If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping turkey that’s juicy, flavorful, and has that perfect hint of sweetness, then you’re going to want to try this Maple Glazed Turkey Roast Recipe. I absolutely love this recipe because it transforms a classic roast into something truly unforgettable with a luscious maple glaze and aromatic fresh herbs. Whether it’s for a holiday feast or a special weekend dinner, this turkey roast will have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe too!). Stick with me—I’ll walk you through all the tips and tricks to nail this every single time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich, Sweet & Savory Layers: The maple syrup glaze pairs beautifully with fresh herbs and fruit for a balanced, flavorful roast.
Juicy & Aromatic: Stuffing the turkey with onion, garlic, apple, citrus, and herbs keeps it moist and infuses it with mouthwatering aromas.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Looks elegant on the table but is surprisingly simple to prepare, making it your go-to for holidays or a special dinner.
Helpful Tips Included: I share my personal cooking hacks and step-by-step instructions so you get perfect results every time.

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 Turkey Roast, turkey roast with maple glaze, easy holiday turkey recipe, juicy turkey roast, flavorful turkey dinner

Ingredients You’ll Need

The key to this Maple Glazed Turkey Roast Recipe is using fresh, quality ingredients that enhance each other. The combination of salty butter and sweet maple syrup creates a rich glaze that locks in moisture, while the fresh fruit and herbs add brightness and depth. When shopping, opt for real maple syrup (not just flavored syrup) and fresh herbs whenever you can.

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 Turkey Roast, turkey roast with maple glaze, easy holiday turkey recipe, juicy turkey roast, flavorful turkey dinner

Turkey: Choose a quality, defrosted turkey between 12 and 16 pounds for even roasting.
Chicken broth: Keeps the turkey moist during roasting and adds flavor to the pan juices.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and helping the turkey skin crisp up beautifully.
Salted butter: Use extra-soft butter so it blends easily with maple syrup for the glaze.
Pure maple syrup: This is the star of the show—gives the roast a deep, natural sweetness.
Black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder: Classic seasonings that build a flavorful base.
Large onion and garlic cloves: Stuffed inside for incredible aroma and savory depth.
Orange, lemon, apple: Fresh, chopped fruits lend a bright, fruity fragrance and keep the turkey juicy.
Fresh thyme and rosemary: Great herbs that complement the sweetness of the maple glaze perfectly.
All-purpose flour: For thickening the pan gravy you’ll make from roasting drippings.

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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 that this recipe is kind of like a canvas—you can easily tweak it to match your taste or dietary needs. Over the years, I’ve experimented with various tweaks that you might want to try at home.

Herb Variations: Sometimes I swap in sage or tarragon instead of rosemary and thyme for a slightly different herbal note, which my family goes crazy for.
Spice it up: Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the dry rub gives a subtle kick without overwhelming the maple’s sweetness.
Diet-friendly: For a dairy-free option, swap butter with coconut oil—it still keeps the glaze rich and silky.
Fruit-free Stuffing: If you’re not a fan of fruits in your roast, just stuff with the herbs, onion, and garlic for a more traditional savory flavor.

How to Make Maple Glazed Turkey Roast Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season Your Turkey

First things first: Defrost your turkey completely if frozen (this can take a day or two in your fridge). Once ready, I like to pat it dry and then season the inside cavity generously with salt and pepper. Stuff it with your chopped onion, garlic cloves, orange, lemon, apple, and a bundle of fresh thyme and rosemary. This combination infuses the bird from the inside out, giving you incredible aroma and depth. Then, coat the entire outside with the softened salted butter mixed with maple syrup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper—that’s your signature glaze that helps crisp the skin while locking in moisture.

Step 2: Roast Low and Slow

Place the turkey breast side up on a roasting rack inside a roasting pan and pour chicken broth into the bottom of the pan to keep things moist. Roast at about 325°F (163°C) for around 3.5 to 4 hours depending on your turkey size—using a meat thermometer is the best way to know it’s done (aim for an internal temp of 165°F or 74°C in the thickest part of the thigh). I like to baste the turkey every 30 minutes with the pan juices and additional maple glaze to build a glossy, flavorful crust. This slow roasting ensures your turkey comes out tender, juicy, and perfectly cooked without drying out.

Step 3: Make the Maple Pan Gravy

Once your turkey is out and resting (always let it rest at least 20-30 minutes before carving), it’s time to make the gravy. Pour the drippings from the roasting pan into a saucepan, skim off excess fat, then melt ½ cup of butter in another pan. Whisk in ½ cup all-purpose flour to create a roux and slowly add the turkey drippings combined with some chicken broth until you reach your desired gravy consistency. Finish it off with a splash of maple syrup for that extra touch of sweetness that ties the whole meal together.

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Pro Tips for Making Maple Glazed Turkey Roast Recipe

Softened Butter Matters: Make sure your butter is at room temp before mixing it with maple syrup so it blends smoothly and applies easily.
Baste Without Stress: Basting every half hour builds up flavor and keeps the skin crispy—but don’t open the oven door too often or cooking time will extend.
Use a Meat Thermometer: Nothing beats it for perfect doneness, so you avoid overcooking and drying out your bird.
Rest Before Carving: This allows juices to redistribute, making the meat moist and tender instead of dry.

How to Serve Maple Glazed Turkey Roast 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 Turkey Roast, turkey roast with maple glaze, easy holiday turkey recipe, juicy turkey roast, flavorful turkey dinner

Garnishes

I usually garnish the platter with a few fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs along with some thin orange and lemon slices. It adds a pretty pop of color and a hint of freshness that complements the maple glaze nicely.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides to go with this turkey include classic mashed potatoes with gravy, honey-roasted carrots, and a crisp green bean almondine. I also sometimes serve a warm apple cranberry sauce to bring out the fruity notes in the glaze.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I love placing the carved turkey slices on a large wooden board surrounded by fruit wedges, herb sprigs, and small bowls of the maple gravy and cranberry sauce. It makes for a welcoming and festive presentation that invites everyone to dig in and celebrate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your feast, I recommend slicing leftover turkey and storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps really well for 3-4 days. I’ve found drizzling a little of the pan juices or maple glaze over the sliced meat before refrigerating helps keep everything juicy.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, slice the turkey and wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or use freezer-safe bags. Frozen cooked turkey maintains good quality for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat, I like to place slices in a baking dish, pour a little broth or leftover glaze over them to keep moist, cover with foil, and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through. This method keeps the meat tender instead of drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use a frozen turkey for this Maple Glazed Turkey Roast Recipe?

Yes, but be sure to fully defrost the turkey in your refrigerator before preparing the recipe—this can take 1-2 days depending on size. Proper defrosting ensures even cooking and helps the glaze penetrate well.
What type of maple syrup should I use?

I recommend using 100% pure maple syrup (Grade A or Amber) for the best natural sweetness and depth of flavor—avoid imitation syrups as they won’t give the same rich glaze effect.
How do I know when the turkey is done?

The safest way is to use an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh without touching bone; it should read 165°F (74°C). This guarantees your turkey is safe to eat and perfectly juicy.
Can I make the turkey glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the maple butter glaze a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. Bring it back to room temp and stir before spreading on the turkey to ensure a smooth consistency.
Is this recipe suitable for a smaller turkey or turkey breast?

Yes, you can adjust the ingredient quantities and cooking time accordingly if using a smaller bird or turkey breast, but keep the proportions of glaze and seasonings similar to maintain flavor balance.

Final Thoughts

This Maple Glazed Turkey Roast Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites for special dinners because it’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Every time I make it, the house fills with the most inviting aromas, and my family always ends up full and happy. I hope you’ll give it a try soon—you don’t even need to wait for the holidays to enjoy this tasty masterpiece. Trust me, once you taste that sticky, sweet, savory glaze paired with juicy, tender turkey, it might just become your signature roast too.