Christmas Roast Turkey with Maple-Butter Glaze

Pat the turkey dry thoroughly with paper towels. Remove any giblets or neck from the cavity.

Rub the softened butter generously all over the turkey's skin. Season the turkey all over, inside and out, with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.

Place fresh rosemary, thyme sprigs, and orange quarters inside the turkey's cavity. Truss the turkey legs together using kitchen twine. Place the turkey on a rack in a large roasting pan.

Pour chicken or vegetable broth into the bottom of the roasting pan. This will help keep the turkey moist and create flavorful drippings.

In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter and maple syrup until well combined to create the maple-butter glaze.

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Place the roasting pan with the turkey into the preheated oven and roast for the first 1 hour.

After 1 hour, begin basting the turkey every 30-45 minutes with the maple-butter glaze. Continue roasting, maintaining the oven temperature, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (without touching bone) reads 165°F (74°C). This typically takes 3-4 hours total for a 12-15 lb turkey.

Once the turkey reaches the internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), remove it from the oven. Tent loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird.

Carve the rested turkey and arrange it beautifully on a large serving platter. Serve immediately with the pan drippings or your favorite homemade gravy.