Roast Turkey with Fresh Thyme Rub and Maple Glaze

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Ingredients

  • 1 whole turkey 12 lb, thawed if frozen
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground allspice
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons real maple or maple-flavored syrup

Instructions

  • Heat oven to 325°F.
  • Discard giblets and neck, or reserve for another use.
  • Rinse turkey inside and out with cold water; pat dry with paper towels.
  • Fold wings across back of turkey so tips are touching.
  • If turkey doesn’t have an ovenproof plastic leg band holding legs together, tuck legs under band of skin at tail (if present); or tie legs together with kitchen string, then tie to tail if desired.
  • Place turkey, breast side up, on rack in large roasting pan.
  • Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter; brush over turkey.
  • In small bowl, mix thyme, salt, allspice, pepper and oil.
  • Rub mixture over turkey.
  • Insert ovenproof meat thermometer into turkey so tip is in thickest part of inside thigh and does not touch bone.
  • Roast uncovered 3 hours to 3 hours 45 minutes.
  • After roasting about 2 hours, cut band of skin or remove tie holding legs, if desired, to allow insides of thighs to cook thoroughly and evenly.
  • Place tent of foil loosely over turkey to prevent excessive browning.
  • Melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter; mix with syrup.
  • Brush half of the mixture over turkey about 20 minutes before completely cooked.
  • Brush again about 10 minutes before completely cooked.
  • Turkey is done when thermometer reads 165°F and legs move easily when lifted or twisted.
  • Place turkey on warm platter; cover with foil to keep warm.
  • Let stand 15 minutes for easiest carving.

Notes / Tips / Wine Advice:

Festive Touch

Sprigs of fresh thyme make an easy yet pretty garnish around your bird. The fresh fragrance is a beautiful bonus! Rainier cherries and apricot slices are other pretty choices.
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Course Main Dish / Turkey
Holliday Christmas