Maple Bourbon Thanksgiving Turkey

This roasted turkey combines the perfect level of sweet and salt. The over night brine ensures a quality bite every time and the glaze gives the perfect shine.

Servings

Prep Time

Cook Time

Ingredients

Total Time

Ingredients

Brine: https://youtu.be/H-FOrMGK2WY

4 quarts water, divided
2 cups dark brown sugar
1 cup soy sauce
1 cup maple syrup
¾ cup course salt
1 tablespoon roasted garlic paste
6 bay leaves
2 teaspoons ground thyme
2 teaspoons cracked black peppercorns
1 cup Bourbon

Turkey: https://youtu.be/AcYQCoL_wP0

1 10-12 pound whole turkey
1 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup bourbon
1-2 teaspoons liquid smoke (optional)
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
5 minced garlic cloves
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon thyme
1 pinch cayenne pepper
2 apples, quartered
2 onions, quartered
3 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces
Sea Salt

Directions

Brine:

Combine 2 quarts water with remaining ingredients in a large pot, stir to dissolve salts and sugar. Bring to a boil.
Remove from heat and add remaining 2 quarts water.
Allow brine to cool before using. Submerge whole turkey in the brine and let sit in the fridge over night.

Turkey:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
Combine maple syrup, bourbon, liquid smoke, paprika, pepper, salt, garlic, onion powder, thyme, and cayenne pepper in a bowl. Mix well and set aside.
Remove turkey from brine and place in roasting pan.
Cut 6 slits in the skin of the turkey, making a pocket between the skin and the meat. Place peices of butter in the pockets.
Place the quartered apples and onions inside the cavity of the turkey.
Sprinkle sea salt over the turkey.
Pour glaze mixture over the turkey.
Cover and roast turkey 2.5-3 hours, removing when internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
Let turkey rest 5-10 minutes before slicing.

‍