Easy Juicy Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey
Impress your holiday guests with this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey. Juicy, flavorful, and beautifully glazed, it’s a festive main dish everyone will love.
Ingredients
For the Turkey
- 12 –14 lbs whole turkey fresh or thawed
- ¼ cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup fresh herbs thyme, rosemary, sage
For the Cranberry Orange Glaze
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- ½ cup honey or maple syrup
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- Optional Glaze Enhancers
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon or nutmeg
- 1 tbsp orange liqueur e.g., Cointreau
Instructions
Prep the Oven:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C) and adjust the rack to the middle position.
Season the Turkey:
- Rub the turkey all over with olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs.
Roast the Turkey:
- Place the turkey breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Roast for 2.5–3 hours, basting with pan juices every 45 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Make the Glaze:
- In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, zest, honey, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, and garlic. Simmer over medium heat for about 10 minutes, until cranberries burst and glaze thickens.
Glaze the Turkey:
- During the last 30 minutes of roasting, generously brush the turkey with glaze every 10 minutes.
Rest and Serve:
- Remove turkey from oven, tent loosely with foil, and rest for 20 minutes. Carve and serve.
Notes
Prep the glaze and season the turkey the day before for deeper flavor.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness (165°F in the thickest part of the breast).
Add sliced oranges or fresh herbs for a festive garnish.