As Thanksgiving approaches, thoughts turn to the main event – the turkey! A beautifully bronzed, juicy turkey is the crowning jewel of any Thanksgiving table. But achieving turkey perfection takes skill. Undercook it, and you risk salmonella. Overcook it, and you end up with dry, stringy meat.
That’s where a flavorful glaze comes in. A good glaze keeps the turkey moist while adding tons of flavor. And nothing quite compares to the sweet tang of honey mustard glaze. The glaze forms a craveably sticky, sweet and salty crust while the meat inside stays succulent. It’s the best way to guarantee a drool-worthy turkey every time.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make honey mustard glazed turkey like a pro, from choosing the right turkey to glazing techniques. You’ll learn insider tips to get crispy skin, moist meat, and irresistible flavor in every bite. Let’s get started!
Why Go for Honey Mustard Glazed Turkey
Honey mustard glaze is a total game changer if you want to take your Thanksgiving turkey up a notch Here’s why it’s so good
Moist Meat The sugar in the glaze caramelizes as it bakes, forming a browned exterior that seals in the turkey’s natural juices.
Crispy Skin: The glaze helps the skin get super crispy and golden brown. The best part of the turkey!
Sweet & Tangy Flavor: Honey mustard glaze strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy. It adds tons of flavor without overpowering the turkey.
Foolproof Method: Glazing essentially “marinades” the turkey as it bakes, guaranteeing moist, flavorful meat even if you overcook it slightly.
Easy to Make: Only 5 basic ingredients to mix up for the glaze, and it comes together in minutes.
With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why honey mustard glazed turkey is a perennial Thanksgiving favorite. Now let’s get into the nitty gritty of how to make it right at home.
Choosing the Best Turkey for Glazing
Obviously, you want to start with a high quality turkey. Here’s what to look for:
Frozen vs. Fresh: Go frozen! The flash freezing process locks in flavor and moisture better than fresh turkeys which can dry out.
Size: Plan for 1-1.5 pounds of turkey per person. A 12-15 lb bird feeds 8-12 people.
Type: Hens (females) have more fat for better flavor. Toms (males) are bigger for feeding a crowd. Choose what suits your needs.
Brand: Natural, free-range, and organic turkey brands like Bell & Evans produce more flavorful birds. Or buy directly from a local farm.
Thaw Properly: Keep the turkey in its original wrap and thaw in the fridge 1 day per 4 lbs. This prevents moisture loss.
Choosing the highest quality bird you can find ensures your glazed turkey will be as delicious as it looks.
Mixing Up the Perfect Honey Mustard Glaze
Of course, a honey mustard glazed turkey is only as good as the glaze itself. Here’s how to whip up a winning glaze:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup Dijon or spicy brown mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon each garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper
Method:
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in the remaining ingredients and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat and let simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring often, until thickened slightly.
- Let the glaze cool before using.
Mixing your own glaze means you control the flavors – sweet, tangy, spicy, or savory. You can also make a batch ahead of time so it’s ready for turkey time.
Best Practices for Glazing Technique
Glazing during roasting is the key to flavorful, moist turkey perfection. Follow these tips:
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Pat the turkey dry and rub the skin with olive oil and seasoning. This aids browning.
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Place turkey breast up on a roasting rack in a pan. Tuck the wings underneath to hold glaze.
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Roast the turkey uncovered at 350°F until the breast hits 160°F. Calculate 15-18 minutes per pound.
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Begin basting the turkey with glaze after the first hour of roasting. Reapply every 30 minutes.
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Once the breast hits 160°F, stop basting and increase heat to 400°F. This will brown and caramelize the glaze.
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When the breast hits 165°F, remove turkey from the oven. The carryover cooking will take it to the food safe 165°F.
Follow this roasting and glazing method, and your turkey will be perfectly cooked with a glistening honey mustard crust everyone will devour.
Handy Turkey Roasting Tips & Troubleshooting
Beyond glazing techniques, there are some additional roasting tips that will help ensure you nail honey mustard turkey every time:
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Truss the turkey legs together with kitchen twine so it cooks evenly.
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Use a meat thermometer to accurately gauge the breast and thigh temperatures.Cooking times can vary.
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Add aromatics like onion, lemon, herbs or garlic inside the cavity for extra flavor.
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Roast breast side up, then flip to back side up for the last hour for even browning.
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If the skin browns too quickly, tent foil loosely over the turkey to slow cooking.
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Let the cooked turkey rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.
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If the turkey is underdone, return to oven and continue roasting until it reaches a food safe 165°F.
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If turkey is overbrowned but underdone inside, tent foil over it and continue roasting until 165°F.
With the right techniques, you can correct any turkey roasting mishaps. Use these tips to keep your turkey on track.
Quick & Easy Alternatives for a Honey Mustard Turkey
Short on time or want an easier option? Consider these alternatives for getting your honey mustard turkey fix:
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Pre-Coated Turkey: Buy a pre-seasoned, honey mustard coated turkey from the grocery store for easy flavor.
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Roasted Turkey Breast: Smaller and quicker than a whole bird but still packs great flavor.
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Turkey Roulade: Pound and roll turkey breast around stuffing for impressive presentation with less work.
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Honey Mustard Grilled Turkey: Get crisp, juicy flavor by grilling turkey parts soaked in the glaze.
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Honey Mustard Turkey Breast: Roast a whole bone-in breast for the best part of the turkey only.
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Smoked Turkey: Smoker’s sweet, smoky flavor pairs perfectly with honey mustard.
With so many options, you can enjoy honey mustard turkey any time – no massive whole bird required.
Serving Up the Perfect Thanksgiving Feast
Once your show-stopping honey mustard glazed turkey is ready, it’s time to serve it up in style. Here are some tips:
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Let the turkey rest at least 20-30 minutes before carving for juicy results. Go for thin slices.
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Serve with classic sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans, cranberry sauce, and gravy.
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Offer honey mustard glaze on the side for dipping slices or drizzling.
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Make turkey sandwiches and dip leftover slices in extra glaze for a next day bonus meal.
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Send guests home with turkey remnants like bones, wings, or drumsticks to extend the holiday spirit.
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Blend any leftover glaze into a tangy honey mustard dressing for salads or sides.
Your honey mustard turkey is the delicious centerpiece everyone will be grateful for. Follow these serving tips to spread that joy around the table.
FAQs About Honey Mustard Turkey
Can you clear up any lingering questions about how to roast the perfect honey mustard turkey? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
What’s the best mustard to use?
Use classic yellow mustard or Dijon for a balance of tangy and sweet. Spicy brown mustard adds a peppery kick.
Should I inject the turkey with glaze?
Skip injections – basting suffuses glaze flavor without drying out or damaging the meat.
What if my turkey is dry and overcooked?
Carve carefully and serve extra glaze on the side or gravy over top to add moisture. Focus on moist dark meat.
Can I prep my turkey days ahead?
Yes, rub with oil, season, and refrigerate 1-2 days pre-roasting. Glaze it just before cooking.
Should I tent the turkey with foil while cooking?
Tent loosely only if skin over-browns early to slow cooking. Uncover to brown at the
