Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Glaze

Name: Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Glaze
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds); 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 onion, quartered; 2 carrots, chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 2 cups fresh cranberries; 1 cup sugar; 1 cup orange juice; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Highlighted under: Summer Seasonal Food Inspiration

This Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Glaze is the perfect centerpiece for your holiday table, combining succulent turkey with a sweet and tangy cranberry glaze that will delight your guests.

Created by

Victoria Hall

Last updated on 2025-12-30T20:22:34.428Z

Every holiday season, the aroma of a perfectly roasted turkey fills the air, bringing friends and family together. This recipe elevates that experience with a delightful cranberry glaze that adds a refreshing twist to a classic dish.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Succulent turkey paired with a vibrant cranberry glaze
Perfectly balanced flavors of sweet and savory
A show-stopping dish that impresses guests

      

The Perfect Holiday Centerpiece

A beautifully roasted turkey is not just a meal; it's a tradition that brings families together during the holidays. This Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Glaze serves as a stunning centerpiece for your festive table. The golden-brown skin, tender meat, and glossy cranberry glaze create an inviting presentation that will have your guests excited to dig in.

When preparing for a holiday feast, choosing the right turkey is essential. Look for a fresh, high-quality bird, ideally free-range or organic, which will offer the best flavor and texture. The size of the turkey is also important; a 12-14 pound turkey is perfect for feeding a gathering of family and friends, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied.

Balancing Sweet and Savory

The star of this recipe is undoubtedly the cranberry glaze. Made with fresh cranberries, sugar, and warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, it strikes a perfect balance between sweet and tangy. This glaze not only enhances the flavor of the turkey but also adds a vibrant color, making your dish visually appealing.

As the turkey roasts, the glaze caramelizes slightly, creating a delicious crust that locks in moisture. This method ensures that every slice of turkey is juicy and flavorful, making it a dish that your guests will rave about long after the meal is over.

Tips for a Successful Roast

To achieve the best results, it's crucial to allow your turkey to come to room temperature before roasting. This practice helps ensure even cooking throughout the bird. Additionally, basting with the cranberry glaze every 30 minutes not only adds flavor but also helps develop that beautiful, shiny finish.

Investing in a meat thermometer is a game-changer for turkey roasting. It takes the guesswork out of determining doneness. For a perfectly cooked turkey, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast. Letting the turkey rest after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, which is key to a moist and tender result.

Ingredients

For the Turkey

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

For the Cranberry Glaze

2 cups fresh cranberries
1 cup sugar
1 cup orange juice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor!

Instructions

Prepare the Turkey

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Rinse the turkey under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Rub the outside of 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 cranberries, sugar, orange juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes. Set aside.

Roast the Turkey

Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan. Roast in the preheated oven for about 2 hours, basting with the cranberry glaze every 30 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Rest and Serve

Once cooked, let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving. Serve with remaining cranberry glaze on the side.

Enjoy this delicious turkey with your favorite sides!

Serving Suggestions

Pair this roasted turkey with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, stuffing, and roasted seasonal vegetables for a well-rounded meal. The tangy cranberry glaze also complements various side dishes, from sweet potato casserole to green bean almondine.

Consider serving a refreshing salad with mixed greens, nuts, and a citrus vinaigrette to balance the richness of the turkey. This adds a lightness to your holiday spread, ensuring your guests have a delightful variety of flavors to enjoy.

Leftover Ideas

Don't let any turkey go to waste! Leftovers can be transformed into scrumptious meals. Use shredded turkey to make a hearty turkey soup or a flavorful turkey salad. You can also create mouthwatering sandwiches with cranberry glaze and your favorite toppings for an easy lunch.

For a cozy dinner, consider turkey pot pie. Simply combine leftover turkey with vegetables and a creamy sauce, then top with pastry or biscuit dough. It's a comforting way to enjoy the flavors of your holiday feast long after the festivities have ended.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen turkey?

Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before cooking.

→ How can I ensure my turkey is moist?

Basting the turkey every 30 minutes helps keep it moist.

→ Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cranberry glaze a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

→ What sides pair well with this turkey?

Traditional sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, and stuffing complement this dish wonderfully.