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