Canadian Turkey
Can you believe Christmas is only 20 days away? TWENTY DAYS FOLKS!
I absolutely love this time of year. It is at this time of year, no matter what, that we set our busy lives aside and come together with our friends and family.
For the past few years we have hosted my partners family Boxing Day party at our home. I would say we host roughly 30-40 people on that day. We go all out from baking tons of desserts to roasting not one but two delicious turkey’s along with all the fixings.
This year I am a brave woman and took on hosting not only my partners family party but my mother’s side annual Christmas Eve party. This party will again host roughly 30+ people. I will have one day in between the two for clean up, prep, and celebrating Christmas with my children!
There is nothing better during the holidays than sitting down to an amazing classic roasted turkey dinner with all the trimmings. Turkey is so versatile. It pairs well with so many different flavours, spices, seasonings, stuffings, and glazes.
Turkey is not only nutritious and delicious, it is extremely economical. A whole turkey will feed a big crowd and often leave you with leftovers. There are always so many great sales on turkey’s this time of year and a ton of delicious ways to use the leftovers for new meals!
Canadian Turkey has set out to inspire all of our holiday planning by helping us find the best meal solutions to create our perfect celebrations with our family and friends. Their variety of recipes, techniques, and tips are sure to help create a stunning meal that will satisfy and wow your hungry holiday crowd.
Glazes are an amazing way to give your bird an added flavour boost. The recipe I am sharing below includes 3 delicious glaze recipes as a source of inspiration!
Just watch this quick video to see how easy the 3 glazes are to make:
If you are looking for additional tips, recipes, and how to’s you can visit Canadian Turkey to get inspired. Their recipe section is filled with amazing recipes for everything from appetizers to full meals and even a bunch of inspiration for all those leftovers. If you are a first time bird roaster, their whole bird how to’s will help you get your turkey prepped, perfected, and on the table for your guests.
GLAZED ROAST TURKEY WITH APRICOT & PECAN STUFFING
GLAZED ROAST TURKEY WITH APRICOT & PECAN STUFFING
Ingredients
For turkey:
- 1 whole turkey, 12-14 lbs.
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup white wine
- 1 cup turkey broth
For rub:
- 2 tbsp salt
- 1 ½ tbsp white pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp ground Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp ground sweet paprika
For apple butter glaze:
- 1 cup apple butter
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/3 cup apple juice
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 4 branches fresh thyme
- 2 cloves finely minced garlic
For stuffing:
- 3 cups crusty bread such as sourdough or Italian, cubed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup roughly chopped dried apricots
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ¾ cup turkey broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 stalks celery, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1 tsp dried thyme
Instructions
Prepare Stuffing:
- Spread the bread cubes out on a baking tray and place in your oven overnight
- to dry out.
- Place in a large bowl.
- Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Add the onions and celery and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle the turkey broth over bread to moisten.
- Add the onion and celery mixture.
- Add the oats, apricots and dried herbs.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Mix well and proceed to stuff your bird.
Prepare Glaze:
- Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan.
- Bring to a simmer for 20 – 30 minutes until glaze is thick and syrupy. Remove fresh thyme stems and discard. If you are using a chunkier style of apple butter and you want a smoother glaze, use a hand blender to blend the glaze until smooth. Glaze can be made up to 1 week in advance.
Prepare Turkey:
- Make sure the turkey is thawed and the giblets and neck have been removed.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Pat the bird dry with paper towels.
- Rub the turkey with olive oil, inside and out.
- Combine all spices to make a rub. Sprinkle generously onto the bird, inside and out.
- Stuff the turkey, loosely, with the stuffing mixture.
- Place the bird into your roasting pan. Add wine and turkey broth.
- Roast the turkey for 4 – 4 ½ hours, until the juices run clear and an instant thermometer reads 170°F in the breast, 180°F in the thigh and the stuffing reaches 165°F.
- Generously apply glaze directly onto the turkey, twice, every 15 minutes in the last 30 minutes of cooking. Return the turkey to the oven and then re-apply in the last five minutes of cooking.
- Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving.
Notes
NOTE: Cooking times are for planning purposes only – always use a digital meat thermometer to determine doneness.
Looking for some additional glaze inspiration? Here are a few other variations:
Cranberry Rosemary Port Glaze
1 cup cranberry jelly
½ cup ruby Port
½ cup orange juice
1 sprig rosemary
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1. Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan.
2. Bring to a low simmer and simmer for 20 – 30 minutes or until glaze is reduced to a thick syrup-like consistency.
3. Can be made up to 1 week ahead.
4. To use on your roast turkey, generously apply glaze directly onto the turkey in the last 30 minutes of cooking. Return the turkey to the oven and then re-apply in the last five minutes of cooking. Rest and carve according to your turkey recipe directions.
Spicy Maple Bourbon Glaze
1 ¼ cup maple syrup
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
1/3 cup bourbon
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp tobasco or hot sauce
1 tsp sweet paprika
1 tsp salt
1. Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan.
2. Bring to a simmer for 20 – 30 minutes until glaze is thick and syrupy.
3. Can be made up to 1 week ahead.
4. To use on your roast turkey, generously apply glaze directly onto the turkey in the last 30 minutes of cooking. Re-apply in the last five minutes of cooking. Rest and carve according to your turkey recipe directions.
TIP:
You can change the flavour profile of your glazes by adding a variety of spices. Try adding a combination of one or more of the following: cloves, nutmeg, star anise, cinnamon or five-spice blend to any of these glazes to add a hint of holiday spice and change things up.
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CANADIAN TURKEY
Stay up to date with all things Canadian Turkey by visiting their website and following them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Youtube.
Disclosure: Although this post is sponsored by Canadian Turkey, the opinions and language are all my own, and in no way do they reflect Canadian Turkey. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, company, provider or party in question.
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Serena says
The apple glaze recipe looks delicious!! I’ll definitely be using that!
Treena says
Can’t wait to try and glaze a turkey this year. Looks easy and delicious
AngelaL says
Love turkey! Cant wait to try this!!!
Tina says
Nice! I so ready to try a new recipe this year for our turkey. 🙂
Megan says
The Spicy Maple Bourbon Glaze sounds amazing.
Joanna Yeung says
Can’t wait to try a BBQ turkey!!
Joanne W says
Thanks for the new ideas for turkey this yeat😀
Jennifer B says
Sounds delicious! Never thought of glazing the turkey!
I love make no almost everything ahead of time so that when family is over, we can sit down and talk to each other. One particular make ahead is mashed potatoes, which I mix with sour cream and cream cheese (no milk as the texture is weird when reheated).
Nan says
The HERB INFUSED TASTY ROAST TURKEY sounds amazing! I’m definitively going to give it a try!
Christine D says
The CHEESY TOMATO AND TURKEY BAKE sounds delicious!! Totally book marking to try! Thanks for the amazing giveaway!
Jennifer stobbs says
This looks so yummy. Turkey is my fav food.
Amy Heffernan says
Turkey Tacos. 🙂
Kira Lee says
Yum! Love having new delicious recipes to try!
Rara says
Oooo can’t wait to try some of these?
NJ Nowoselski says
I am so impressed with the SWEET CHILI & LIME TURKEY MEATBALLS recipe. I tweeted it. I have a new brand of frozen turkey meatballs in my freezer that I didn’t know what I was going to do with it. Well I found it! Well kinda. My will not be mixed fresh as per the recipe but I have been inspired to use Chilli Sauce in my crock today. Then I am go to make the greek yogurt dipping sauce as per the recipe because it sounds delicious!
marie s says
always use a thermometer especially with chicken or turkey. no one wants to get sick with undercooked meat
Elaine G says
I like the Deliciously simple herb roasted turkey recipe
Stephanie McKenzie says
Cheese Ball and turkey yumm
Angela L Ferguson says
GLAZED ROAST TURKEY WITH APRICOT & PECAN STUFFING , I cannot wait to try it, it sound so Delishhhhhhhhhh !!!!! 🙂
Tara Betterley says
I think after Xmas I might try to make CHEESY TOMATO AND TURKEY BAKE. I am always looking for new ways to use up the leftover turkey.
Sheryl B. says
beer can BBQ turkey
Stephanie LaPlante says
My favorite recipe is the Honey Garlic Turkey Tenders with Sweet and Smoky Dipping Sauce
Jennifer G says
I love the stuffed roasted turkey with rosemary! So yum. Need to try it asap.
Jenna C says
I love turkey! The Cheesy Tomato and Turkey Bake sounds delish! I’m definitely trying that one!
ginette4 says
The SLOW COOKER TURKEY CHILI WITH SWEET POTATO, CHIPOTLE AND MAPLE would be amazing to have after an afternoon of skating or sledding
Jnll says
cooking turkey for my family this year for the first time….wish me luck!!
Brenda Penton says
I like the Christmas Dinner Pizza
Lisa F says
The tomato and turkey bake sounds amazing! We eat a lot of seafood at Christmas but this would be something interesting to try!
Luzviminda Gunter-Smith says
USE THE TURKEY WITH THE THERMOMETER TGIF make sure it is cooked thru.
Ira says
My kids love various chilis, I’m bookmarking this Turkey Chili recipe for when I get the turkey next time:
http://www.canadianturkey.ca/recipes/slow-cooker-turkey-chili-sweet-potato-chipotle-maple/
Jessica says
The best type of turkey is turducken!!!!
kristen visser says
oooo glazing the turkey sounds delicious! it’s actually our first year making the turkey. usually it is my mom. wish me luck ahaha
Mohammad anjum says
WISH TO TRY TURKEY ROAST
Angela says
I’m a big fan of brining turkey. Seems impossible to accidentally overcook it when it’s been brined overnight.
Maryanne says
I love the idea of leftover turkey tacos!
Tracy D says
The herb infused turkey sounds amazing, we’ll try it out!
Amie says
I love the herb infused turkey , sounds perfect for the holidays , I love the how to videos as well
sara rai says
love the Christmas dinner pizza.
Maricar says
Turkey is hard! Looking ford to try the burbon glaze
Cj33 says
Love these recipes hope I win a turkey to try them 😉
Alison Braidwood says
The Cheesy Tomato & Turkey Bake looks yummy, and a nice change (casserole) from the usual roasted turkey at this time of year.
nicolthepickle says
The CHEESY TOMATO AND TURKEY BAKE looks so good, and we had Canadian turkey yesterday and I have leftover so I can make it.
Courtney D says
Stuff with apples and onions for an extra moist turkey.
Debbie White Beattie says
My favorite holiday recipe is POTATO-TOPPED TURKEY MEATLOAF BITES, they look absolutely delicious
Lisa says
My favourite recipe is crostini with turkey, brie and spicy sweet date chutney.
Florence Cochrane says
I am going to try the SQUASH, TURKEY AND ZUCCHINI SOUP. I love to make a stuff turkey with all the trimmings.
shane s says
i would love to try making the turkey tacos as i know my kids would love them! definitely trying this recipe next taco tuesday
Judy Cowan says
The Slow Cooker Turkey Breast is really good, I actually made it for Thanksgiving. Meat was so tender!
Wanda Tracey says
The Spicy Maple Bourbon Glaze sound amazing and sodelicious! I just never thought of glazing the turkey
but this year that is all about to chancge.Wow! I can’t wait to try this!! 🙂
Jennifer P. says
I really love the Classic Roasted Half Turkey recipe – it is perfect for our small family of 4. The “Make It Faster” Festive Carved Turkey also appeals to me since I am always short on time!
Pam says
one of my fave recipes is the cooking a half turkey.
Kat Albers says
The stuffed roast turkey with rosemary and mushrooms is my favorite recipe to try next.
Amanda Neilson says
We deep fry our turkey! Only take about 40 minutes for a 15lb bird, keeps the oven free for other dishes and it is SOOO moist!
Angela September says
I definitely want to try making the HEARTY TURKEY SAUSAGE AND TOMATO RISOTTO! it looks amazing!
Wendy hutton says
Spicy Maple Bourbon Glaze would be great to try
Nate Fuller says
The cheesy tomato turkey bake looks like something new for the holidays, I prefer not to eat the standard turkey, stuffing potatoes etc.
Wanda Bee says
My favourite recipe is: SPICE RUBBED TURKEY WITH WILD RICE AND DRIED CHERRY STUFFING
Jana Liu says
ALBERTA TURKEY BURGER looks delicious
Tainan Lu says
I’m interested in the ASIAN GREENS AND TURKEY BROTH WITH FRANK’S RED HOT SLAMMIN’ SRIRACHA
Carol M says
I like to use a fresh turkey, I find it yeilds the best results.
Linda says
My favourite turkey cooking tip is to let it stand for 20 minutes before carving.
Lynda Cook says
CHEESY TOMATO AND TURKEY BAKE looks very very good!!
lori butler says
i put slices of bacon on my turkey
Glogirl says
My favourite holiday recipe would be the DELICIOUSLY SIMPLE HERB ROASTED TURKEY.
Jonnie says
My favorite holiday recipe is the GLAZED ROAST TURKEY WITH APRICOT & PECAN STUFFING
Jasen H says
I’d like to try the Butter Turkey recipe this year for something entirely different!
Amy C says
I found the Whole Bird Calculator very helpful. It tells you the thawing time and the cooking time.
heidi c. says
The recipe that appeals to me is the CHEESY TOMATO AND TURKEY BAKE. It sounds delicious.
Krista M says
It’s time to try something new for Christmas! I am all for the SPICE RUBBED TURKEY WITH WILD RICE AND DRIED CHERRY STUFFING! I think the cherries would really bring some interesting, rich flavor to this turkey recipe & begin a new holiday tradition!
Maria says
Love my turkey glazed with spices
em says
mm that peach glazed roasted turkey breast looks and sounds delish. our turkey recipe is nothing spectacular
LeslieC says
Maple Glazed Turkey sounds delicious!
tanyab79 says
GRILLED TURKEY BREAST WITH MUSHROOM AND WILD RICE STUFFING is the recipe I really want to try.
dave says
Going to try and glaze a turkey this year
maria says
Deep fried turkey is the best. The skin is so crispy and cooks much quicker.
Angela Mitchell says
I like the HERB INFUSED TASTY ROAST TURKEY. That would be my first choice for a turkey recipe to try this holiday season.
Chelsea says
The peach glazed roasted turkey breast recipe sounds incredible!
Anne-Marie Tvete says
I like their recipe for Turkey & Quinoa Stuffed Peppers .
Caroline says
I love the stuffed roasted turkey with rosemary – classic, delicious flavours.
Shelley N says
I think that the http://www.canadianturkey.ca/recipes/turkey-cranberry-hazelnut-stuffing/ – Cranberry hazelnut stuffing looks amazing
BlessedTA says
Classic Roasted Half Turkey
Irene Eichler says
The BACON-WRAPPED TURKEY BITES WITH CRANBERRY-CHIPOTLE BBQ SAUCE looks so yummy !
Eas says
Always willing to try new recipes
angela m says
My favourite holiday recipe is the Twice Baked Turkey Dijon Baked Potatoes
christine murray says
I would love to try the WHOLE ROASTED THANKSGIVING TURKEY WITH MUSTARD GRAVY.
Patrick Siu says
I like my turkey fried
Gillian Morgan says
I love the TURKEY TACO PIZZA recipe. I actually tried it last Saturday and it was a huge hit.
Debbie S. says
My family would love using up turkey leftovers with the Turkey Quesadillas recipe.
Katelyn says
I cant wait for christmas turkey! and i’m sure this year, with these tips, i’ll be making the best turkey yet!
Stefanie M says
Wow they really have a lot of amazing recipes on their site. I will definitely be trying some and using the tips here to make our turkey the best one yet this year.
Jodi Mitrovic says
I like the bbq turkey from Canadian Turkey’s website and that they include cooking times. About 5 years ago our turkey was too big for our oven so we ended up throwing it on the bbq and it was the best turkey we ever had. We make it that way every year now. Thank you and happy holidays 🎄
Julie F says
I think the Twice Baked Turkey Dijon Baked Potatoes are going to become a family favourite!
Sherry M says
Ohhhh! The Turkey Dinner pizza sounds like a great way to use leftovers.
Lori L. says
I had a look through the recipes at the Canadian Turkey website and I’d love to try the Peach-Glazed Roasted Turkey Breast (weird that the link says Italian turkey burgers!) http://www.canadianturkey.ca/recipes/italian-turkey-burgers-2/
SweetPanda says
I like the SAUSAGE AND PISTACHIO STUFFED TURKEY BREAST ROAST recipe
Maritess says
Every year we would always have leftover turkey meat and my go to recipe is quesadillas. This is why it never goes to the freezer “world of the forgotten”
Caryn Coates says
The Grilled Turkey Thigh Taco Bowls sound and look delicious.
Trish Wild says
I love to BBQ so I went right to the BARBECUE METHODS & GRILLING TIMES the chart tells you whether to use indirect, direct or rotisserie heat for various turkey cuts. What an awesome website!! I always go after Christmas & buy turkey parts from the grocery stores. So when I get a half decent day in the winter I will BBQ as the BBQ helps to keep you warm as well! BBQ Turkey here I come!!
Marlene J says
PEACH GLAZED ROASTED TURKEY BREAST sounds yummy – I think I’ll try this year.
Karine says
I’m very intrigued by the bbq turkey!
Sunshine G says
Their slow cooker turkey chili looks good!
Juliee Fitze says
I would like to try the CHEESY TOMATO AND TURKEY BAKE.
Luzviminda Gunter-Smith says
Zi would like to try the bourbon glaze, must be yummy
Erica Seaman says
I learned that you should allow 1 hour of thawing time per pound (2 hours/kg).
Doris H says
have to try making the turkey tacos recipe. it looks great
BobbiJo pentney says
I have always been interested in the idea of BBQing a Turkey, but I would sure miss the smell.
Janice Cournoyer says
I am trying this one! SPICE RUBBED TURKEY WITH WILD RICE AND DRIED CHERRY STUFFING
KITTYPRIDE says
The HERBED WILD RICE AND DRIED CHERRY STUFFING is a recipe I would like to try.
Nicole Jubleew says
I love the Stuffed Roast Turkey Breast with Mushrooms & Rosemary recipe on their site!
Sylvie godin says
Thanks for the awesome ideas!
PinkieB says
Can’t wait to try this recipe!
TaraK says
Cheesy turkey and tomato bake sounds like a yummy comfort food to try!
Mandie says
Yum. Looks delicious !
Michelle W says
I may try the TURKEY QUESADILLAS with the leftover turkey from Christmas Day!
Travis Demorest says
Thanks for the great recipes!
Amy Bevan says
Thanks for the ideas! I’ll definitely be teething the Turkey tacos!
Danielle Gagnon-Coombs says
Looks super tasty! Turkey is a must have over the holidays for us too!
michelle matta says
I think it would be neat to have the slow cooker turkey chili for Christmas Eve/Christmas. Warm inviting meal that everyone could easily share and clean up after.
Mélanie R. says
I really like the holidays for the leftovers……so with turkey leftovers I will try the grilled turkey thigh taco bowl that recipe looks good!! 🙂
Maj says
This year we’re adding bacon to our brussel sprouts to really intrigue our taste buds on Christmas Day!
Beatti Mahaney says
My favourite Christmas recipe is War Cake. With cherries as well as raisins. My Mother’s recipe.
Andrea says
My favourite is stuffing!!! Mmm
Sessiej says
Love Turkey!
Best cooking tip I can give is to be organized!! If i have everything planned & set up it goes so much smoother!
Aris Finnson says
Yummy recipes!!!
JEN K says
Welove chicken quesadillas so definitely going to try turkey quesadillas. GReat way to use up leftover turkey.
Michelle says
Turkey is a must for our holiday dinner! These recipes sound amazing!
Helen says
I’ll be trying some of these recipes. Tx
Cheryl says
Best cooking tip I can give is use a high speed blender like the Blendtec to chop your onions. You won’t cry. I promise.
RobynM says
I love my super soft ginger cookies…only at Christmastime I add green and red sugar sprinkles to the regular sugar to make them more festive!
Meaghan says
So many great ideas!! I can’t wait to try one of them!
Meaghan says
So many great ideas!! I can’t wait to try one of them!
Jenna says
All the recipes look so good! I might try stuffed turkey with rosemary and mushrooms!
Merry Christmas Aimee!!
Krissy says
Looks so good ! Can’t wait to try !
Courtenay Rimaldi says
Looking forward to trying out this recipe for Christmas dinner!
One tip for a big dinner is to prep aheas as much as you can :). I peel my potatoes in the morning and have them in water in the pot I will later boil them in to save on time.
Mara Martinez says
My mom got a stuffing recipe from the newspaper on our first year of living in Miami. Since then, 1985, it has been the only stuffing make. It’s a meal in itself. It has raisings, apple sauce, ground beef, ground pork, hard boiled eggs and a whole lot of other goodness.
My parents have retired and moved out of the country. It will be our first year without them.
Maggie says
Love to try this wonderful turkey recipe!
Monique L.S. says
You can cook the turkey early on. Even if it is cooked early, it can sit out and will stay hot for a long time. Better to be done early than to be waiting for it to have dinner.
Alysha Tanya says
Lemon Meregnue Pie is always a holiday favourite!
Leonie says
Shortbread!
colleen says
all recipes look so good! i cant wait for turkey sandwitchs
M says
I like the HERB INFUSED TASTY ROAST TURKEY recipe
Rebby says
I’d love to try the SQUASH, TURKEY AND ZUCCHINI SOUP with left over turkey!
Carole Dube says
The apple glaze recipe looks delicious! Can’t wait to try it!
Maggie Chiu says
The turkey shepherd’s pie is my new favorite recipe!
Cristina says
Thanks for the great ideas and recipes. Looking forward to changing things up this year.
Catt says
Love the video and recipe for turkey meatballs. My family loves meatballs and I make them often yet never thought to use turkey. The tip to roll in bread crumbs was interesting. I will try turkey meatballs with Christmas dinner.
Amy says
I wish I was making a turkey this year. If I was I would definitely be trying one of these out.
Sue Mason says
I am going to trt the Honey Garlic Turkey Casserole <3 Liked and shared. Thank you so much!! Merry Christmas!
Jenny Upshall says
All recipes sound so yummy! My fav thing to cook during the holidays is obviously cookies! Haha. Five star bars are a hit in our house. Merry Christmas!
Lisa says
Thanks for the recipes. Can’t wait to try it.
Lucy says
My favourite cooking tip is to get as much work in the kitchen as possible ahead of time to minimize stress.
Erinn Lishman says
I love the weeknight buffalo turkey tacos recipe! It’s a quick meal to make and offers flavours my entire family would love!
Kimmie konink says
Merry Christmas everyone hope all good health for you and your family
Lisa McLain says
Merry Christmas ! Love reading your Blog so many great tips receipes
Jennifer Mac says
These sound amazing!!
Natasha says
Love the idea of a glaze, on my must try list this year!
Christine Sassine says
Apple glaze sounds delicious. We do deep fried turkey. It leaves the turkey so moist and delicious and bonus is the time it takes to fry. Yum!!!!
Tammy M says
Cheesy Tomato and Turkey Bake is a great sounding recipe!
Karolina says
This looks amazing
Jennifer VL says
I’ve never even thought about glazing a turkey before – to me that’s something you do with ham. Will have to try and convince hubby!
Jenny says
Yum!! Maple glazed turkey!!!
Krystal B says
The smoked turkey wraps sound good.
Angele says
Sounds yummy!!! Hoping to do a turkey this year but looking forward to baking chocolate orange drops <3
Rachel says
Baste your turkey when it’s done and out of the oven so the skin stays moist
Louise Nowak says
The best tip is frequent basting of the turkey to make it nice and brown and moist 🙂