Get ready to transform your holiday feast with a show-stopping Maple Roast Turkey that will have your guests talking for years to come! This isn't just another turkey recipe - it's a culinary masterpiece that combines the rich, sweet essence of pure maple syrup with a traditional sage corn stuffing that brings comfort and elegance to your dining table. Imagine a golden-brown turkey with a glistening, caramelized exterior that promises incredible flavor in every single bite.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 3 hrs
Total Time: 3 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs)
- 1 cup maple syrup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups corn bread, cubed
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove giblets and neck from turkey cavity, rinse turkey inside and out with cold water, then pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
- In a large skillet, sauté chopped celery and onions until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add chopped sage and cook for an additional minute.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cubed cornbread, sautéed vegetables, salt, and pepper. Gently mix to create the stuffing, being careful not to overmix.
- Loosely stuff the turkey cavity with the sage corn stuffing. Do not pack tightly, as the stuffing needs room to expand during cooking.
- Truss the turkey by tying the legs together with kitchen twine and tucking wing tips under the body to ensure even cooking.
- Place the turkey breast-side up on a rack in a large roasting pan. Brush the entire surface with maple syrup, ensuring even coverage.
- Pour chicken broth into the bottom of the roasting pan to prevent drippings from burning and to help create moisture.
- Cover the turkey loosely with aluminum foil and roast in the preheated oven. Baste with additional maple syrup every 45 minutes.
- Cook for approximately 3 hours or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove foil during the last 30 minutes to allow skin to brown.
- Once cooked, remove turkey from oven and let rest for 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- Carefully remove stuffing and transfer to a serving dish. Carve turkey and serve with additional maple syrup on the side if desired.
Tips
- Always pat your turkey completely dry before roasting to ensure crispy, golden skin
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee the perfect doneness without overcooking
- Baste frequently with maple syrup to create a beautiful, glossy exterior
- Let the turkey rest after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum moisture
- If the turkey browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil to prevent burning
- Choose a high-quality, pure maple syrup for the most authentic and rich flavor
- Don't overstuff the turkey - leave room for the stuffing to expand during cooking
- Use kitchen twine to truss the turkey for even cooking and a professional presentation
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 120mg
