Description
Bring a burst of vibrant flavor to your holiday table with this stunning Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey. Combining the tart brightness of fresh cranberries with sweet citrus notes of orange zest, this centerpiece dish is perfect for family gatherings. Designed for busy cooks, it offers an elegant, gourmet result with foolproof preparation steps, ensuring a succulent, glossy bird that will impress every guest at your dinner table.
Ingredients
1 Whole Turkey (12–14 lbs)
2 cups Fresh Cranberries
1 cup Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice
1/2 cup Honey
1 tablespoon Orange Zest
2 tablespoons Olive Oil
1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
2 cups chopped smoked chicken strips (optional garnish)
Instructions
Remove giblets and pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
Rub the exterior with olive oil, salt, pepper, and thyme.
Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan.
In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, honey, and orange zest.
Simmer the glaze over medium heat for 10 minutes until cranberries burst.
Roast the turkey at 325°F (165°C) for 2 hours.
Generously baste the turkey with the cranberry-orange mixture.
Continue roasting for another 60-90 minutes, basting every 20 minutes.
Ensure the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F (74°C).
Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving to lock in juices.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If fresh cranberries are out of season, you can substitute with high-quality cranberry preserves.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 210
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 120mg