Maple Glazed Turkey with Apple Stuffing

Turkey has long been a centerpiece of festive meals, especially during Thanksgiving and holiday gatherings. This majestic bird represents not only a culinary tradition but also a time for family and friends to come together in celebration. The act of roasting a turkey has become synonymous with warmth, gratitude, and the spirit of sharing. As we look forward to these cherished occasions, one recipe that elevates the traditional turkey experience is the Maple-Glazed Turkey with Apple Stuffing.

Maple Glazed Turkey with Apple Stuffing

Bring warmth and flavor to your holiday gatherings with this Maple-Glazed Turkey with Apple Stuffing recipe. The savory turkey, enhanced by a sweet maple glaze, perfectly pairs with aromatic apple stuffing, creating a memorable dish that's sure to impress. Learn how to select the ideal turkey, prepare a delicious maple glaze with fresh herbs, and craft a delightful apple stuffing. This festive centerpiece will have your loved ones reminiscing long after the meal is over. Perfect for creating lasting memories!

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Ingredients

For the Turkey:

1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds)

1 cup pure maple syrup

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped

2 cups chicken broth

For the Apple Stuffing:

8 cups cubed day-old bread (preferably sourdough or whole wheat)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 onion, finely chopped

3 ribs celery, diced

2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1 cup vegetable or chicken broth

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Turkey:

- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).

- Clean the turkey by removing any giblets from the cavity. Pat it dry with paper towels.

- In a bowl, mix the maple syrup, melted butter, salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.

Glaze the Turkey:

- Place the turkey on a large roasting pan. Brush the syrup mixture all over the turkey, ensuring you coat it well under the skin where possible.

- Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the roasting pan to keep the turkey moist.

Make the Apple Stuffing:

- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and celery; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

- Stir in the chopped apples, cranberries, cinnamon, nutmeg, parsley, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.

- In a large bowl, combine the sautéed mixture with the cubed bread. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth slowly, mixing until the bread is well moistened but not soggy.

Stuff the Turkey:

- Gently stuff the turkey cavity with the apple stuffing, packing it lightly. Secure the cavity with kitchen twine or skewers.

Roast the Turkey:

- Cover the turkey loosely with aluminum foil. Roast in the oven for about 3 hours, basting the turkey every 30 minutes with the drippings.

- Remove the foil in the last hour to allow the skin to brown and caramelize, brushing it again with the maple glaze.

Check for Doneness:

- The turkey is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. If the stuffing is also at 165°F, it’s ready to serve.

Rest and Serve:

- Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving.

- Serve slices of turkey with the apple stuffing and drizzle some pan drippings over the top for added flavor.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 mins | 4 hours | 10-12 servings