Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- The day before, pat the turkey dry. Mix salt, pepper, and herbs for the dry brine. Rub it all over the turkey, including the cavity. Place on a rack over a baking sheet and refrigerate uncovered for 12-24 hours.
- 2 hours before roasting, take the turkey out of the fridge. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Make the herb butter by mixing all ingredients in a bowl.
- Make the glaze by simmering apple cider, maple syrup, and vinegar in a saucepan until reduced by half and syrupy (15-20 min). Set aside.
- Pat the turkey dry again. Gently loosen the skin over the breast and thighs. Spread the herb butter evenly under the skin, directly onto the meat.
- Place the quartered apple, onion, and herb sprigs inside the cavity. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wingtips.
- Place the turkey breast-side up on a V-rack in a roasting pan. Pour 1 cup of broth into the pan. Roast for about 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the thigh reads 155°F and the breast reads 130°F.
- Increase oven temp to 400°F (200°C). Brush the entire turkey with the cider glaze. Return to oven and roast for 30-45 more minutes, glazing every 15 minutes, until the thigh is 165°F and the breast is 160°F.
- Remove turkey from oven, transfer to a carving board, and tent loosely with foil. Let it rest for 30-45 minutes before carving and serving.
Notes
Resting the turkey is non-negotiable for juicy meat. Do not stuff the cavity with dressing for even cooking. Using a thermometer is the only way to guarantee perfect doneness.
