Devotti’s Food Lab← Holiday Gathering
Event Collection / Holiday Gathering / Recipe 001

Citrus Maple Holiday Turkey

A golden roast turkey breast with orange, maple, rosemary, and a glossy pan glaze made for the center of the table.

Get the ingredients ↓See the method ↓
Citrus Maple Holiday Turkey on a festive holiday tableHoliday Centerpiece · 001
Yield8 servings
TimeAbout 2 hours 15 minutes cooking + at least 4 hours dry-brining
FlavorSavory · citrus · maple
01 / The formula

For the gathering.

Measure everything before you begin and set the table for the finish.

01

Turkey

  • 1 bone-in, skin-on turkey breast (5–6 lb), fully thawed
  • 2 tbsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh thyme
  • 1 orange, zested and halved
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken stock
02

Glaze

  • ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
  • ¼ cup fresh orange juice
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • ½ cup pan juices, skimmed of fat
02 / The process

Make the moment.

Follow these steps in order for the best texture and presentation.

  1. 01
    Pat the turkey very dry. Season all over and under the skin with salt and pepper. Refrigerate uncovered for at least 4 hours or overnight; bring out 45 minutes before roasting.
  2. 02
    Heat oven to 425°F. Mix butter, rosemary, thyme, and orange zest. Rub under and over the skin. Put onion and orange halves in a roasting pan, place turkey on a rack above them, and pour stock into the pan.
  3. 03
    Roast 20 minutes, then lower oven to 325°F. Continue roasting 75–105 minutes, checking the thickest part with a thermometer. If skin darkens too fast, loosely tent with foil. Keep roasting until the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F, without touching bone with the probe. Rest for 20 minutes before slicing; use temperature, rather than the clock alone, to judge doneness.
  4. 04
    Simmer maple syrup, orange juice, mustard, and vinegar in a saucepan for 5 minutes. Stir in ½ cup skimmed pan juices and simmer 3–5 minutes until glossy.
  5. 05
    Slice turkey across the grain and arrange on a warm platter. Brush with glaze; pass extra glaze at the table.
03 / Holiday presentation

Gather around.

Rest the roast at least 20 minutes before slicing. Spoon the warm pan glaze over the sliced meat just before guests sit down.