Honey-Glazed Turkey with Sage and Roasted Garlic
A sweet-and-savory glaze enhances the flavor of roast turkey and helps the skin to brown and crisp beautifully. For an even tastier bird, brine it overnight before roasting.
Ingredients
- 1 jar turkey brine (optional)
- 1 turkey, 12 to 16 lb. (6 to 8 kg), neck and giblets removed, reserved if desired
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
- 2 fresh rosemary sprigs
- 4 garlic cloves, peeled
- 1 lemon, halved
- 4 Tbs. (1/2 stick) (2 oz./60 g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 6 to 8 fresh sage leaves
For the glaze:
- 1 cup (12 oz./375 g) honey
- 8 Tbs. (1 stick) (4 oz./125 g) unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, grated
- 2 tsp. minced fresh sage
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
Classic Turkey Gravy for serving
Directions
Prepare the turkey brine and brine the turkey according to the package instructions. Remove the turkey from the brine and pat dry. If you did not brine the turkey, remove it from the refrigerator. Let the turkey stand at room temperature for 1 hour.
Position a rack in the lower third of an oven and preheat to 350°F (180°C).
Season the turkey inside and out with salt and pepper. Place the rosemary, garlic cloves and lemon halves inside the body cavity. If desired, truss the turkey with kitchen twine. Spread the butter over the turkey breast and under the skin, then slide the sage leaves under the skin. Transfer to the oven.
Meanwhile, make the glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey and butter and heat, stirring occasionally, until melted, about 2 minutes. Stir in the grated garlic and sage, and season with salt and pepper.
After 1 hour of roasting, begin brushing the turkey with the glaze. Continue roasting, brushing with glaze every 20 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast, away from the bone, registers 165°F (74°C), and inserted into the thigh registers 175°F (80°C), 1 1/2 hours to 2 1/2 hours more. If the breast begins to brown too quickly, tent it loosely with aluminum foil. Total roasting time should be 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours.
Transfer the turkey to a warmed platter, cover loosely with aluminum foil and let rest for about 20 minutes. Carve and serve with the gravy alongside. Serves 12.
Williams-Sonoma Test Kitchen