Maple Bacon Roast Turkey Recipe

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Wash turkey well under cold running water. Pat dry. Remove excess fat from cavity. Tuck wings underneath body.

Season skin and cavity of the turkey generously with salt and pepper, including the backside. Place the quartered apple and onion in the seasoned cavity. Using a brush, paint the turkey breast, thighs and legs with some of the maple syrup. Then wrap the turkey with bacon, covering the entire breast, thighs and legs so that no skin shows through.

Position turkey, on a rack, in a roasting pan with 1/2 cup pf water, uncovered and place in the preheated 400 degree F oven. Immediately lower oven temperature to 325 degrees F and roast for about 3 1/2 hours, basting the turkey with pan drippings and maple syrup every 30 minutes. If the bacon begins to get too brown, cover loosely with aluminum foil.

In the last half hour, remove the crisp bacon (save for gravy or enjoy as a snack of the best bacon you have ever had). Baste the turkey one more time with maple syrup. Continue to roast until the internal temperature reaches 180 degrees in the thigh or 170 degrees in the breast.

Remove pan from oven and allow the turkey to rest for 15 minutes before slicing.