Honey Glazed Turkey (Juicy, Golden & Easy)

This honey glazed turkey is the showstopping centerpiece your holiday table has been waiting for. A simple honey butter glaze bakes into a glossy, golden crust while the meat stays incredibly juicy underneath — sweet, savory, and completely foolproof. It is the kind of turkey that has everyone asking for the recipe.

Whether you are hosting Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a Sunday family dinner, this easy oven-roasted honey glazed turkey delivers big flavor with everyday ingredients and no complicated steps. Brush, baste, and roast to perfection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here is why this honey glazed turkey earns a spot on your holiday menu year after year:

• Glossy, golden crust – the honey glaze caramelizes into a beautiful finish.
• Juicy every time – butter under the skin keeps the meat moist.
• Sweet and savory – honey, garlic, and herbs balance perfectly.
• Simple ingredients – nothing fancy, no alcohol needed.
• Holiday-ready – the ultimate Thanksgiving or Christmas centerpiece.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here is everything for this easy honey glazed turkey:

• Whole turkey – about 12-14 lb, fully thawed (a bone-in breast works too).
• Butter – softened, rubbed over and under the skin for juicy meat.
• Honey – the star of the glossy glaze.
• Orange juice – brightens the glaze with fresh citrus.
• Dijon mustard – a savory tang to balance the sweetness.
• Garlic and fresh herbs – thyme and rosemary for depth.
• Smoked paprika, salt, and pepper – the seasoning base.

How to Make Honey Glazed Turkey

1. Prep. Heat the oven to 325°F, pat the turkey dry, and set it on a rack in a roasting pan.
2. Butter and season. Rub softened butter all over and under the skin, then season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Make the glaze. Whisk the honey, orange juice, Dijon, garlic, thyme, and rosemary together.
4. Roast. Roast uncovered, basting every 45 minutes, for about 3 hours (13-15 minutes per pound).
5. Glaze. In the last 45 minutes, brush the honey glaze over the turkey every 15 minutes until golden and sticky.
6. Check and rest. Roast until the thigh reaches 165°F, then rest 20-30 minutes before carving.

Always roast turkey to a safe internal temperature of 165°F — check the official safe cooking temperature chart to be sure it is done.

Glaze Flavor Variations

The honey base takes beautifully to a few festive twists:

• Cranberry orange: stir cranberry sauce and extra orange zest into the glaze for a holiday classic.
• Maple honey: swap half the honey for pure maple syrup for deeper, cozy sweetness.
• Hot honey: add a pinch of chili flakes for a sweet-and-spicy finish.
• Citrus herb: add lemon and extra rosemary for a brighter, fresher glaze.

Love turkey all season long? Try our smoked turkey for a smoky twist, or an easy crockpot turkey breast when you need the oven for sides.

Tips for the Juiciest Turkey

A few simple pointers guarantee a juicy, golden honey glazed turkey every time:

• Thaw completely. A fully thawed turkey cooks evenly and stays tender.
• Butter under the skin. This bastes the breast from the inside as it roasts.
• Glaze late. Honey burns easily, so only glaze in the last 45 minutes.
• Use a thermometer. Pull it at 165°F in the thigh for perfectly cooked meat.
• Rest before carving. Resting locks in the juices for moist slices.

What to Serve With It

Round out the feast with classic holiday sides:

• Creamy mashed potatoes and gravy
• Roasted vegetables and green beans
• Stuffing or dinner rolls
• Cranberry sauce and a crisp salad

Serving a crowd? Add a second showstopper like our prime rib roast alongside the turkey.

Storage and Leftovers

• Refrigerate: store carved turkey in an airtight container up to 4 days.
• Freeze: freeze cooked turkey up to 3 months.
• Reheat: warm gently with a splash of broth so it stays moist.
• Use it up: turn leftovers into a cozy leftover turkey casserole.

Honey Glazed Turkey FAQ

With its glossy glaze and juicy, tender meat, this honey glazed turkey is the easiest way to steal the show at any holiday dinner — brush on that golden glaze and get ready for the compliments.

Honey Glazed Turkey

A juicy, golden honey glazed turkey brushed with a sweet-savory honey butter glaze. This easy oven-roasted turkey is the perfect Thanksgiving or Christmas centerpiece.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs

Servings: 10 servings

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 whole turkey (12-14 lb), thawed
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup honey
• ¼ cup orange juice
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper

Method

 

1. Heat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Pat the turkey completely dry and place it on a rack in a roasting pan.
2. Rub the softened butter all over the turkey and under the skin, then season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Whisk the honey, orange juice, Dijon, garlic, thyme, and rosemary into a glaze.
4. Roast the turkey uncovered, basting every 45 minutes, for about 3 hours (roughly 13-15 minutes per pound).
5. During the last 45 minutes, brush the honey glaze over the turkey every 15 minutes until golden and sticky.
6. Roast until the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C). Tent with foil if it browns too fast.
7. Rest the turkey 20-30 minutes before carving, then spoon the pan glaze over the slices.

Notes

For a honey glazed turkey breast instead of a whole bird, use a 4-5 lb bone-in breast and roast about 1.5 to 2 hours, glazing in the last 30 minutes, until it reaches 165°F. Marinate or dry-brine overnight for even juicier results.