Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Glaze

Name: Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Glaze
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 20 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds); 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 onion, quartered; 2 carrots, chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 2 cups fresh cranberries; 1 cup sugar; 1 cup orange juice; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Highlighted under: Celebration Favorites

Enjoy a succulent roasted turkey glazed with a tangy cranberry sauce, perfect for your festive gatherings.

Created by

India Rutherford

Last updated on 2025-12-30T19:41:34.565Z

This roasted turkey recipe is a family favorite during the holidays. The sweet and tart cranberry glaze adds a delicious twist that everyone will love.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        A perfect blend of savory turkey and sweet cranberry glaze.
Impressive presentation for holiday feasts.
Moist and flavorful meat that everyone will enjoy.

      

The Perfect Holiday Centerpiece

A roasted turkey is often the star of holiday gatherings, and this recipe elevates it to new heights with a delightful cranberry glaze. The combination of savory turkey and sweet, tangy glaze creates a flavor profile that appeals to everyone. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a special family gathering, serving this turkey will undoubtedly impress your guests.

The vibrant colors of the cranberry glaze not only enhance the flavor but also make for a stunning presentation. Imagine a golden-brown turkey adorned with a glossy, ruby-red glaze sitting at the center of your dining table. This dish not only tastes good but also looks magnificent, making it the perfect centerpiece for your festive feast.

Tips for a Perfectly Roasted Turkey

Roasting a turkey may seem daunting, but with the right tips, you can achieve a juicy and flavorful bird every time. First, ensure your turkey is completely thawed before cooking; this can take several days in the refrigerator. A well-thawed turkey cooks evenly and retains moisture, resulting in a tender roast.

Basting your turkey regularly is essential to keeping it moist. As the turkey roasts, the drippings in the pan will help to baste the meat, but you can enhance this by using a brush to apply additional juices from the pan. This technique not only keeps the turkey juicy but adds depth to the flavor.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Ingredients

For the Turkey

1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 onion, quartered
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped

For the Cranberry Glaze

2 cups fresh cranberries
1 cup sugar
1 cup orange juice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Make sure to prepare the glaze while the turkey is roasting to achieve the best flavor.

Instructions

Prepare the Turkey

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Rinse the turkey under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Rub the olive oil all over the turkey and season generously with salt and pepper. Place the onion, carrots, and celery inside the cavity.

Roast the Turkey

Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan. Roast in the preheated oven for about 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Baste the turkey every 30 minutes with the drippings.

Make the Cranberry Glaze

While the turkey is roasting, prepare the glaze. In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Glaze the Turkey

In the last 30 minutes of roasting, brush the cranberry glaze over the turkey. Return to the oven and continue to roast until the glaze is caramelized and the turkey is fully cooked.

Serve

Once done, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 20 minutes before carving. Serve with the remaining glaze on the side.

Enjoy your delicious roasted turkey with cranberry glaze at your next gathering!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, let the turkey marinate overnight with herbs and spices.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

After your feast, you may find yourself with delicious turkey leftovers. To keep your turkey fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it can last for up to four days. For longer storage, consider freezing the turkey, which can extend its shelf life to several months.

When reheating, aim to keep the turkey moist. You can do this by covering it with a bit of broth or water in a covered dish, then warming it in the oven at a low temperature. This method helps prevent the turkey from drying out and keeps it flavorful.

Creative Uses for Leftover Turkey

Leftover turkey can be a delightful ingredient for a variety of dishes. Consider making turkey sandwiches with cranberry sauce for a quick lunch. You can also use it in soups, salads, or casseroles to create new meals that celebrate the flavors of your holiday feast.

For a fun twist, try using shredded turkey in tacos or enchiladas. Simply add your favorite toppings and spices for a delicious, easy dinner that transforms your leftovers into something new and exciting.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen turkey?

Yes, ensure it is completely thawed before roasting.

→ How do I know when the turkey is done?

Use a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part of the thigh.

→ Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the glaze a day in advance and refrigerate it.

→ What side dishes pair well with this turkey?

Mashed potatoes, green beans, and cranberry sauce are great choices.