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Herb Butter Maple Roasted Turkey Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 66 reviews

This Herb Butter Maple Roasted Turkey recipe combines the rich flavors of fresh herbs and sweet maple syrup with tender roasted turkey, resulting in a juicy, crispy skin holiday centerpiece that’s both flavorful and aromatic. Perfectly golden-brown and infused with garlic, thyme, rosemary, and sage, this turkey is ideal for festive occasions and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 (12-14) pound turkey, thawed
  • ½ cup butter, at room temperature
  • ½ cup pure maple syrup, at room temperature
  • 6 cloves garlic
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
  • 2–3 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
  • Handful of fresh rosemary
  • Handful sage leaves
  • Zest from 1 lemon

For the Turkey Cavity

  • 1 lemon, quartered
  • Optional: 1 apple or 1 onion, quartered

Instructions

  1. Bring Turkey to Room Temperature: Set your turkey out at least 1-2 hours before baking to allow it to come to room temperature, ensuring even cooking throughout.
  2. Make Maple Herb Butter: In a food processor, combine softened butter, maple syrup, garlic, salt, black pepper, fresh thyme, rosemary, sage, and lemon zest. Pulse until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed and form a smooth herb butter. Set aside at room temperature to keep it soft for easier application.
  3. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (218 degrees Celsius) so it’s ready for roasting the turkey.
  4. Prepare the Turkey: Remove the turkey from its packaging, take out the neck and giblets from the cavity if present. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels to remove any moisture, then place it in a roasting pan.
  5. Stuff the Turkey Cavity: Place lemon wedges inside the cavity along with optional apple or onion pieces and fresh herbs to infuse additional flavor during roasting.
  6. Tie Turkey Legs: Secure the legs together with kitchen twine to ensure even cooking and a neat shape.
  7. Apply Herb Maple Butter: Massage the maple herb butter evenly all over the turkey, working some under the skin, especially above the breast, for crispy, flavorful skin. If the butter is too cold to spread, warm it slightly in the microwave for 15-30 seconds. Use a pastry brush or your hands to distribute the butter thoroughly.
  8. Start Roasting at High Heat: Place the turkey in the preheated oven at 425 degrees F and roast for 30 minutes to develop a golden crust.
  9. Reduce Oven Temperature: Without opening the oven door, lower the heat to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C) after the initial 30 minutes to continue cooking the turkey gently.
  10. Calculate Cooking Time: Roast the turkey for 15-20 minutes per pound at 350°F, adjusting slightly based on your oven’s performance. Keep track of your start time for accurate cooking duration.
  11. Baste and Rotate: Every 30-45 minutes, carefully remove the turkey from the oven to baste it with accumulated pan drippings and rotate the bird to ensure even cooking and moistness.
  12. Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to test the turkey’s doneness—breast meat should reach 165°F (74°C) and the thigh 175°F (79°C) for safe consumption.
  13. Prevent Over-Browning: If the skin browns too quickly before the inside is cooked, tent the turkey with foil to protect it and allow the interior to finish cooking.
  14. Rest the Turkey: Remove the turkey from the oven once done, cover loosely with foil, and let it rest for 20-30 minutes to lock in juices and make carving easier. Use this time to prepare side dishes and gravy.

Notes

  • Allowing the turkey to come to room temperature before roasting helps ensure even cooking and prevents the skin from burning before the inside is done.
  • Massaging butter under the skin is key to moist breast meat and crispy skin.
  • Using fresh herbs significantly enhances the flavor compared to dried herbs.
  • Resting the turkey after roasting is essential for juicy meat and easier carving.
  • You may customize the cavity aromatics with additional herbs or fruit as desired.
  • Make sure to use a reliable meat thermometer to avoid under or overcooking the turkey.
  • Do not open the oven door unnecessarily during roasting to maintain consistent temperature.

Keywords: roasted turkey, herb butter turkey, maple syrup turkey, Thanksgiving turkey, holiday turkey recipe, juicy turkey, crispy skin turkey, maple herb butter

Find it online: https://reemcook.com/herb-butter-maple-roasted-turkey-recipe/