Golden Brown Sugar Butter Turkey
A lacquered, glowing holiday showstopper for your table
There’s something magic about a turkey that practically shimmers. This one is brushed with a warm brown sugar butter infused with citrus zest and herbs, turning the skin into a glossy, golden dream. It perfumes the whole house with that cozy, cinnamon-soft holiday feeling and carves like a love letter to Thanksgiving itself.
Ingredients
For the Turkey
• 1 whole turkey, 12 to 14 pounds, thawed
• Salt and black pepper
• 1 large orange, halved
• 1 lemon, halved
• 1 onion, quartered
• 1 head of garlic, halved
• 6 to 8 sprigs fresh thyme
• 6 to 8 sprigs fresh rosemary
For the Brown Sugar Butter Glaze
• 1 cup salted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• Zest of 1 orange
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
1. Prep your holiday queen
Pat the turkey dry like you’re giving it a spa day. Season the cavity generously with salt and pepper. Stuff with orange, lemon, garlic, onion, and fresh herbs.
2. Make the golden glaze
In a bowl, mix the softened butter with brown sugar, citrus zest, herbs, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. It should smell like a winter dream and look like caramel before it becomes caramel.
3. Loosen the skin
Gently slide your fingers under the turkey skin at the breast and thighs. Tuck a generous amount of the sugar butter directly under the skin. This is the secret to flavor that melts right into the meat.
4. Coat her completely
Rub the remaining glaze all over the turkey. Every curve, every corner. You want full, glossy coverage.
5. Roast slow and sweet
Place the turkey on a rack in a large roasting pan. Roast at 325°F. General guideline is about 13 to 15 minutes per pound, but the true sign is temperature. Baste every 45 minutes with the pan drippings for maximum shine.
6. Finish with a caramel moment
About 30 minutes before it’s done, baste again to encourage that lacquered finish. Turkey is ready when a thermometer in the thigh reads 165°F.
7. Let her rest
Give the turkey 20 to 30 minutes to settle before carving. It keeps the juices luscious and the slices worthy of a holiday spread.
Serving Ideas
• Add a final drizzle of warm brown sugar butter over the carved meat.
• Garnish the platter with citrus slices and fresh thyme for a glam, editorial look.
• Pair with maple roasted carrots or parmesan whipped potatoes for a decadent plate.