savory turkey, juicy roasted turkey, festive turkey dinner

Ingredients You’ll Need

I’ve always found that the harmony between fresh herbs, citrus, and fruit really elevates the turkey’s natural flavor, while the maple syrup brings just the right amount of sweetness. Make sure you grab real pure maple syrup — it makes all the difference!

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 Roast Turkey, holiday turkey recipe, sweet-savory turkey, juicy roasted turkey, festive turkey dinner

Turkey: Use a 12-16 lb turkey for this recipe; I worked with 13 lbs and it was perfect for a family gathering.
Chicken broth: Adds moisture while roasting, infusing subtle savory notes — best to use low-sodium if possible.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors, plus helps with juiciness.
Salted butter: Soft butter is easier to mix into the maple glaze and rubbing; salted gives extra flavor.
Pure maple syrup: The star ingredient in the glaze — be sure it’s 100% maple, not imitation.
Ground black pepper: Adds just the right peppery bite.
Garlic powder & onion powder: For deep, savory undertones without overpowering.
Large onion, chopped: Part of the stuffing; gives moisture and richness inside the bird.
Whole garlic cloves: Roasting whole garlic makes them mellow and sweet — a wonderful surprise inside the turkey.
Large orange, lemon, and apple, chopped: These fruits keep the turkey aromatic and juicy; their citrus and sweet notes balance the maple glaze beautifully.
Fresh thyme and rosemary bundle: Herbs that add earthiness and freshness — you’ll smell them as you carve!
All-purpose flour: For thickening the pan juices into a luscious gravy.

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

I love how adaptable this Maple Glazed Roast Turkey Recipe is. Over time, I’ve played around with different add-ins and tweaks, and each time it still comes out a winner — so don’t hesitate to put your spin on it!

Herb Variations: I sometimes add sage or tarragon to the thyme and rosemary bundle for a slightly different aromatic profile.
Spice it Up: When I want a little heat, a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika in the glaze adds a lovely depth without stealing the spotlight.
Dietary Tweaks: For dairy-free versions, swap butter for a good-quality olive oil or vegan margarine; the maple syrup glaze still shines.
Glaze Alternatives: Mixing in a splash of bourbon or apple cider vinegar into the glaze can create a nuanced tang that I enjoy during festive dinners.

How to Make Maple Glazed Roast Turkey Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Turkey and Aromatics

Start by thawing your turkey fully if it’s frozen — this can take a couple of days in the fridge, so plan ahead. Once thawed, pat it dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Then, season the cavity with salt and stuff it with the chopped onion, garlic cloves, orange, lemon, apple, and the bundle of fresh thyme and rosemary. This combo is what gives the turkey those layers of aroma and flavor that you’ll notice the moment you slice into it.

Step 2: Make the Maple Butter Glaze

Mix softened salted butter with pure maple syrup, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth. I like to make a good amount because spreading it all over the skin really helps in getting that beautiful golden finish. This glaze is sweet, savory, and unbelievably fragrant.

Step 3: Apply the Glaze and Prepare to Roast

Rub the maple butter mixture generously all over the turkey — don’t be shy! Lift the skin gently where you can, to spread some glaze underneath for extra flavor penetration. Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan, then pour the chicken broth around the bird (not on it) to help keep it moist during roasting.

Step 4: Roast and Glaze

Roast the turkey in a preheated 325°F oven. Every 45 minutes or so, baste it with the pan juices and brush on more maple glaze (I keep some extra ready for this). This step is key — it builds that sticky, shiny glaze layer that’s signature to the recipe. Cooking time varies but plan for roughly 3.5 to 4 hours for a 13-pound bird; use a meat thermometer and pull it out when the internal temp hits 165°F.

Step 5: Rest and Make Gravy

After roasting, let the turkey rest tented with foil for at least 20 minutes before carving. Meanwhile, scoop the pan juices into a saucepan. Whisk in melted butter and flour to create a roux, cook briefly, then gradually add chicken broth to thicken into a silky gravy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This gravy is so good, you’ll want to pour it over everything!

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Pro Tips for Making Maple Glazed Roast Turkey Recipe

Softening Butter: Always bring your butter to room temperature in advance — it blends better with maple syrup, so your glaze is super smooth.
Lifting the Skin: Carefully separate the skin from the breast meat before spreading the glaze underneath to boost moisture and flavor right where it matters most.
Use a Meat Thermometer: I’ve learned that relying on cooking time alone can dry the turkey out; a thermometer guarantees perfectly cooked, juicy meat every time.
Rest Your Turkey Well: Skipping rest leads to dry slices. Letting it rest redistributes juices and makes carving less messy—don’t rush this step!

How to Serve Maple Glazed Roast 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 Roast Turkey, holiday turkey recipe, sweet-savory turkey, juicy roasted turkey, festive turkey dinner

Garnishes

I like to garnish the carved turkey platter with fresh rosemary sprigs and thin orange slices to echo the ingredients inside. It’s simple but adds that beautiful pop of color and a fresh scent that lifts the whole presentation.

Side Dishes

Nothing complements this maple glazed turkey better than classic sides like roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon, creamy mashed potatoes, and a tangy cranberry sauce that cuts through the sweetness. I also love serving buttery dinner rolls to sop up every last drop of gravy — heaven!

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday feasts, I’ve arranged the turkey on a rustic wooden board with scattered cranberries, fresh herbs, and apple wedges around it. It makes carving a communal experience and looks stunning on the table. Adding a few small votive candles completes the cozy vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to carve the turkey soon after serving and store leftover slices in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps them moist and ready for sandwiches or reheating. Keep the pan juices separate to drizzle over leftovers for an extra burst of flavor.

Freezing

If I have a big turkey day, I freeze leftover sliced turkey in freezer bags with a bit of broth to prevent drying out. It freezes well for up to 3 months and is perfect for quick meals later on.

Reheating

To keep leftovers juicy, I reheat turkey slices gently in a covered skillet with a splash of broth over low heat or wrap them in foil and warm in the oven. Avoid microwaves if you can—those tend to dry the meat out.

FAQs

Can I prepare the turkey the night before?

Absolutely! In fact, seasoning and stuffing the turkey the night before lets the flavors meld beautifully overnight. Just keep it wrapped in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before roasting.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?

You can use dried thyme and rosemary, but reduce the quantity to avoid overpowering. Fresh herbs really do elevate the flavor, so try to get them fresh if possible.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! Skip the flour in the gravy or swap it with a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch or arrowroot powder. The turkey and glaze are naturally gluten-free otherwise.
How do I know when the turkey is done?

Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast, away from bone — it should read 165°F. This ensures safety and juiciness.
Can I use this recipe for a turkey breast only?

You can, but adjust cooking time accordingly — a turkey breast cooks faster than a whole bird. Also, consider halving the glaze mixture unless you want leftovers!

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Maple Glazed Roast Turkey Recipe has become my go-to when I want to impress guests without overcomplicating the kitchen chaos. There’s something magical about that perfect blend of herbs, fruit, and sweet maple syrup working together to make turkey juicy and irresistible. I’m confident that once you make it, you and your loved ones will be raving about it year after year — and I can’t wait for you to experience that joy!