Honey Mustard Baked Turkey
Honey Mustard Baked Turkey (Holiday Favorite!)
If you’re looking to serve a turkey that’s juicy, golden, and full of bold, unforgettable flavor, then this Honey Mustard Baked Turkey recipe is for you. A perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy, this turkey is basted with a buttery honey mustard glaze that caramelizes in the oven for crispy skin and tender, fall-apart meat inside.
This show-stopping turkey is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or even Easter dinner. The ingredients are simple, the steps are easy to follow, and the result is a gorgeously golden roast turkey that steals the show at any holiday table.
Planning your holiday meal? Be sure to check out our full Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe Hub where you’ll find everything from Lemon Pepper Baked Turkey to Honey Garlic Roasted Turkey and everything in between.
Why You’ll Love This Honey Mustard Turkey
Bold, unique flavor that still feels classic
Perfectly golden brown thanks to the honey glaze
A great alternative to traditional herb butter rubs
Great for leftovers and next-day turkey sandwiches
Impressive but surprisingly simple!
Whether it’s your first Thanksgiving turkey or you’re just ready to switch things up this year, this recipe is a total win.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make this juicy honey mustard turkey:
For the Turkey:
- 1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs), thawed if frozen
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 stick of unsalted butter (inside cavity)
- 1 onion, quartered
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 3–4 garlic cloves
- Fresh herbs: rosemary, thyme, sage
- 2 cups chicken broth or turkey stock
For the Honey Mustard Glaze:
- ½ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup whole grain mustard
- ⅓ cup honey
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika (for color)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Roasting pan with rack
- Basting brush
- Aluminum foil
- Meat thermometer
- Large carving board
- Sharp carving knife or electric knife
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Turkey
Remove the turkey from the fridge and let it rest at room temperature for about 45 minutes before baking. This helps it cook more evenly. Remove the giblets and neck, and pat the skin dry with paper towels.
Place the turkey on a rack inside your roasting pan. Tuck the wings under to prevent burning and loosely tie the legs with kitchen twine.
Stuff the cavity with a stick of butter, onion quarters, lemon wedges, garlic cloves, and fresh herbs. These add flavor and aroma from the inside out.
Step 2: Make the Honey Mustard Glaze
In a medium bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. This glaze should be thick but spreadable.
Want to try a variation? Add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar or a dash of cayenne pepper to the glaze for a little zing!
Step 3: Season and Glaze
Season the entire turkey with salt and pepper. Then, use a basting brush or your hands to generously coat the entire surface of the turkey with the honey mustard glaze—get into every crevice!
Pour the chicken or turkey broth into the bottom of the roasting pan to keep the turkey moist while it bakes.
Step 4: Bake the Turkey
Preheat the oven to 325°F. Place the turkey in the oven and roast for 15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh.
Baste every 45 minutes with the pan juices, and brush more honey mustard glaze on top as it roasts. If the skin is browning too fast, tent the turkey loosely with foil.
Want more tips? Visit our full post on How to Bake a Thanksgiving Turkey for step-by-step tips and timelines.
Step 5: Let It Rest
Once the turkey is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and loosely tent it with foil. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. This step helps the juices redistribute so the turkey stays moist and flavorful.
Carving Tips
Use a sharp knife to remove the legs first, then slice along the breastbone to remove the breast meat in thick, juicy slabs. Serve with extra glaze or pan juices spooned over the top.
Don’t forget to save the bones and drippings for homemade turkey broth or soup.
What to Serve with Honey Mustard Turkey
This flavorful turkey pairs beautifully with both traditional and modern holiday side dishes. Here are a few reader favorites:
- Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Skillet Baked Beans with Bacon
- Cheesy Green Bean Casserole
- Pumpkin Angel Food Cake
- Crockpot Coca cola cake for dessert
Leftover Ideas
Don’t let a single bite go to waste! This turkey is even better the next day. Here are a few easy ways to repurpose leftovers:
- Turkey and cranberry sliders
- Honey mustard turkey wraps
- Turkey and stuffing casserole
- Add to pasta or creamy soups
- Shred for turkey enchiladas
Pro Tips for Perfect Roast Turkey
- Don’t skip drying the skin – this helps it crisp.
- Room temp turkey cooks more evenly.
- Use a meat thermometer – guessing leads to dry meat!
- Let it rest. Always.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Mustard Baked Turkey brings bold flavor, juicy texture, and just enough holiday magic to make it your new go-to holiday centerpiece. Whether it’s your first time hosting or you’re a seasoned home cook, this turkey recipe is sure to impress—and have guests asking for seconds (and thirds).
