This is the BEST maple glazed turkey with gravy that is perfect for the holidays. This roasted whole turkey is brined, roasted in the oven and then smothered in a butter and maple syrup glaze.
Allow turkey to thaw in the refrigerator for 5 to 6 days prior to roasting. See note below for thawing times.
Two Nights Before Roasting
Find a clean container that is large enough to hold the whole turkey plus approximately 2 gallons of liquid. This can be a large stock pot or brining bag. Make sure this container will also fit in the fridge while the turkey is being brined.
In a large pot (this can be the stock pot you will be brining the turkey in) combine the apple cider, brown sugar, salt, garlic, peppercorns, bay leaves, vegetable broth and ginger beer.
Squeeze as much juice from orange halves into the pot and then add the squeezed orange halves.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium high heat and boil for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until both the sugar and the salt are completely dissolved. Let cool completely.
Mix the cooled brine mixture with 2 quarts of the ice water in the brining container. Slowly add the turkey to the container and then top with 2-4 quarts of ice water, until the turkey is completely covered.
Move the container to the refrigerator and allow it to brine for 16-24 hours. This is best done two nights before roasting to allow time for the next step.
The Night Before Roasting
Remove the turkey slowly from the brine allowing it to drain completely. Rinse the inside and outside of the turkey with cool water to remove any extra brine. Pat it completely dry with paper towels and place on a sheet pan or roasting pan.
Let the turkey sit in the refrigerator uncovered for at least 12 hours to dry. This is best done the night before roasting to allow the full time for the turkey to dry out.
Day of Roasting
Remove the turkey from the fridge and preheat the oven to 350°. Slice one of the onions and place it underneath the roasting rack in a roasting pan with the celery and half of the fresh herbs. If you do not have a roasting rack, the turkey can sit directly on the celery, onions and herbs.
Cut the other onion in half, along with the lemon, orange and apple and stuff them inside the turkey with the remaining herbs. Tie the legs together with cooking twine to promote even cooking.
Tuck wing tips in and under the turkey so they don't burn while cooking and roast the turkey in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes until skin is lightly golden brown.
Once skin is nicely browned, cover the turkey in aluminum foil. Roast for another 60-90 minutes until the internal temperature reads 150˚ in the thickest part of the thigh and breast.
While the turkey is roasting, combine the butter and maple syrup in a small saucepan over medium low heat until butter is completely melted. Stir and let cool while the turkey finishes roasting.
Remove the foil from the turkey and pour the maple glaze over the entire turkey. A pastry brush can be used to spread glaze over all parts of the turkey.
Continue to roast turkey in the oven, uncovered for approximately 30-45 minutes, until the temperature of the turkey reaches 165° in the thickest part of the thigh and breast. (See note below regarding cooking times).
Move the turkey to a cutting board and lightly tent it with foil to rest for a minimum of 30 minutes.
Pour the drippings from the roasting pan in a bowl or container and set them aside.
Apple Cider Pan Gravy
Heat the roasting pan on the stovetop over medium heat with the butter until it has completely melted.
Sprinkle the flour into the butter mixture, while whisking, and cook for 1 minute.
Slowly whisk in both the pan drippings and the apple cider. Scrape the stuck on bits of the bottom of the pan and whisk until no lumps remain.
Continue to cook, while whisking for 3-4 minutes until thickened and then season to taste with salt and pepper.
Carve the turkey and serve with the apple cider pan gravy.
Notes
A 14-16 pound turkey will take approximately 3-4 days to defrost in the refrigerator. A defrosted turkey will last up to 2 days in the refrigerator before cooking.
Start the brining process 2 nights before Thanksgiving. This will allow 24 hours to brine the turkey and 12 hours to dry it.
Cool the brine mixture completely before adding in the ice water so that the mixture is cool when the turkey is added.
The brine can be cooked in a large stock pot and then used for brining the turkey as well. You can use a brine bag or other large container that will hold your turkey as well as at least 2 gallons of liquid.
Make sure to remove the giblets or giblet package from inside the turkey before brining or roasting it.
Cooking times will vary depending on the actual size of your Thanksgiving turkey. Using an oven proof meat thermometer will make sure your turkey is cooked properly.
Let the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes after cooking while you make the gravy. This will make sure that it retains the juices so you don't have dry turkey.
This recipe will serve approximately 12 - 16 people with leftovers. Allow for approximately 1 pound of whole raw turkey per person or 1 ½ pounds per person if you want extra leftovers.
Substitutions and Variations
Brine - The brine recipe will work for up to a 20-25 pound turkey. For a turkey breast, the quantities can be cut in half. You can skip the brining process in the interest of time, however, it does make a huge difference in the end result.
Turkey - A whole turkey or turkey breast can be used for this recipe. If a turkey breast is being roasted, the vegetables, herbs and fruit stuffed inside can be either eliminated or placed around it in the roasting pan.
Glaze - The maple glaze is made simply of just butter and pure maple syrup. This glaze will work for up to a 20-25 pound turkey. For smaller turkeys or a turkey breast, the quantities can be cut in half.
Storage Instructions
Leftover turkey should not stay out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Cooled leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days or up to 2 months in the freezer. Frozen leftovers should be thawed in the refrigerator and then can be reheated in the microwave or in the oven.