The holiday feast isn’t truly complete without a show-stopping turkey at the heart of the table. Our Roast Turkey with Citrus Glaze brings a fresh, zesty twist to the beloved classic, perfect for adding a little sparkle to your Christmas spread. This recipe pairs juicy, golden roast turkey with a mouthwatering glaze of honey, maple, and fresh citrus juices. Together with garlic, herbs, and a citrusy caramelized finish, it’s a combination that’ll make every bite sing with flavor. 

And the aroma? Pure holiday magic! As the turkey roasts, your kitchen fills with the scent of rosemary and thyme mingling with the zest of lemon and orange—a symphony of flavors that perfectly balances the savory and the sweet. Just imagine serving this beautiful bird, its golden-brown skin glistening with glaze, surrounded by fresh herb sprigs and slices of bright citrus. This turkey will be the star of your holiday table, guaranteed to impress with both looks and taste.

Preparation:

• Preheat your oven to 165°C.

• Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Generously season the inside of the turkey cavity with salt and pepper.

• In a bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, lemon zest, and orange zest. Mix well to combine.

• Carefully separate the skin from the turkey breast and thighs by gently sliding your fingers under the skin.

• Rub about 3/4 of the herb butter mixture under the skin, spreading it evenly over the breast and thighs. Use the remaining butter to rub over the outside of the turkey.

• Place the turkey breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Roast in the preheated oven for about 2 hours.

• While the turkey roasts, prepare the citrus glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, honey, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until slightly thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

• After the first 2 hours of roasting, brush the turkey generously with the prepared citrus glaze.

• Return the turkey to the oven and continue roasting, basting with the citrus glaze every 30 minutes for an additional 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 75°C in the thickest part of the thigh.

• Once done, carefully transfer the turkey to a serving platter and let it rest for 20-30 minutes, covered loosely with foil, before carving.

• Garnish with fresh herbs and sliced oranges and lemons for a decorative touch.

• Enjoy!