Honey Baked Turkey

$To make a delicious honey baked turkey, gather these ingredients: - 1 whole turkey (10-12 lbs), thoroughly thawed - ½ cup honey - ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil - 4 tablespoons Dijon mustard - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon garlic powder - 1 tablespoon onion powder - 2 teaspoons smoked paprika - Salt and black pepper, to taste - A handful of fresh herbs (like thyme and rosemary) for both stuffing and garnish - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth You can swap out some of the ingredients if needed. Here are some easy replacements: - Honey: Use maple syrup for a different sweet flavor. - Olive oil: Can be replaced with melted butter for richness. - Dijon mustard: Yellow mustard works if you want a milder taste. - Chicken broth: Vegetable broth is a great alternative for a lighter option. - Fresh herbs: Dried herbs can work too; just use less. Choosing the right turkey size is key for a great meal. Here’s how to decide: - Weight per Person: Plan for about 1 pound of turkey per person. This ensures everyone has enough to enjoy. - Leftovers: If you love leftovers, go for 1.5 pounds per person. - Cooking Space: Make sure your oven and roasting pan can fit the turkey. Measure before you buy! These tips help you pick the perfect turkey for your gathering. Enjoy the process and the delicious results! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, set your oven to 325°F (165°C). This helps the turkey cook evenly. While the oven warms up, mix the honey, olive oil, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk it until smooth. This glaze adds flavor and shine to your turkey. Before you start, rinse the turkey well under cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels. Dry skin helps it get crispy. Next, season the inside of the turkey with salt and pepper. Stuff it with fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary. This will make your turkey taste amazing from the inside out. Now, take your glaze and brush it all over the turkey. Make sure to keep some glaze aside for basting later. This keeps the flavor strong and the skin shiny. Place the turkey in a roasting pan, breast-side up. Put a rack in the pan to keep it elevated. Pour low-sodium chicken broth into the bottom of the pan. This adds moisture while it cooks. Roast the turkey in the oven for about 13 to 15 minutes per pound. Remember to baste it with the reserved glaze every 30 minutes. When you check the turkey, it should reach 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the breast and thigh. After it's done, let it rest for at least 20 minutes. This helps the juices spread evenly, making your turkey juicy and tender. To get that perfect crisp skin, start with a dry turkey. Rinse it well, then pat it dry with paper towels. Dry skin helps to crisp up in the oven. Next, apply the honey glaze. Use a brush for even coverage. Do not skip the olive oil; it adds great flavor and helps with browning. Lastly, roast your turkey at 325°F. This low heat allows the skin to crisp without burning. Basting is key to a flavorful turkey. Baste your turkey every 30 minutes using the glaze you set aside. This keeps the turkey moist and adds flavor. You can also use the chicken broth in the pan for basting. This adds moisture and flavor during roasting. Make sure to check the bottom of the pan, too. If it gets too dry, add more broth to prevent burning. To know when your turkey is done, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the breast and thigh. The turkey is safe to eat at 165°F. Let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. This allows juices to flow back into the meat, making it juicy and tender. Always check multiple spots to ensure even cooking. Pro Tips Brining for Flavor: Consider brining the turkey in a saltwater solution for several hours before cooking. This will enhance the flavor and moisture of the meat. Using a Meat Thermometer: For the best results, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey. This ensures it is perfectly cooked and safe to eat. Letting it Rest: Don't skip the resting step after cooking! Allowing the turkey to rest for at least 20 minutes helps the juices redistribute for a juicier bite. Leftover Ideas: Use leftover turkey meat in soups, sandwiches, or salads. It’s a great way to enjoy your turkey in a new dish! {{image_4}} You can change the flavor of your honey baked turkey by using different glazes. A maple glaze adds a sweet and rich taste. To make it, mix ½ cup of maple syrup with your honey and Dijon mustard. You can also try a spiced glaze. Add ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of cayenne for a warm, spicy kick. Just blend those spices into the original honey glaze for a twist. You can cook your turkey in different ways. Roasting is the classic method. It makes the skin crispy and the meat juicy. If you want a smoky flavor, try smoking the turkey. Smoking takes longer but gives a wonderful depth of flavor. Use fruit wood chips like apple or cherry for a sweet aroma. Whichever method you choose, ensure your turkey reaches the safe temperature of 165°F. Honey baked turkey goes well with many side dishes. Classic sides include mashed potatoes and green beans. A fresh salad with cranberries adds a nice touch. Consider sweet potato casserole for a sweet contrast. For a cozy feel, serve stuffing or cornbread. Remember to balance flavors. The sweet turkey pairs well with both savory and tangy sides. Enjoy exploring different combinations! To store leftover honey baked turkey, first let it cool. Once cooled, carve the turkey into slices. Place the slices in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well to keep moisture in. Store it in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. You can freeze prepared honey baked turkey. Cut it into smaller portions for easy use later. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Then, place the wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag. Be sure to label the bag with the date. It can stay fresh for up to three months in the freezer. Reheating is key to enjoying your turkey again. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the turkey slices in a baking dish. Pour a little chicken broth over the turkey to keep it moist. Cover the dish with foil to trap steam. Heat for about 20-30 minutes, or until warm. This method helps keep your turkey juicy and flavorful. Honey baked turkey is a juicy, flavorful dish. It features a sweet and tangy glaze made from honey, olive oil, and Dijon mustard. The glaze caramelizes in the oven, giving the turkey a beautiful, golden-brown color. The herbs inside the turkey add depth and aroma. This dish is perfect for festive gatherings or family dinners. You should cook honey baked turkey for about 13 to 15 minutes per pound. For example, a 12-pound turkey needs around 2.5 to 3 hours in the oven. Always check the internal temperature. The thickest part of the breast and thigh should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure it's safe to eat. Yes, you can make the glaze ahead of time. Just mix the honey, olive oil, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. This saves time on cooking day and enhances the flavors even more. You learned how to prepare a delicious honey-baked turkey, from choosing the right ingredients to cooking techniques. Familiarize yourself with tips for perfect skin and flavor. Explore variations like different glazes and side dishes to enhance your meal. Finally, master storage and reheating to enjoy leftovers. With these steps, you can create a tasty turkey feast that impresses everyone at your table. Enjoy your cooking journey!$

A deliciously glazed turkey baked to perfection, ideal for festive gatherings.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 3

Total Time 3 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Ingredients

1 whole turkey (10-12 lbs), thoroughly thawed
0.5 cup honey
0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil
4 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
to taste salt and black pepper
a handful fresh herbs (such as thyme and rosemary) for both stuffing and garnish
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine honey, olive oil, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, along with salt and black pepper. Whisk until smooth.
Rinse the turkey inside and out under cold running water, then pat it dry with paper towels.
Season the inside cavity of the turkey with salt, pepper, and fill it with fresh herbs.
Apply the honey glaze all over the exterior of the turkey, reserving some for later basting.
Place the turkey, breast-side up, on a rack in a roasting pan. Pour chicken broth into the bottom of the pan.
Roast the turkey for approximately 13-15 minutes per pound, basting every 30 minutes with reserved glaze until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Let the turkey rest for at least 20 minutes before carving.

Notes

Let the turkey rest before carving for juicier meat.

Keyword baked, holiday, honey glaze, turkey