Sweet & Smoky Maple-Bourbon Glazed Turkey Recipe

Every Thanksgiving, I like to make something that feels a little bit indulgent and unexpected.

That’s how this Maple-Bourbon Glazed Turkey was born — a rich, glossy bird that smells like fall and tastes like pure comfort.

The sweet maple syrup, smoky bourbon, and savory butter blend into a glaze that caramelizes beautifully as it roasts.

Every slice is juicy, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress even the toughest critics at the table.

Jump to Recipe

Recipe Highlights

This recipe is all about balance — the natural sweetness of maple syrup meets the depth of bourbon and the earthiness of herbs.

The glaze forms a shiny coating over the turkey, locking in moisture while delivering irresistible flavor.

A little bourbon magic brings out the warmth of the maple and creates a gorgeous amber color you’ll want to photograph before serving.

Highlights:

• Deep caramelized glaze with maple and bourbon.
  .
• Juicy meat with crispy, flavorful skin.
  .
• Elegant twist on the traditional Thanksgiving turkey.
  .
• Perfect for both family dinners and festive gatherings.
  .
• Stunning presentation that looks straight out of a magazine.

Ingredient Notes

• Whole Turkey (12–14 pounds): Choose a fresh or fully thawed bird. This size ensures even cooking and plenty for leftovers.
  .
• Pure Maple Syrup: Provides natural sweetness and helps create that glossy, caramelized glaze.
  .
• Bourbon: Adds a smoky-sweet depth and enhances the maple’s richness.
  .
• Unsalted Butter: Keeps the turkey moist while adding a silky base for the glaze.
  .
• Brown Sugar: Helps with caramelization and deepens the glaze color.
  .
• Garlic and Dijon Mustard: Add savory contrast to balance the sweetness.
  .
• Fresh Thyme and Rosemary: Infuse the turkey with herbal freshness.
  .
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance every flavor note.
  .
• Orange Zest: Brightens the glaze with a hint of citrus.

How to Make My Maple-Bourbon Glazed Turkey

1. Step 1 – Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Pat the turkey dry with paper towels and remove giblets. Place it on a roasting rack in a large pan.
   .
2. Step 2 – Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup, bourbon, brown sugar, butter, garlic, Dijon mustard, orange zest, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes until thickened.
   .
3. Step 3 – Brush and Roast: Brush half the glaze over the turkey. Roast for 3 to 3½ hours, basting every 30 minutes with the remaining glaze and pan drippings.
   .
4. Step 4 – Check for Doneness: When the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F on a meat thermometer, remove from oven.
   .
5. Step 5 – Rest and Carve: Let rest 20–30 minutes before carving so the juices redistribute perfectly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this show-stopping turkey with:

• Brown butter mashed sweet potatoes.
  .
• Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon.
  .
• Cranberry-orange chutney for a tangy accent.
  .
• Cornbread stuffing or sourdough dressing.
  .
• A drizzle of leftover bourbon-maple glaze over slices before serving.

Tips for the Best Maple-Bourbon Glazed Turkey

Use real maple syrup, not pancake syrup — it makes all the difference in flavor and caramelization.

Let the glaze reduce until it lightly coats a spoon for that perfect sticky finish. For extra color, increase the oven temperature to 400°F for the last 10 minutes.

Always allow the turkey to rest before carving for the juiciest results.

Storage and Warming of Leftovers

Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat slices in a covered dish at 300°F until warmed through.

To freeze, wrap tightly in foil and store up to 3 months. Reheat gently to preserve the glaze texture.