Are you looking for a show-stopping centerpiece for your Thanksgiving feast or any special occasion? Look no further than this mouthwatering maple-glazed roasted turkey with flavorful gravy.
The combination of sweet and savory flavors will leave your guests begging for seconds. Follow this step-by-step guide to prepare and roast the perfect turkey that will surely impress everyone at the table!.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole turkey, preferably around 12-14 pounds
- 1 cup maple syrup
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups chicken or turkey broth
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Turkey
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and ensure the turkey is completely thawed. Remove the giblets and neck from the cavity of the turkey, if included. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels both inside and out.
Step 2: Creating the Maple Glaze
In a small bowl, mix together the maple syrup, melted butter, chopped rosemary, thyme, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will act as the glaze for your turkey, imparting a delightful sweetness and a hint of aromatic herbs.
Step 3: Glazing the Turkey
Place the turkey on a rack in a large roasting pan, breast side up. Brush the turkey with the prepared maple glaze, ensuring it is coated evenly. Reserve a small amount of the glaze to baste the turkey while it roasts.
Step 4: Preparing for Roasting
Add the chicken or turkey broth to the bottom of the roasting pan, which will keep the turkey moist and flavorful throughout the cooking process. Cover the turkey loosely with aluminum foil.
Step 5: Roasting the Turkey
Transfer the roasting pan to the preheated oven and allow the turkey to roast for about 13-15 minutes per pound. Baste the turkey with the reserved maple glaze every 30 minutes to enhance the flavors and maintain moisture.
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Step 6: Checking Doneness
After approximately 2 hours, remove the aluminum foil and continue roasting until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
Step 7: Resting the Turkey
Once the turkey is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board. Tent the turkey with foil and let it rest for about 20 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a tender and juicy bird.
Step 8: Making the Gravy
While the turkey is resting, strain the liquid from the bottom of the roasting pan into a saucepan. Discard any solids and heat the liquid over medium heat. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour with a bit of water until smooth to create a slurry.
Gradually pour the slurry into the liquid, whisking constantly, until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 9: Carving and Serving
Carve the rested turkey and arrange the slices on a serving platter. Serve the maple-glazed roasted turkey with the savory gravy alongside your favorite Thanksgiving sides, such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.
Step 10: Enjoy!
Gather around the table with your loved ones and indulge in this delectable maple-glazed roasted turkey. Hear the joyous sounds of satisfaction as everyone savors the incredible flavors and tender meat.
This recipe is sure to become a new Thanksgiving tradition!.
