Honey Mustard Glazed Turkey: A Sweet & Tangy Holiday Centerpiece

A beautifully glazed turkey is the ultimate centerpiece for any holiday table. While plain roast turkey is delicious, a sweet and zesty glaze really takes it over the top. Honey mustard glaze combines the tangy zip of mustard with the mellow sweetness of honey for a recipe that perfectly complements turkey’s savory flavor. This step-by-step guide will teach you how to make this crowd-pleasing glazed turkey.

Benefits of Glazing

There are several advantages to glazing a turkey versus cooking it plain:

• Added Flavor – Glazes impart new flavors that complement the turkey. Honey mustard delivers a balance of sweet and tangy.

• Browning – Glazes promote gorgeous, even browning and crispy skin.

• Moisture – Brushing on a glaze seals in turkey juices keeping the meat incredibly moist.

• Presentation – A glistening, lacquered turkey is beautiful and appetizing It adds color and richness

Choosing the Turkey

When selecting a turkey for glazing, opt for

• 12-15 pounds – Large enough to serve a crowd but not so big that it’s hard to maneuver.

• No added basting liquids – Look for natural or kosher turkeys without added broths or saline.

• Thawed – Give frozen turkeys 3-4 days to thaw fully in the fridge.

Make the Glaze

This honey mustard glaze comes together in just 5 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1⁄2 cup honey
• 1⁄2 cup Dijon mustard
• 1⁄4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper

Instructions:

1. Whisk all glaze ingredients together in a small saucepan.

2. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes until thickened slightly.

3. Let glaze cool for at least 30 minutes before using.

The glaze can be made 1-2 days in advance and stored refrigerated until ready to use.

Prep the Turkey

Be sure to remove giblets from the turkey cavities. Rinse the turkey under cool water and pat very dry, inside and out, with paper towels.

For optimal glaze coverage, carefully loosen the skin from the breast meat and drumsticks using your fingers. Be gentle so you don’t tear the skin.

Truss the turkey legs together with kitchen string to hold its shape during roasting.

Roast the Turkey

Place turkey breast-side up on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan. Tent loosely with foil.

Roast turkey in a 350°F oven for about 2-2.5 hours total. Here’s a timeline for a 12-14 lb turkey:

• 10 minutes per lb at 350°F, breast side up and covered in foil. For a 12 lb turkey roast 120 minutes this way.

• Uncover turkey and brush with some of the glaze. Roast 30 minutes more until browned.

• Rotate pan and continue roasting, brushing with glaze every 20 minutes, until skin is deeply golden and an instant thermometer inserted in thigh reads 165°F.

Let turkey rest 30 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.

Glazing Tips

• Brush on glaze during last 30-60 minutes of roasting time.

• Use approximately 1⁄3 of the glaze per application. Save some to brush on after slicing.

• If glaze starts to burn, loosely tent foil over turkey while continuing to roast.

• For best results, glaze 3-4 times during roasting.

• If turkey browns too quickly, reduce oven to 325°F.

Serving Suggestions

A glazed turkey is the perfect centerpiece hot out of the oven. Here are some tasty ways to serve it:

• Carve turkey and serve immediately with pan gravy.

• Let guests self-serve by passing platters of sliced turkey.

• Pile sliced turkey on rolls for turkey sandwiches with cranberry sauce.

• Dice or shred leftovers to use in casseroles, soups, salads and wraps.

• Mix diced turkey with mayo, celery, pecans and a dash of glaze to make an easy salad.

Make It a Meal

Round out your honey mustard turkey dinner with these flavorful sides:

• Roasted vegetables – Brussels sprouts, carrots, squash

• Classic mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes

• Stuffing or dressing

• Cranberry sauce

• Fresh rolls and butter

• A bright, acidic salad tossed in a vinaigrette

• Pumpkin or pecan pie for dessert

With the sweet and savory glazed turkey as your centerpiece, you can craft a phenomenal holiday feast.

Food Safety Notes

When working with raw poultry:

• Defrost turkey thoroughly before glazing – allow 24 hours per 4-5 lbs.

• Use separate utensils for raw turkey vs. cooked.

• Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces that touch raw turkey with hot soapy water.

• Cook turkey to minimum internal temp of 165°F.

Honey mustard glazed turkey is sure to be a hit at your next holiday gathering. The sweet and tangy glaze acts as the perfect counterpoint to the savory turkey. With a little planning and prep, you can roast a gorgeously lacquered turkey worthy of any festive occasion.