When the holidays roll around, the turkey is undoubtedly the star of the show. While a classic roast is always wonderful, what if you could elevate it to something truly spectacular? Imagine a turkey with incredibly juicy meat, perfectly crispy skin, and a glossy, jewel-toned coating that bursts with flavor. This is exactly what you get with this unforgettable Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey. This recipe transforms the traditional bird into a stunning centerpiece that is both sweet and tangy, with a savory depth that will have your guests asking for seconds.
Furthermore, Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey is designed to be straightforward and stress-free. We will guide you through every step, from preparing the turkey to creating the simple yet delicious glaze. Therefore, even if you are a first-time turkey roaster, you can achieve a flawless result. Forget about dry, bland birds forever. In short, get ready to create a holiday meal that your family will remember for years to come.
Why This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey is a Holiday Winner
There are many reasons why this particular recipe stands out from the rest. First and foremost, the flavor combination is simply divine. The tartness of cranberries—often considered a superfood—pairs beautifully with the bright, citrusy notes of the orange. In addition, a hint of sweetness from brown sugar and a savory kick from Dijon mustard create a complex glaze that complements the rich flavor of the turkey perfectly.
A Feast for the Eyes and Palate
Beyond its incredible taste, this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey is a visual masterpiece. As the glaze caramelizes in the oven, it creates a stunning, deep-red, glossy finish that looks incredibly appetizing on any holiday table. It instantly makes the meal feel more festive and special. Consequently, you get a main course that tastes as good as it looks.
Surprisingly Simple to Prepare
Despite its impressive appearance, Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey is not complicated. The glaze itself comes together in just a few minutes on the stovetop. Moreover, the process of roasting and glazing the turkey is methodical and easy to follow. You don’t need to be a professional chef to pull this off. As a result, you can spend less time stressing in the kitchen and more time enjoying the holiday with your loved ones.
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The Ultimate Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Recipe
A stunning holiday centerpiece with juicy meat, crispy skin, and a sweet-tart cranberry orange glaze—this turkey is both delicious and beautiful.
- Total Time: 4 hours
- Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
Ingredients
For the Turkey:
1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs), fully thawed
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 large yellow onion, quartered
1 large orange, quartered
4–5 cloves garlic, smashed
A few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
For the Cranberry Orange Glaze:
1 can (14 oz) whole berry cranberry sauce
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon orange zest
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the turkey from packaging, discard giblets and neck, and pat the turkey dry inside and out with paper towels.
2. In a small bowl, combine softened butter with salt and pepper. Gently lift the turkey skin and rub half of the mixture under the skin; spread the remaining butter all over the outside.
3. Place the onion, orange, garlic, and herbs inside the turkey cavity for added flavor.
4. Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a large pan and roast for about 2 hours, until lightly golden.
5. While the turkey roasts, make the glaze: combine cranberry sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, orange zest, cinnamon, and allspice in a saucepan. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened.
6. Remove the turkey from the oven and brush generously with one-third of the glaze.
7. Return the turkey to the oven and continue roasting for 1 to 1.5 hours, brushing with glaze every 20–30 minutes. Turkey is done when the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C).
8. Transfer turkey to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil. Let rest 20–30 minutes before carving.
Notes
Thaw turkey in the fridge—allow 24 hours for every 4–5 pounds.
Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. The thickest part of the thigh should reach 165°F.
Avoid basting with pan drippings—stick to the glaze for flavor and crispy skin.
Glaze can be made up to 3 days ahead and gently reheated before use.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3.5 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 55g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
Ingredients for the Perfect Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey
To create Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey, you’ll need a few key components for both the turkey and its signature glaze. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will certainly make a noticeable difference in the final flavor. Here is everything you will need.
For the Turkey
- 1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs), fully thawed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large yellow onion, quartered
- 1 large orange, quartered
- 4-5 cloves garlic, smashed
- A few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
For the Cranberry Orange Glaze
- 1 can (14 oz) whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
Step-by-Step Instructions: Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey
Now, let’s walk through the process of making your delicious Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey. Following these steps carefully will ensure a juicy, flavorful, and beautifully cooked bird. Remember, patience is key, especially during the resting period.
- Prepare the Oven and Turkey: First, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the turkey from its packaging and take out the giblets and neck from the cavity. Pat the turkey completely dry with paper towels, both inside and out. This step is crucial for getting crispy skin.
- Season the Turkey: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with the salt and pepper. Gently lift the skin over the turkey breast and thighs and rub about half of the butter mixture directly onto the meat. Then, rub the remaining butter all over the outside of the skin.
- Add Aromatics: Next, place the quartered onion, orange, garlic, and fresh herbs inside the turkey’s cavity. These aromatics will steam from the inside, infusing the meat with incredible flavor as it cooks.
- Roast the Turkey Initially: Place the turkey on a rack inside a large roasting pan. Roast for about 2 hours, or until the turkey begins to turn a light golden brown.
- Make the Glaze: While the turkey is in the oven, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the whole berry cranberry sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, orange zest, and spices. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the glaze has slightly thickened (about 5-7 minutes). Then, remove it from the heat.
- Apply the Glaze: After the initial 2 hours of roasting, remove the turkey from the oven. Using a pastry brush, generously brush about one-third of the cranberry orange glaze all over the turkey.
- Continue Roasting and Glazing: Return the turkey to the oven. Continue to roast, brushing with more glaze every 20-30 minutes, for another 1 to 1.5 hours. The turkey is done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (without touching the bone) reads 165°F (74°C).
- Rest the Turkey: Once cooked, carefully transfer the turkey to a large cutting board. Tent it loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving. This is a vital step that allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a moist turkey.
| Step | Action | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | Prep and Season | Ensure the turkey is completely dry for crispy skin. |
| 4 | Initial Roast | Roast uncovered for about 2 hours to start the browning process. |
| 5-7 | Glaze and Finish Roasting | Apply glaze in layers for a thick, caramelized coating. Watch closely to prevent burning. |
| 8 | Rest | Do not skip this step! Resting is essential for a juicy turkey. |
Pro Tips for the Juiciest Turkey Imaginable
Achieving a perfectly moist turkey is the ultimate goal. While Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey is designed for success, a few extra tips can make a big difference. Therefore, consider these professional pointers to guarantee your turkey is the talk of the table for all the right reasons.
Start with a Proper Thaw
A frozen turkey is the first hurdle to overcome. For instance, the safest method is to thaw it in the refrigerator. This takes time, roughly 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds of turkey. However, it ensures the turkey stays at a safe temperature. If you’re short on time, you can also use the cold water method, but this requires more attention.
Use a Meat Thermometer
Guessing when a turkey is done is a recipe for disaster. Consequently, a reliable meat thermometer is your best friend. Cooking times can vary based on your oven and the exact size of your bird. The only sure way to know it’s cooked through safely is to check the internal temperature. According to the USDA, it must reach 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh.
Don’t Baste with Pan Drippings
While basting is a time-honored tradition, using the pan drippings can make the skin soggy. In this recipe, the glaze does all the work of basting. It adds moisture, flavor, and color without compromising that crispy skin you worked so hard to achieve. Therefore, stick to applying the cranberry orange glaze for the best results.
What to Serve with Your Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey
A magnificent main course deserves equally delicious side dishes. The sweet and tangy profile of this turkey pairs well with a wide variety of classic holiday accompaniments. In short, here are a few ideas to complete your feast.
Classic Comfort Sides
You can never go wrong with the classics. For example, creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up any extra glaze or gravy. In addition, a traditional bread stuffing, savory green bean casserole, and soft dinner rolls are always crowd-pleasers. These familiar flavors provide a comforting and satisfying balance to the meal.
Complementary Vegetable Dishes
To complement the glaze, consider sides that echo its flavors or provide a nice contrast. For example, roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon, a sweet potato casserole with a pecan topping, or simple honey-glazed carrots would all be excellent choices. These dishes add more color and nutritional variety to your holiday spread.
Conclusion About Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey
In conclusion, this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey is more than just a recipe; it’s a way to create a memorable and delicious holiday experience. With its perfect balance of sweet, tart, and savory flavors, coupled with its stunning presentation, this turkey is guaranteed to impress. The steps are simple, the ingredients are accessible, and the result is a wonderfully juicy and flavorful bird. So, this year, step away from the ordinary and give your holiday table the extraordinary centerpiece it deserves. Your friends and family will certainly thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey up to three days in advance. Simply follow the instructions for making it, let it cool completely, and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to use it, you can gently warm it on the stovetop to make it easier to brush onto the turkey.
Can I use a turkey breast instead of a whole turkey?
Yes, Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey works wonderfully with a bone-in turkey breast. You will need to adjust the roasting time accordingly. A 6-8 pound turkey breast will likely take around 2 to 2.5 hours to cook. Begin applying the glaze during the last 45-60 minutes of cooking, and as always, use a meat thermometer to confirm it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F.
What is the best way to store leftover turkey?
To store leftovers, first remove all the meat from the bones. Place the carved turkey in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Storing it with a little bit of leftover gravy or broth can also help keep it moist when you reheat it.
