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Maple-Rosemary Roast Turkey

Savory Maple-Rosemary Roast Turkey for a Memorable Feast

This Maple-Rosemary Roast Turkey combines sweet and savory flavors, making it a showstopper for holiday gatherings.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Brining Time 8 hours
Total Time 12 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Brine
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 cup pure maple syrup opt for dark maple syrup for richer flavor
  • ½ cup kosher salt sea salt can substitute
  • 2 tablespoons tricolor peppercorns use black pepper if unavailable
  • 3 pieces bay leaves fresh is stronger than dried
  • 6 cloves garlic (minced) garlic powder can be used
  • 1 cup fresh rosemary thyme or sage can be used
  • 2 pieces orange peel (from large oranges) lemon peel can be swapped
  • 2 pieces apple peel (from red and green apples) skip if not available
For the Turkey
  • 12-14 pounds turkey the main protein of the dish
  • ½ cup salted butter (melted) unsalted can be used if adjusted for salt
For Basting
  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup (for basting) honey can be used as an alternative

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • roasting rack
  • Roasting pan
  • Meat thermometer
  • Small Bowl
  • aluminum foil

Method
 

Instruction Steps
  1. Make the Brine: In a large pot, combine 4 cups of water with 1 cup of pure maple syrup, ½ cup of kosher salt, 2 tablespoons of tricolor peppercorns, 3 bay leaves, 6 minced garlic cloves, 1 cup of fresh rosemary leaves, the peels of 2 large oranges, and the peels of 2 apples. Bring this mixture to a boil, stirring until the salt dissolves. Once boiling, remove from heat and allow it to cool completely.
  2. Brine the Turkey: Once the brine is cool, submerge your thawed 12-14 pound turkey into the liquid, ensuring it is completely covered. If necessary, weigh it down with a plate. Cover the pot and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or up to 5 days.
  3. Prep for Roasting: After brining, take the turkey out of the brine and pat it dry inside and out with paper towels. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a small bowl, mix ½ cup of melted salted butter with ¼ cup of pure maple syrup. Brush this mixture all over the turkey.
  4. Roast the Turkey: Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan and transfer it to your preheated oven. Roast for approximately 3 to 4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste every 30 minutes with drippings and additional maple syrup.
  5. Rest and Serve: Once done, remove the turkey from the oven and tent it loosely with aluminum foil. Allow it to rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 400mgSugar: 3gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

This Maple-Rosemary Roast Turkey is perfect for family feasts, and you can prepare the brine ahead for convenience.

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