By combining the rich, savory flavor of turkey with the sweet, caramelized glaze typically associated with honey-baked ham, you’ll create a tender, juicy bird that’s sure to impress your guests.
This recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion where you want to serve something truly memorable.
Making a delicious honey baked turkey may seem daunting, but it’s actually quite easy with some simple tips and tricks. A honey baked turkey has moist, tender meat infused with sweet honey flavor – it’s an impressive centerpiece for any holiday table. Follow this simple guide for foolproof results.
Ingredients
- 12-15 lb whole fresh or thawed frozen turkey
- 1⁄2 cup butter, softened
- 1⁄4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- Salt and pepper
Equipment
- Roasting pan with rack
- Meat thermometer
- Basting brush
- Aluminum foil
Step 1: Prep the Turkey
- Remove giblets and neck from turkey cavities. Rinse turkey inside and out with cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- Loosen the skin from the breast and thigh areas gently with your fingers. Don’t totally detach it.
- Combine butter, honey, thyme, rosemary and sage in a small bowl. Spoon half the mixture under the loosened skin, directly on the breast meat.
- Rub the remaining honey butter all over the outside of the turkey skin. Season all over with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Roast the Turkey
- Place turkey breast side up on roasting rack in pan.
- Tent loosely with foil, leaving room for air circulation.
- Roast at 350°F for 2 hours.
Step 3: Baste and Roast More
- Remove foil and baste turkey with pan juices.
- Continue roasting, basting every 30 minutes, until thermometer inserted into thickest part of thigh reads 165°F, about 1 hour longer.
- If browning too quickly, tent foil over just the breast.
Step 4: Make the Glaze
- In a small saucepan, heat remaining honey butter mixture from prep step until warm and runny.
Step 5: Finish and Rest
- Remove turkey from oven and brush all over with glaze. Let rest 20-30 minutes before carving.
Step 6: Carve and Serve
- Transfer turkey to a cutting board and slice breast meat off bone. Cut into slices.
- Separate drumsticks from thighs. Slice thigh meat off bones.
- Arrange on serving platter with any accumulated juices. Spoon extra glaze over turkey.
Tips for Best Results
- For moist meat, don’t overcook. Temperature should reach 165°F.
- Letting turkey rest after roasting allows juices to absorb back into meat.
- Use a meat fork and carving knife to neatly slice meat off the bones.
- Place any leftover turkey in fridge within 2 hours of cooking.
- Store leftovers in freezer up to 4 months for longer term storage.
Cooking a honey baked turkey delivers the perfect balance of savory and sweet in one impressive holiday centerpiece. With these simple tips you’ll achieve tender juiciness and beautiful browning. The heavenly honey flavor shines through in every slice. Enjoy this sensational turkey feast with your family!
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best turkey size for honey baked?
12-15 pounds is ideal, Big enough for leftovers but not too large to handle
Can I bake a frozen turkey with the honey butter?
Yes just add about 30 minutes per pound to the baking time. Monitor temperature.
What if my turkey browns too fast?
Cover just the breast meat with foil to slow browning, but leave thighs exposed.
Is an injector necessary for flavor?
No, simply loosening skin and rubbing butter underneath and on top adds plenty of flavor.
Can I prep the turkey a day ahead?
Absolutely. Prep turkey completely then refrigerate overnight up to 24 hours before roasting.
Should I truss the turkey legs?
Trussing with kitchen string compacts shape for even cooking but isn’t required.
What temp indicates turkey is done?
165°F in thickest part of thigh. For accuracy use an instant read meat thermometer.
How long should turkey rest before carving?
Let sit at least 20 minutes after roasting so juices redistribute into meat.
Can I reheat leftovers in the microwave?
Yes, microwave pieces in a covered dish with broth or gravy until heated through.
With this easy honey baked turkey recipe and helpful tips, you’ll have a gorgeous golden bird on your table this holiday season. The combination of savory herbs, sweet honey, and aromatic turkey is irresistible. Enjoy impressive results without stress using this foolproof method.
The Steps of Preparation (Possible in All Kinds of Variations)
Follow these steps to create a succulent Honey Baked Ham-style whole turkey:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Prepare the Turkey:
- Remove the turkey giblets and pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Place the turkey on a rack in a large roasting pan.
- In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Gently loosen the skin of the turkey breast and rub the seasoned butter under the skin, spreading it evenly. Rub any remaining butter mixture over the outside of the turkey.
- Stuff the cavity of the turkey with the orange, lemon, onion, rosemary, and thyme.
- Roast the Turkey:
- Cover the turkey loosely with aluminum foil and roast in the preheated oven for about 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Prepare the Honey Glaze:
- While the turkey is roasting, prepare the honey glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, orange juice, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves (if using), and butter.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has dissolved. Set aside.
- Glaze the Turkey:
- After the initial roasting time, remove the foil from the turkey and brush the honey glaze generously over the entire bird.
- Return the turkey to the oven and continue roasting for an additional 30-60 minutes, basting with more glaze every 15-20 minutes. Watch closely to prevent the glaze from burning.
- Rest the Turkey:
- Once the turkey is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), remove it from the oven and transfer to a cutting board.
- Tent the turkey loosely with foil and let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender turkey.
- Carve and Serve:
- Carve the turkey and serve with the remaining glaze drizzled over the slices for extra flavor.
This Honey Baked Ham-style whole turkey is not just delicious but also nutritious:
- High in Protein: Turkey is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and overall health.
- Rich in Vitamins: The citrus and spices in the glaze provide vitamins like Vitamin C and antioxidants, which support the immune system.
- Low in Carbs: This dish is naturally low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for various diets.
- Healthy Fats: The use of butter adds a dose of healthy fats, which support brain function.
The Necessary Ingredients (Possible in All Kinds of Variations)
Gather these ingredients to create a delicious Honey Baked Ham-style whole turkey:
For the Turkey:
- 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds), thawed if frozen
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 orange, quartered
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
For the Honey Glaze:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional for a spiced flavor)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Alternative Ingredients:
- Herbal Variation: Add fresh sage or parsley to the turkey cavity for extra flavor.
- Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze for a touch of heat.
- Smoky: Use smoked paprika in the rub for a subtle smoky flavor.