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Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Recipe

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4.3 from 21 reviews

This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey recipe combines a juicy roasted turkey with a tangy, sweet, and aromatic cranberry-orange glaze. The fresh cranberries and citrus create a vibrant, festive flavor that’s perfect for holiday dinners or any special occasion. Roasted to perfection at a moderate heat and basted frequently with the flavorful glaze, this turkey promises tender, moist meat complemented by a beautiful, glossy finish.

  • Total Time: 4 hours
  • Yield: 10-12 servings

Ingredients

Turkey

  • 1 whole turkey, 12–14 lbs, thawed

Glaze

  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 0.5 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme

Others

  • 1 cup chicken broth (for roasting pan)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare turkey: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Rinse the thawed turkey and pat it dry thoroughly with paper towels. Season the cavity generously with salt, pepper, and insert the fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs for added aroma.
  2. Make the glaze: In a saucepan, combine fresh cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey or maple syrup, brown sugar, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard. Simmer this mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the glaze thickens to a syrupy consistency. Once thickened, stir in the melted butter to enrich the glaze.
  3. Prepare to roast: Place the turkey on a roasting rack inside a roasting pan. Using a basting brush, generously coat the entire turkey with the cranberry orange glaze, ensuring even coverage. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the roasting pan to keep the environment moist and to catch drippings for potential gravy.
  4. Roasting and basting: Roast the turkey in the preheated oven. Every 30 to 40 minutes, open the oven and carefully baste the turkey with more of the cranberry orange glaze. This repeated glazing creates a flavorful, glossy finish and helps keep the meat moist. Continue roasting until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the turkey, typically the thigh, reaches 165°F (74°C), as measured with a meat thermometer.
  5. Rest the turkey: Remove the turkey from the oven and tent it loosely with aluminum foil. Allow it to rest for 20 to 30 minutes so the juices redistribute within the meat, ensuring a tender and juicy final dish.
  6. Serve: Carve the turkey and serve it alongside the remaining warmed cranberry orange glaze. Garnish with additional fresh cranberries and orange slices for an attractive presentation and a flavor boost.

Notes

  • Ensure the turkey is fully thawed before starting to cook for even roasting.
  • Use extra glaze generously when serving to enhance flavor.
  • Resting the turkey after roasting is key for juicy, tender meat.
  • Use a meat thermometer to accurately monitor doneness and avoid undercooking.
  • Author: Adeline
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://flavorhug.com/cranberry-orange-glazed-turkey-recipe/