Cranberry Glazed Turkey (Printable Version)
Succulent roast turkey enhanced with a tangy-sweet cranberry glaze for special occasions.
# What You'll Need:
→ Turkey
01 - 1 whole turkey (10 to 12 pounds), thawed if frozen
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 2 teaspoons kosher salt
04 - 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
05 - 1 lemon, quartered
06 - 1 onion, quartered
07 - 4 sprigs fresh thyme
08 - 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
→ Cranberry Glaze
09 - 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
10 - 1 cup orange juice
11 - 1/2 cup honey
12 - 1/4 cup brown sugar
13 - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
14 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
15 - 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
16 - Pinch of salt
# Step-by-Step:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
02 - Rub turkey all over with olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stuff the cavity with lemon quarters, onion quarters, thyme, and rosemary.
03 - Place turkey breast-side up on a rack inside a large roasting pan. Tuck the wings underneath the body.
04 - Roast the turkey uncovered for 1 hour.
05 - Combine cranberries, orange juice, honey, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, cinnamon, allspice, and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and sauce thickens. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
06 - Brush the turkey generously with cranberry glaze. Tent loosely with foil and roast an additional 1.5 hours, basting with glaze every 30 minutes, until the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F internal temperature.
07 - Remove turkey from oven and let it rest tented with foil for 20 to 30 minutes before carving.
08 - Carve and serve with extra cranberry glaze on the side.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- This glaze adds a tangy sweetness that feels like a secret handshake between tradition and surprise
- Once you try it, the juicy turkey combined with the bright cranberry sauce becomes your go-to festive dish
02 -
- Patting your turkey dry before rubbing in seasonings is what leads to crisp skin every time
- Letting the glaze simmer until cranberries burst creates that perfect balance of sweet and tart
03 -
- Use a meat thermometer to nail the perfect doneness without drying out the bird
- The secret to deep flavor lies in basting regularly with the thickened cranberry glaze