Apple Cider Glazed Turkey with Perfect Gravy Recipe

If you’re looking to elevate your holiday feast or impress your friends with a centerpiece that sings with flavor, then this Apple Cider Glazed Turkey with Perfect Gravy Recipe is absolutely for you. I promise, once you try it, you’ll see exactly why my family goes crazy for this juicy, flavorful turkey with a sweet and tangy apple cider glaze, paired with the creamiest, most comforting gravy you’ve ever tasted. So stick around—I’m about to share everything you need to nail this recipe to perfection and make your next celebration unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses ingredients that work together to create a natural balance of flavors—the sweetness of apple cider and brown sugar complement the savory turkey and herbaceous sage beautifully. When shopping, fresh sage and good-quality apple cider transform the profile, so don’t skip on those!

• Whole turkey: Look for a fresh or fully thawed bird around 15 pounds for the right size and cooking time.
• Kosher salt: Essential for the dry brine—it helps draw out moisture and makes the skin beautifully crispy.
• Sugar: Balances the salt in the brine and adds depth to the glaze.
• Apples: Adding halved apples inside the cavity infuses the turkey with subtle sweetness and aroma.
• Sweet onion: Like the apples, it adds savory-sweet notes right into the cavity while roasting.
• Fresh sage: This herb is the magic touch, lending earthy aroma that pairs perfectly with the apples and turkey.
• Unsalted butter: Softened butter helps the glaze stick and keeps the turkey moist.
• Apple cider: The glaze’s star ingredient provides that lovely tang and sweetness that make this recipe unique.
• Brown sugar or maple syrup: For that caramelized glaze finish—maple syrup adds a richer note if you want to switch it up.
• All-purpose flour: This is for thickening the gravy smoothly without lumps.
• Salt and pepper: To taste for seasoning the turkey and gravy.

Variations

I love making this Apple Cider Glazed Turkey with Perfect Gravy Recipe my own by playing with the glaze sweetness and herbs—feel free to experiment based on what you love or what’s in your pantry. It really flexes well for all kinds of seasonings and occasions.

• Maple Twist: I swapped out the brown sugar for pure maple syrup once and the result was a deeper, warmer glaze that my family couldn’t stop raving about.
• Herb Variations: Adding rosemary or thyme along with sage enhances the aroma and makes it extra festive.
• Spicy Glaze: A pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika in the glaze can add a subtle heat that balances the sweetness if that’s your vibe.
• Brining Time: If you’re short on time, even an overnight dry brine works wonders, but giving it 48 hours really amps up the flavor and texture.

How to Make Apple Cider Glazed Turkey with Perfect Gravy Recipe

Step 1: Dry Brine for Crispy, Flavorful Skin

Start by making sure your turkey is fully thawed—this can take a couple of days, so plan ahead. I like to dry brine my turkey at least 24 hours in advance, sometimes even 48. Mix kosher salt and sugar, then gently separate the skin from the turkey breast and legs and rub the brine directly on the meat and skin. Don’t forget to sprinkle some inside the cavity, too. Place the turkey uncovered on a wire rack over a rimmed baking sheet in the fridge. This step is key for that crispy, golden skin we all crave!

Step 2: Preparing the Turkey for Roasting

Once your dry brine time is up, remove the turkey and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 to 60 minutes. Pat it dry if needed, but avoid rinsing—it can wash away all the magic you did with the brine. Tuck the legs by trussing them for even cooking, then stuff the cavity with halved apples, quartered sweet onion, and a whole bunch of fresh sage. Rub 3 to 4 tablespoons of softened butter under the skin of the breast and thighs—this keeps the meat juicy and adds richness. If you like black pepper, give it a light sprinkle here, but you won’t need more salt because of the brine.

Step 3: Roasting and Glazing the Turkey

Preheat your oven to 425°F and roast the turkey for the first 30 minutes to kickstart the browning. While it roasts, combine the remaining butter with apple cider and brown sugar (or maple syrup) in a saucepan. Bring that to a simmer and let it reduce slightly to thicken the glaze. After the initial 30 minutes, lower the temperature to 350°F and roast for about 2 ½ more hours. Don’t forget to baste every 30 minutes with the apple cider glaze and/or the pan drippings—it keeps the turkey moist and coats it in that gorgeous sticky glaze. Roast until a meat thermometer reads 180°F in the thigh for perfectly done meat.

Step 4: Resting and Garnishing

Once out of the oven, let your turkey rest for 30 to 60 minutes before carving. This rest time lets the juices redistribute, so every slice stays juicy and flavorful. For a stunning presentation, arrange fresh sage sprigs, apple slices, or even whole pomegranates around the turkey—it adds a pop of color and a festive touch that will wow your guests.

Step 5: Making the Perfect Gravy

Pour the pan drippings through a fine strainer into a large pot over medium heat. To make the gravy smooth and lump-free, mix cold water and all-purpose flour in a shaker or jar, shaking until well combined into a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the hot drippings while whisking vigorously. Keep stirring and scraping the bottom of the pot until the gravy thickens, which usually takes 10 to 20 minutes. Finally, adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. This gravy is comfort in a bowl, and the perfect partner to your apple cider glazed turkey.

How to Serve Apple Cider Glazed Turkey with Perfect Gravy Recipe

Garnishes

When serving, I love garnishing with fresh sage leaves and thin apple slices arranged beautifully around the platters—both add a fresh fragrance and invite guests to dig into the flavors. Whole pomegranates also make a stunning seasonal pop of color!

Side Dishes

Some of my favorite sides to pair with this turkey are roasted root vegetables (think carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes), creamy mashed potatoes, and sautéed green beans with garlic. A bright, crisp apple and fennel slaw also balances the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I’ve arranged the carved turkey on a large wooden board, surrounded by fresh herbs, roasted apple wedges, and fun edible flowers—this makes a rustic yet elegant centerpiece that invites sharing and compliments flying across the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When storing leftovers, I carve the turkey promptly and pack the meat and bones separately in airtight containers. Keeping the pan drippings refrigerated separately allows me to whip up more gravy later, and storing turkey sliced thin helps it reheat more evenly.

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftover turkey slices and cooked gravy in separate containers with great results. Just wrap the turkey tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve moisture.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm turkey slices in a covered pan with a splash of broth or water to keep them from drying out, and reheat gravy slowly on the stove until bubbling. This method keeps both juicy and flavorful, just like freshly cooked.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cider Glazed Turkey with Perfect Gravy Recipe has become my go-to for celebrations because it’s just so reliably delicious and impressive without being intimidating. The crispy skin, the sweet and tangy glaze, and that luscious gravy come together like a dream to make you feel like a kitchen rockstar. I can’t wait for you to try it—you’ll enjoy every bite and all the compliments that come with it. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this unforgettable meal!

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