Maple-Roasted Turkey with Sage Butter

Recipe courtesy Tyler Florence

Rated: 5 stars out of 5Rate itRead users' reviews (68)

Cook Time:
3 hr 0 min
Level:
Intermediate
Yield:
12 servings

Times:

Prep: 30 min
Inactive Prep: 20 min
Cook: 3 hr 0 min
Total:: 3 hr 50 min

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Ingredients

1 sticks unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1/4 bunch fresh sage, finely chopped
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 (12 to 14-pound) fresh turkey, giblets, neck, and liver discarded
8 strips bacon
1/2 cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons hot water

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and remove the top rack of the oven.

Put the butter and sage in a mixing bowl and mash with a fork or spoon until the sage is well incorporated. Season with salt and pepper.

Rinse the bird thoroughly inside and out with cold water, and pat dry with paper towels. Sprinkle the cavity and skin liberally with salt and pepper. Using your fingers, gently lift the skin from the turkey breast and slip the remaining seasoned butter under, massaging the breast meat as you go. Truss the bird by crossing the legs over one another and tying with a piece of kitchen twine. Shingle the bacon strips over the breast so it's totally covered. Put the turkey on a rack in a large roasting pan, cover the turkey with aluminium foil, and place in the oven.

In a small bowl, stir the maple syrup with 2 tablespoons of hot water to thin. Roast the turkey for 2 hours, basting with the maple glaze every 30 minutes. Continue cooking until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the meaty part of the thigh registers 170 degrees F. The thigh juices will run clear when pricked with a knife, about 3 hours total (15 minutes per pound). About 1/2 hour before you think the turkey is done, remove the foil so that it can brown. When done take the turkey out of the oven and put the roasting pan on the stovetop. Transfer the turkey to a serving tray to rest at least 20 minutes before carving. Serve with Turkey Gravy.

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Comments & Reviews

recipe Maple-Roasted Turkey with Sage Butter
Ryan Las Vegas, NV 11-27-2009
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This recipe ROCKS!!!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

Thanksgiving will never be the same again, thanks to this recipe. I blew the doors off when I presented this turkey in all... its juicy glory at the thanksgiving table. Thanks Tyler and keep up the good work!Read more
recipe Maple-Roasted Turkey with Sage Butter
Diane Garden Grove, CA 11-27-2009
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No leftovers!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

For the first time in 35 years of cooking Thanksgiving turkey....there were no leftovers! The maple baste gave it a lovely... color. My daughter just wanted to take a picture of it as it was just beautiful in presentation. The bacon was a wonderful twist. My father-in-law and son-in-law were going to arm wrestle for the last piece of bacon. It was just beautiful in presenation and the most moist turkey that we have ever had. Will definitely be making this again next year.Read more
recipe Maple-Roasted Turkey with Sage Butter
Emiko Portola Valley, CA 11-26-2009
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best turkey
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

amazingly flavorful considering the simplicity of the ingredients. the gravy turned out more sweet because of the syrup,... which was interesting. fantastic recipe.Read more
recipe Maple-Roasted Turkey with Sage Butter
Becky Middletown, PA 11-26-2009
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Moistest, Most Flavorable Turkey Ever
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

First time I have ever, ever in my life had to cook a turkey. I have always had the good fortune to live near my mom and she... was the cook for the holidays. I now live 1000 miles aways and with a family of 5 had to cook my first turkey. The receipe was so easy to follow, prep took me a little longer than the 40 min. but it could have taken 2 hr. and 40 min. and it would have been worth it!!!! My husband and children loved the moistness and the flavor of the turkey. The only thing I did different and it was most excellent is instead of smoked bacon I used Smoked Applewood bacon. Superb!!!! We will definately use this again and would recommend it to anyone!!! Thanks Tyler!!!!Read more
recipe Maple-Roasted Turkey with Sage Butter
Kristen Winnetka, IL 11-26-2009
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The annual turkey at our thanksgiving
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

It all started in Ireland, I was visiting my best friend studying there over Thanksgiving. We decided to make a... thanksgiving for all her friends who were american and foreign. We thought we would show them how great Thanksgiving can really be. We obviously used foodnetwork recipes, they all turned out fabulous. Tyler's use of maple syrup and bacon and all the herbs are exactly what a Turkey should taste like. It turned out great. It reminded all of the Americans of home, and it was a good introduction to Thanksgiving for others. Now that we are back in the States, we still make it for thanksgiving, but only this time, it is able to remind us of Thanksgiving in Ireland. GREAT TURKEY! make sure to baste! (which reminds me, its been about 30 minutes since I last basted... must go!)Read more
recipe Maple-Roasted Turkey with Sage Butter
Selene Fort Sill, OK 11-23-2009
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We love it!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I've used this recipe for the last 2 yrs and i am making it this Thanksgiving....my husband and kids loved it. My grandma is... coming to Ft.Sill, Ok where we are currently stationed....it'll be the first time my grandma will taste my very own Thanksgiving meal. I'm a little nervous but my husband keeps telling me she is going to love it too. The flavor is so delicious!Read more