Hey y’all! Looking for a showstopping centerpiece that’s both sweet and savory? This Honey-Glazed Turkey combines juicy, tender meat with a glossy, flavor-packed coating—ideal for festive holidays or cozy family dinners. Whether you’re a first-time host or a seasoned cook, this recipe guarantees rave reviews. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Honey-Glazed Turkey
- The honey glaze creates a caramelized, golden skin that’s both sweet and savory.
- Perfectly juicy and tender thanks to a basting method that locks in moisture.
- Simple, real-food ingredients with easy steps make it accessible to all cooks.
- It’s a versatile centerpiece—ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a special Sunday dinner.
- The leftovers are just as delicious in sandwiches, salads, or wraps.
Honey-Glazed Turkey Ingredients
- 1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs), thawed if frozen
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 1 lemon, halved
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 3/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
Honey-Glazed Turkey Directions
Prep Your Turkey
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Remove the turkey giblets and pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
- Rub the softened butter all over the turkey, including under the skin as much as possible. Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and thyme.
- Stuff the cavity with onion, lemon halves, and rosemary sprigs.
- Place the turkey breast-side up on a rack in a large roasting pan. Pour chicken broth in the bottom of the pan.
Make the Honey Glaze
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes. Set aside.
Bake and Baste
- Roast the turkey uncovered for 2.5 hours (about 11 minutes per pound for unstuffed turkeys—see roasting times).
- After 1.5 hours, brush the turkey with the honey glaze every 30 minutes, rotating the pan for even browning.
- If the turkey skin begins to get too dark, tent loosely with foil.
- Continue roasting and basting until the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. Total cook time is about 3.5 to 4 hours.
Rest and Serve
- Remove from oven and rest the turkey, tented with foil, for at least 25-30 minutes before carving to lock in juices.
- Carve, drizzle extra glaze, and enjoy!
Honey-Glazed Turkey Notes
- Let your turkey rest before carving—this preserves all the delicious juices and keeps the meat moist. See turkey resting tips.
- Use a meat thermometer for accuracy, and aim for 165°F in the thigh.
- For extra crispy skin, start the turkey uncovered for the first 40 minutes.
Honey-Glazed Turkey Variations
- Spicy Honey-Glazed Turkey: Add 1-2 teaspoons of chili flakes to the glaze for a kick.
- Cranberry Honey-Glazed Turkey: Stir in 1/2 cup of cranberry sauce to the glaze for a tangy twist.
- Herb-Infused Honey-Glazed Turkey: Add 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh sage and parsley to the butter rub for more herbal notes.
Equipment Needed for Honey-Glazed Turkey
- Large roasting pan with rack
- Basting brush
- Meat thermometer
- Sharp carving knife and fork
- Aluminum foil
Honey-Glazed Turkey Storage & Shelf Life
- Store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze sliced turkey for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat leftovers in a 300°F (150°C) oven, covered, or in the microwave until warmed through.
What to Serve with Honey-Glazed Turkey
- Creamy mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes
- Green bean casserole or Brussels sprouts
- Homemade cranberry sauce
- Warm dinner rolls or rustic bread
- A crisp white wine or festive cider
Pro Tips for the Best Honey-Glazed Turkey
- Baste generously—frequent glazing creates that gorgeous sheen and keeps the meat succulent. Learn more about turkey basting.
- Let the turkey sit out at room temperature for 1 hour before roasting, which helps with even cooking.
- Slice against the grain for tender, juicy pieces every time.
Honey-Glazed Turkey FAQ
- Can I use turkey breast instead of a whole turkey?
- Absolutely! Adjust cooking time (about 20 minutes per pound at 325°F), and baste as directed.
- Can I make the glaze in advance?
- Yes, the glaze can be kept in the fridge up to 3 days ahead; gently reheat before use.
- What should I do if my turkey skin is browning too quickly?
- Loosely tent the turkey with foil after the first 40 minutes to prevent over-browning while allowing the turkey to continue cooking.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 3.5 – 4 hours
Total Time: 4.5 hours
Servings: 10-12
Ingredients
- 1 whole turkey (10-12 lbs), thawed if frozen
- 3/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the turkey on a rack in a large roasting pan, pat dry with paper towels, and season generously with salt and pepper.
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2In a bowl, whisk together honey, melted butter, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, minced garlic, and dried thyme until well combined.
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3Brush the turkey all over with about half of the honey glaze. Cover loosely with foil and roast for 2 hours.
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4Remove foil and brush the turkey with the remaining glaze. Continue roasting, basting occasionally, for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
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5Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving. Serve warm with pan juices.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
520cal
Protein:
66 gg
Fat:
19 gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
20 gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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