Cranberry Glazed Turkey (Printable version)
Tender roast turkey accented by a flavorful sweet-tart cranberry glaze for festive meals.
# Ingredient List:
→ 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 black pepper
05 - 1 onion, quartered
06 - 1 lemon, halved
07 - 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
08 - 4 sprigs fresh thyme
→ Cranberry Glaze
09 - 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
10 - 3/4 cup orange juice
11 - 1/2 cup honey
12 - 1/4 cup brown sugar
13 - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
14 - 1 teaspoon orange zest
15 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
16 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
17 - Pinch of salt
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 325°F. Pat the turkey dry using paper towels.
02 - Rub the turkey skin evenly with olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stuff the cavity with quartered onion, halved lemon, rosemary sprigs, and thyme sprigs.
03 - Place the turkey breast-side up on a rack in a large roasting pan. Tuck the wings underneath and tie the legs together with kitchen twine if preferred.
04 - Roast the turkey for about 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes with the pan juices to keep it moist.
05 - While the turkey roasts, combine cranberries, orange juice, honey, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, orange zest, cinnamon, cloves, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the glaze thickens and cranberries burst. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
06 - Brush the turkey generously with the cranberry glaze after 2 hours of roasting. Return it to the oven and roast an additional 30 to 45 minutes, glazing once or twice more. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F when checked with an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh.
07 - Remove the turkey from the oven, tent loosely with foil, and allow it to rest for 20 minutes before carving. Serve with extra cranberry glaze on the side.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- This glaze feels like a secret handshake between sweet and savory that you'll want to share with everyone you know
- The turkey stays juicy and brightens up your festive table without any fuss
02 -
- Patting the turkey dry is the game changer to get that beautiful golden crispy skin
- Simmering the glaze until cranberries burst creates the perfect thick coating that sticks to the bird just right
03 -
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and drying out your turkey
- Glaze multiple times near the end to build layers of flavor and glossy finish