Maple Glazed Turkey with Apple Stuffing

As the holiday season approaches, families gather around the table to celebrate cherished traditions, and one centerpiece that remains a staple in many households is the turkey. This magnificent bird symbolizes abundance and festivity, often serving as the focal point of holiday meals. Whether it's Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a special family gathering, the turkey is not just food; it represents togetherness, gratitude, and the warmth of shared moments.

Get ready to elevate your holiday gatherings with a Maple-Glazed Turkey featuring Apple Stuffing. This delightful twist on a classic dish combines a sweet, caramelized turkey exterior with savory and fruity apple stuffing, perfect for celebrating family traditions. With easy-to-follow preparation and the option to personalize flavors, this recipe is great for both new cooks and seasoned chefs. Share delicious moments and create lasting memories this festive season!

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Ingredients

For the Turkey:

1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs)

1 cup pure maple syrup

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

2 teaspoons garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

2 cups chicken broth

For the Apple Stuffing:

1 loaf of day-old bread, cut into cubes (about 8 cups)

2 cups diced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

1 cup celery, finely chopped

1 cup onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins

1 teaspoon ground sage

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 to 3 cups chicken broth (as needed)

Instructions

Prepare the Turkey:

- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).

- Remove the turkey giblets and pat the turkey dry with paper towels.

- In a small bowl, mix together the maple syrup, softened butter, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary until well combined.

- Brush the turkey with the maple glaze, making sure to cover the entire surface.

- Place the turkey on a roasting pan, breast-side up.

Prepare the Stuffing:

- In a large skillet, over medium heat, melt the 1/4 cup of butter.

- Add the chopped onions and celery and sauté until they're soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

- Stir in the diced apples, cranberries/raisins, sage, cinnamon, salt, pepper, and parsley. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.

- In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes with the sautéed mixture. Pour in enough chicken broth to moisten the bread, stirring gently until combined—be careful not to make it too soggy.

Stuff the Turkey:

- Carefully spoon the apple stuffing into the cavity of the turkey, packing it lightly. Do not overstuff.

- Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wing tips under the body.

Roast the Turkey:

- Pour chicken broth into the bottom of the roasting pan (this prevents the drippings from burning).

- Cover the turkey loosely with foil and roast in the preheated oven.

- Roast for approximately 13-15 minutes per pound, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (74°C).

- Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes for a crispy skin, continuing to baste the turkey with the maple glaze every 15 minutes.

Rest and Serve:

- Once the turkey is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.

- Serve the turkey with the apple stuffing alongside your favorite sides. Drizzle any remaining maple glaze over the carved turkey for an extra touch of sweetness.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 minutes | 3 hours | 8-10 servings