Community Corner

5 Turkey Glaze Recipes for Thanksgiving Dinner

From creole butter to mustard and brown sugar, these glaze recipes will pack your Thanksgiving turkey with even more flavor.

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We're calling it: A glazed turkey will be the star of your Thanksgiving dinner this year. Sweet and syrupy or with a garlic or citrus kick, glazes add flavor and a rich color to your turkey, making them a simple way to step up your holiday menu without straying too far from tradition. 

You don't need much other than brown sugar or maple syrup to make a glaze, and alcohol can be a nice addition. Remember to apply the glaze toward the end of the turkey's cooking cycle so it traps in the juices. Continue to brush on the glaze until the bird is fully cooked.


Here are some glaze recipes to try this Thanksgiving:

Mustard and Brown Sugar Glaze: Combine 1/2 cup brown sugar and spicy mustard to taste. Brush on glaze and cook turkey as usual.

Apricot Jam Glaze: Heat 1/2 cup apricot jam and add black pepper to taste. Brush onto turkey. Reserve half of glaze to serve on the side of turkey.

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Creole Butter Glaze: Combine 2 sticks of softened butter with 1 teaspoon fresh garlic, minced; fresh herbs, lemon pepper, hot sauce, dried herbs, salt and cayenne pepper in a small bowl; mix with a fork until completely blended. Apply under the skin of the turkey and cook as usual.

Molasses Rum Glaze: Combine 1/2 cup molasses, 1/4 cup rum, 1/4 stick butter, 2 tablespoons honey and fresh ground pepper. Brush on turkey and cook as usual. (Tip: Add finely minced garlic and onions, lemon or orange zest, or freshly chopped herbs for a more complex-tasting glaze.)

Orange Maple Syrup Glaze: Use a 2:1 ratio of maple syrup and orange juice; brush on turkey. Cook as usual


This article is part of Mix It Up, an editorial series created in collaboration with AOL's Kitchen Daily and Huffington Post. It is dedicated to making the lives of mothers easier through articles, videos and slideshows focused on simple and creative solutions to everyday challenges. From healthy recipes to exciting ideas for a more balanced lifestyle, this section aims to become a resource for moms everywhere. 

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