Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Glaze

Name: Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Glaze
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 30 min
Yield: Serves 8-10
Ingredients: 1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs); 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 onion, quartered; 2 carrots, chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 1 cup cranberry sauce; 1/2 cup orange juice; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

Highlighted under: Party Seasonal Food Collection

This Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Glaze is the perfect centerpiece for your holiday feast, combining savory and sweet flavors for a delightful meal.

Created by

Marlowe Sinclair

Last updated on 2025-12-30T18:34:34.036Z

This Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Glaze is a festive dish that brings joy to any gathering. The tartness of the cranberries complements the savory turkey perfectly, creating a meal that is both delicious and memorable.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Juicy turkey infused with a sweet and tangy cranberry glaze
A stunning presentation that impresses guests
Perfect for Thanksgiving or any holiday celebration

      

The Perfect Holiday Centerpiece

A Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Glaze is not just a meal; it’s a celebration on the dining table. This dish takes center stage during holiday gatherings, captivating the attention of your guests with its golden-brown skin and glossy glaze. The vibrant contrast of the cranberry glaze against the turkey's rich color creates a stunning visual presentation that is sure to impress everyone at your feast.

The combination of savory and sweet flavors in this recipe makes it a standout choice for Thanksgiving or any festive occasion. The juicy turkey, enriched with the warm spices of cinnamon and ginger, pairs beautifully with the tangy sweetness of the cranberry glaze. Each bite offers a delightful balance that keeps guests coming back for more.

Tips for a Juicy Turkey

Achieving a perfectly roasted turkey requires attention to detail. One of the most important tips for ensuring juiciness is to avoid overcooking. Using a meat thermometer is essential; the turkey should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s cooked through while remaining moist. Basting the turkey with the cranberry glaze every 30 minutes not only adds flavor but also helps to keep the meat juicy.

Letting the turkey rest after roasting is another crucial step. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a tender and succulent turkey. Cover the turkey loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. This simple step can make a significant difference in texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving your Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Glaze, presentation is key. Consider garnishing the platter with fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme for an elegant touch. Additionally, serving the turkey alongside classic sides like mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, or stuffing can create a well-rounded holiday meal that will delight your guests.

Don’t forget to offer extra cranberry glaze on the side for those who want an extra burst of flavor with their turkey. This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables, adding freshness and color to your holiday spread. With the right accompaniments, your turkey feast will be both memorable and satisfying.

Ingredients

For the Turkey

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

For the Cranberry Glaze

1 cup cranberry sauce
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

Make sure to prepare your ingredients ahead of time for a smooth cooking process.

Instructions

Prepare the Turkey

Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Rinse the turkey inside and out, then pat dry with paper towels. Rub the turkey with olive oil, and season generously with salt and pepper. Stuff the cavity with onion, carrots, and celery.

Make the Cranberry Glaze

In a saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and ginger. Cook over medium heat until the mixture is smooth and heated through, about 5 minutes.

Roast the Turkey

Place the turkey breast side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Brush the turkey with the cranberry glaze. Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 3 hours, basting every 30 minutes with the remaining glaze, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Rest and Serve

Once cooked, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. Serve with additional cranberry glaze on the side.

Enjoy your delicious roasted turkey with loved ones!

Storage Tips

Leftover turkey can be just as delightful as the main event! Be sure to store any uneaten turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the leftovers. Wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, turkey can be frozen for up to three months without losing its flavor.

When reheating turkey, do so gently to avoid drying it out. A good technique is to slice the turkey and reheat it in a covered dish with a splash of broth or gravy in the oven at a low temperature. This method helps to keep the meat moist and flavorful.

Creative Leftover Ideas

Leftover turkey can be transformed into a variety of delicious meals. Consider making a turkey salad with mayonnaise, diced celery, and cranberries for a refreshing lunch option. A turkey and cranberry sandwich on your favorite bread is another quick and satisfying way to use up leftovers.

You can also incorporate leftover turkey into comforting dishes such as turkey pot pie or turkey soup. These recipes not only utilize the meat but also help to reduce food waste, making them a smart and tasty choice for post-holiday meals.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I prepare the turkey the night before?

Yes, you can season the turkey and store it in the refrigerator overnight.

→ What should I do with leftovers?

Leftover turkey can be used in sandwiches, salads, or soups.

→ How do I know when the turkey is done?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (75°C).

→ Can I use a different glaze?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different flavors like apple or honey mustard.