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Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey: The Ultimate Holiday Recipe

Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey: Imagine sinking your teeth into succulent, perfectly roasted turkey, its skin glistening with a vibrant, tangy-sweet glaze that bursts with the flavors of the season. This isn’t just Thanksgiving dinner; it’s an experience! For generations, turkey has been the centerpiece of holiday feasts, symbolizing abundance and togetherness. But let’s be honest, sometimes it can be a little… dry. That’s where this recipe comes in.

This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey recipe elevates the traditional bird to new heights. The combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange creates a symphony of flavors that perfectly complements the rich, savory taste of the turkey. People adore this dish because it’s not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious. The glaze keeps the turkey moist and adds a beautiful sheen, making it a showstopper on any holiday table. Plus, the bright citrus notes cut through the richness, preventing palate fatigue and leaving everyone wanting more.

I’m excited to share my foolproof method for achieving a perfectly cooked and beautifully glazed turkey that will impress your family and friends. Get ready to create a memorable holiday meal with this unforgettable Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey!

Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey this Recipe

Ingredients:

  • For the Turkey:
    • 1 (12-14 pound) turkey, thawed completely
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
    • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
    • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1 orange, quartered
    • 1 onion, quartered
    • 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
    • 4 sprigs fresh thyme
    • 2 cups chicken broth
  • For the Cranberry Orange Glaze:
    • 1 (12 ounce) package fresh cranberries
    • 1 cup orange juice
    • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
    • 1/4 cup honey
    • 2 tablespoons orange zest
    • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
    • Pinch of salt
  • For the Gravy (Optional):
    • 4 tablespoons turkey drippings (from the roasting pan)
    • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
    • 4 cups chicken broth
    • Salt and pepper to taste

Preparing the Turkey:

Okay, let’s get started! First things first, we need to prep our turkey. This is a crucial step for ensuring a juicy and flavorful bird. Don’t skip it!

  1. Thaw the Turkey: This is probably the most important step! Make sure your turkey is completely thawed. The best way to do this is in the refrigerator. Allow about 24 hours of thawing time for every 5 pounds of turkey. So, for a 12-14 pound turkey, you’ll need about 3 days in the fridge. You can also thaw it in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes, but this requires more attention. A partially frozen turkey will cook unevenly.
  2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This lower temperature helps the turkey cook evenly and prevents the skin from burning before the inside is cooked through.
  3. Prepare the Turkey: Remove the turkey from its packaging. Take out the giblets and neck from the cavity (usually found in a bag inside). You can use these to make gravy later, so don’t throw them away! Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water. Pat it completely dry with paper towels. This is important for getting crispy skin.
  4. Season the Turkey: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, dried thyme, dried rosemary, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well. Rub this mixture all over the turkey, both inside and out. Make sure to get under the skin of the breast for extra flavor. This is where the magic happens!
  5. Stuff the Cavity: Stuff the cavity of the turkey with the quartered orange, quartered onion, fresh rosemary sprigs, and fresh thyme sprigs. These aromatics will infuse the turkey with a wonderful flavor as it roasts.
  6. Place in Roasting Pan: Place the turkey in a large roasting pan. Pour 2 cups of chicken broth into the bottom of the pan. This will help keep the turkey moist during cooking.

Making the Cranberry Orange Glaze:

While the turkey is roasting, we’ll prepare the cranberry orange glaze. This glaze is what will give our turkey that beautiful color and delicious sweet and tangy flavor. It’s super easy to make!

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, orange juice, granulated sugar, honey, orange zest, apple cider vinegar, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and a pinch of salt.
  2. Cook the Glaze: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Then, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the glaze has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  3. Cool Slightly: Remove the glaze from the heat and let it cool slightly. It will thicken further as it cools.

Roasting the Turkey:

Now for the main event! Roasting the turkey requires patience, but the results are well worth it. We’ll baste it with the glaze during the last hour of cooking to get that beautiful, glossy finish.

  1. Roast the Turkey: Place the roasting pan with the turkey in the preheated oven. Roast for approximately 3-4 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F (74°C). The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your turkey.
  2. Baste with Glaze: During the last hour of cooking, baste the turkey with the cranberry orange glaze every 15-20 minutes. This will give it a beautiful color and add a delicious sweet and tangy flavor. Be generous with the glaze!
  3. Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, making sure not to touch the bone. The turkey is done when the thermometer registers 165°F (74°C). You can also check the juices; they should run clear when you pierce the thigh with a fork.
  4. Rest the Turkey: Once the turkey is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful turkey. Cover the turkey loosely with foil while it rests.

Making the Gravy (Optional):

No Thanksgiving feast is complete without gravy! This gravy recipe uses the turkey drippings for a rich and flavorful sauce. It’s totally optional, but highly recommended!

  1. Separate Drippings: After removing the turkey from the roasting pan, carefully pour the pan drippings into a fat separator. If you don’t have a fat separator, you can use a spoon to skim off the fat from the top of the drippings.
  2. Make a Roux: In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of the turkey fat (from the drippings) over medium heat. Whisk in 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and golden brown. This is called a roux, and it’s the base of our gravy.
  3. Add Broth: Gradually whisk in 4 cups of chicken broth, making sure to break up any lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly.
  4. Add Drippings: Stir in the remaining turkey drippings (the liquid part, not the fat).
  5. Simmer and Thicken: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Season to Taste: Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Strain (Optional): For a smoother gravy, you can strain it through a fine-mesh sieve before serving.

Carving and Serving:

Finally, it’s time to carve the turkey and enjoy the fruits of our labor! Here’s how to carve the turkey like a pro:

  1. Remove the Legs: Using a sharp carving knife, cut through the skin and joint connecting the leg to the body. Pull the leg away from the body and cut through the remaining joint to remove it completely. Repeat with the other leg.
  2. Separate the Thigh and Drumstick: Place each leg on a cutting board and separate the thigh from the drumstick by cutting through the joint.
  3. Slice the Thigh: Slice the thigh meat against the grain into thin, even slices.
  4. Remove the Wings: Cut through the skin and joint connecting the wing to the body. Pull the wing away from the body and cut through the remaining joint to remove it completely. Repeat with the other wing.
  5. Slice the Breast: Locate the breastbone. Using a sharp carving knife, slice down along one side of the breastbone, following the curve of the bone. Continue slicing until you can remove the entire breast in one piece. Repeat with the other breast.
  6. Slice the Breast Meat: Place each breast on a cutting board and slice it against the grain into thin, even slices.
  7. Arrange and Serve: Arrange the carved turkey meat on

    Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey

    Conclusion:

    This isn’t just another turkey recipe; it’s a holiday centerpiece waiting to happen! The Cranberry Orange Glaze elevates the humble turkey to a whole new level of deliciousness. The vibrant tartness of the cranberries perfectly complements the bright, citrusy notes of the orange, creating a flavor profile that’s both festive and unforgettable. Trust me, the aroma alone will have your guests clamoring for a taste. It’s a must-try because it’s surprisingly easy to make, yet delivers a restaurant-quality result that will impress even the most discerning palates. The glaze ensures a beautifully browned, crispy skin while keeping the turkey incredibly moist and flavorful inside. You won’t be dealing with dry, bland turkey this year!

    But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! While I’ve shared my go-to method, feel free to experiment and make it your own.

    Serving Suggestions and Variations:

    * Serving Suggestions: I love serving this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey with classic sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, and roasted Brussels sprouts. A cranberry sauce (yes, even more cranberries!) and a rich gravy are also essential additions to complete the holiday feast. Don’t forget a crisp, dry white wine or a light-bodied red to complement the flavors of the turkey and glaze.

    * Variations: Want to add a little kick? A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze will do the trick. For a deeper, more complex flavor, try adding a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar. If you’re short on time, you can even use a high-quality cranberry sauce as a base for the glaze, simply adding the orange zest and juice. You can also use different citrus fruits, such as mandarins or blood oranges, for a unique twist. For a smokier flavor, consider grilling the turkey instead of roasting it in the oven. Just be sure to monitor the internal temperature closely to prevent overcooking.

    * Leftovers: And let’s not forget about the leftovers! This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey is just as delicious the next day (or even the day after that!). Use it in sandwiches, salads, soups, or even turkey pot pie. The possibilities are endless!

    I truly believe this recipe will become a new holiday tradition in your home. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s sure to leave everyone feeling satisfied and impressed. The combination of sweet, tart, and savory flavors is simply irresistible.

    So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a truly memorable meal. I’m confident that you’ll love this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey as much as I do.

    I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you’ve made it, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I’d love to hear about any variations you tried, what sides you served it with, and most importantly, what your family and friends thought. Happy cooking, and happy holidays! I can’t wait to hear about your successful Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey feast!

    Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey: The Ultimate Holiday Recipe

    Juicy and flavorful roasted turkey with a sweet and tangy cranberry orange glaze. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any special occasion!

    Save This Recipe
    Prep Time30 minutes
    Cook Time240
    Total Time210 minutes
    Yield12-14 servings
    👨‍🍳By: Lana
    📂Category: Dinner
    📊Difficulty: Easy
    🌍Cuisine: American
    🍽️Yield: 12-14 servings
    🥗Dietary: Vegetarian

    Ingredients

    Instructions

    Recipe Notes

    • Thawing the turkey completely is crucial for even cooking.
    • Basting with the cranberry orange glaze during the last hour adds flavor and color.
    • Resting the turkey allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender bird.
    • The gravy recipe is optional but adds a delicious finishing touch.
    • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

    Frequently Asked Questions

    → How do I ensure the bread stays moist?
    Use fresh, ripe ingredients and avoid overmixing the batter. Store in an airtight container.
    → Can I substitute ingredients?
    Yes, you can substitute similar ingredients while maintaining the basic ratios for best results.
    → How long does this bread keep?
    Store tightly wrapped at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
    → What if I don't have all the spices?
    You can adjust spices to taste or substitute with similar warming spices.
    → Can I freeze this bread?
    Yes, wrap individual slices and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

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