Balsamic and Honey Glazed Roast Turkey

Name: Balsamic and Honey Glazed Roast Turkey
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 300 min
Total time: 330 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: 1 (12- to 14-pound) turkey (thawed if frozen); 3 tablespoons butter; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 1 orange (cut into quarters); 1 bunch thyme sprigs; 3/4 cup white balsamic vinegar; 1/2 cup honey; 2 tablespoons orange juice; 1/2 teaspoon thyme; 2 tablespoons butter

Prep: 30 mins

Cook: 5 hrs

Total: 5 hrs 30 mins

Servings: 10 to 12 servings

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People often become creatures of habit when it comes to cooking turkey for the holidays, but if you're looking to change up your prep, consider this glaze for turkey. This glaze for this roast turkey is simple to make and very delicious. The ingredients might initially seem a little unusual, as it consists of balsamic vinegar, orange juice, thyme, and honey. It's easy to put together and adds a wonderful flavor—a balance of sweet, savory, and tart, thanks to the ingredients used.

This recipe uses white balsamic vinegar, which is worth seeking out for its milder flavor in comparison to the kind of balsamic vinegar you might be more familiar with

Your Frequently Asked Holiday Questions, Answered

Smoked Turkey on a platter with orange wedges

The turkey can be stuffed with any stuffing you'd like, or you can cook the stuffing on the side instead. Make sure the turkey is completely thawed before you start this recipe. If you purchased a frozen turkey, you can thaw it in the refrigerator but it will likely take 2 to 3 days, depending on how big it is. You can also thaw a turkey in cold water; just make sure that you change the water every 30 minutes so it stays cold.

Cooking a Turkey for Beginners

What You’ll Need To Make This Turkey Recipe

A Dependable Roasting Pan

A Wireless Thermometer

A Sharp Knife

1 (12- to 14-pound) turkey, thawed if frozen
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 orange, cut into quarters
1 bunch thyme
3/4 cup white balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup honey
2 tablespoons orange juice
1/2 teaspoon thyme
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Gather the ingredients.

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Pat the turkey dry and place in a roasting pan. Bend the wings and tuck them under the turkey for a neat appearance.

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Preheat the oven to 350 F. Rub the turkey with the butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

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Put the orange segments and thyme sprigs in the turkey cavity. Set the bird aside.

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In a small saucepan, cook the vinegar over medium-high heat until it is reduced to about half.

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Stir in the honey, orange juice, dried thyme, and butter and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

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Brush the turkey with some of the glaze and place in the oven. Roast according to cooking charts for unstuffed or stuffed turkey (depending on what you're doing), brushing with the glaze every 15 minutes for the first hour or until the glaze is used up.

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Continue roasting, basting with the juices in the pan every hour, until a meat thermometer inserted into the turkey thigh (make sure you are not touching the bone) registers 165 F.

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Remove the turkey from the oven, cover it with foil, and let stand while you make finish cooking the rest of your Thanksgiving feast.

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Carve and serve.

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Nutrition Facts (per serving)
151	Calories
4g	Fat
28g	Carbs
2g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 10 to 12
Amount per serving
Calories	151
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 4g	5%
Saturated Fat 3g	13%
Cholesterol 13mg	4%
Sodium 303mg	13%
Total Carbohydrate 28g	10%
Dietary Fiber 2g	9%
Total Sugars 24g
Protein 2g
Vitamin C 63mg	314%
Calcium 50mg	4%
Iron 0mg	2%
Potassium 224mg	5%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.