Homestyle Turkey the Michigander Way
Celebrate Thanksgiving or any special family gathering with a comforting and flavorful centerpiece: *Homestyle Turkey the Michigander Way*! This heartwarming recipe showcases the signature flavors of Michigan with a maple syrup-infused butter blend featuring fresh sage, rosemary, and thyme. The turkey is roasted to golden perfection, nestled in a bed of aromatics like apples, onions, and carrots, and basted with apple cider and hearty stock for an irresistibly juicy interior. Perfectly browned and fragrant, this 12-pound turkey serves up to eight guests and pairs beautifully with your favorite homestyle sides. Whether you're looking to embrace rustic Midwest flavors or simply elevate your holiday feast, this recipe guarantees tender, herbaceous, and unforgettable bites. Perfect for lovers of traditional Thanksgiving turkey recipes with a regional twist!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 pounds Whole turkey
- 0.5 cups Unsalted butter, softened
- 0.25 cups Maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Fresh sage, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Fresh thyme, chopped
- 2 tablespoons Salt
- 1 tablespoon Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups Apple cider
- 1 Yellow onion, quartered
- 1 Granny Smith apple, quartered
- 2 Carrot, chopped
- 2 Celery stalk, chopped
- 2 cups Chicken or turkey stock
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
Remove the turkey from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. Remove the neck and giblets and set aside if you plan to use them for gravy or broth.
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, maple syrup, chopped sage, rosemary, and thyme. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and 1/2 tablespoon of black pepper to the butter mixture.
Gently loosen the skin of the turkey around the breast area without tearing it. Spread half the flavored butter mixture under the skin, directly onto the meat. Rub the remaining butter over the outside of the turkey.
Season the turkey cavity with 1 tablespoon of salt and 1/2 tablespoon of black pepper. Stuff the cavity with the quartered onion, Granny Smith apple, carrot, and celery.
Place the turkey on a roasting rack inside a large roasting pan. Pour the apple cider and chicken or turkey stock into the bottom of the pan to keep the turkey moist during cooking.
Cover the turkey loosely with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Roast for 13-15 minutes per pound until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the breast and 175°F (80°C) in the thigh.
About 30 minutes before the turkey is fully cooked, remove the aluminum foil to allow the skin to brown and crisp up.
Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful turkey.
Serve your turkey alongside your favorite Michigander-inspired sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or a tangy cranberry sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
8835 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 289.4 g | 371% | |
| Saturated Fat | 115.9 g | 580% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 4068 mg | 1356% | |
| Sodium | 19436 mg | 845% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 152.0 g | 55% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.5 g | 48% | |
| Total Sugars | 121.3 g | ||
| Protein | 1315.4 g | 2631% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 873 mg | 67% | |
| Iron | 63.6 mg | 353% | |
| Potassium | 14891 mg | 317% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
