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: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds); 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 cups chicken broth; 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries; 1 cup sugar; 1/2 cup orange juice; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Highlighted under: Celebration Seasonal Food Ideas

This Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Glaze is a festive centerpiece that will impress your guests and elevate your holiday feast.

Created by

Isolde Bennett

Last updated on 2025-12-30T18:04:34.561Z

This roasted turkey is glazed with a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce that enhances the natural flavors of the turkey. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any special occasion!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        A beautifully roasted turkey that is juicy and tender
Cranberry glaze adds a delightful sweet-tart flavor
Impressive presentation for holiday gatherings
Leftovers make delicious sandwiches and salads

      

The Perfect Holiday Centerpiece

A beautifully roasted turkey is often the highlight of holiday gatherings, serving as a centerpiece that draws everyone together. This Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Glaze not only stands out for its luscious appearance but also for its rich flavor profile. With its golden-brown skin and succulent meat, this turkey is sure to impress your guests and create lasting memories around the dinner table.

Cooking a turkey can be intimidating, but with the right approach, it can be a rewarding experience. The combination of olive oil, salt, and pepper creates a savory crust, while the infusion of chicken broth ensures the turkey remains moist throughout the roasting process. Following this recipe will help you achieve that coveted juicy texture and mouthwatering taste that everyone craves during the holidays.

The Sweet-Tart Cranberry Glaze

The cranberry glaze is the star of this recipe, offering a vibrant pop of color and a burst of flavor that complements the turkey beautifully. Made with fresh or frozen cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, this glaze provides the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. It not only enhances the turkey but also adds a festive touch to your holiday table.

This glaze can be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to focus on other dishes during your holiday meal preparation. As the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens, your kitchen will fill with a delightful aroma that signals the arrival of a truly special feast. Drizzling this homemade glaze over the turkey just before serving will create a stunning presentation that your guests won’t forget.

Leftovers Worth Savoring

One of the best parts of making a roast turkey is the delicious leftovers! After the initial feast, the remaining turkey can be transformed into a variety of dishes. From hearty sandwiches piled high with turkey and cranberry sauce to light salads topped with turkey slices, the possibilities are endless. This recipe ensures you have plenty of flavorful leftovers to enjoy long after the holiday celebrations have ended.

Storing leftover turkey properly is key to maintaining its flavor and texture. Be sure to refrigerate any leftovers within two hours of cooking. For longer storage, you can freeze turkey portions, making them a convenient meal option for busy days ahead. With a little creativity, you can turn your holiday turkey into several delightful meals, making the enjoyment last even longer.

Ingredients

For the Turkey

1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
4 cups chicken broth

For the Cranberry Glaze

2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup orange juice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Make sure to let the turkey rest before carving for the best flavor.

Instructions

Prepare the Turkey

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Rinse the turkey inside and out, then pat dry with paper towels. Rub the olive oil all over the turkey and season generously with salt and pepper. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and pour the chicken broth around it.

Make the Cranberry Glaze

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Roast the Turkey

Roast the turkey in the preheated oven for about 3 hours, basting every 30 minutes with the pan juices. During the last 30 minutes of roasting, brush the turkey with the cranberry glaze.

Check Doneness

Ensure the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165°F (75°C) when checked at the thickest part of the thigh. Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for 20 minutes before carving.

Serve the sliced turkey with the remaining cranberry glaze on the side.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving your roasted turkey, presentation is everything. Consider garnishing your turkey with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an elegant touch. Surround the turkey with seasonal vegetables or colorful fruits to create a stunning display that will wow your guests. Pair the turkey with traditional sides such as stuffing, mashed potatoes, and roasted vegetables for a complete holiday feast.

Don’t forget to serve the cranberry glaze on the side, allowing guests to add as much or as little as they like. A beautiful serving platter with all the trimmings will not only make your meal look inviting but also enhance the overall dining experience.

Tips for a Successful Roast

To ensure your turkey cooks evenly, it’s essential to let it come to room temperature before placing it in the oven. This step helps reduce cooking time and promotes even heat distribution. Also, consider using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, ensuring that your turkey is perfectly cooked without drying out.

Don’t skip the basting! Basting your turkey every 30 minutes with the pan juices will keep the meat moist and flavorful. If you notice that the skin is browning too quickly, tent the turkey with aluminum foil to prevent burning while allowing the meat to cook through.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

To properly store your leftover turkey, carve it into smaller portions before refrigerating. This allows for quicker cooling and makes it easier to reheat later. Store turkey in airtight containers to maintain freshness, and consume within three to four days for the best quality.

When reheating, consider using the oven to keep the meat juicy. Preheat your oven to a low temperature, add a splash of broth to the pan, and cover it with foil to retain moisture. This method will ensure your leftovers are just as delicious as the day they were served.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen turkey?

Yes, make sure to properly thaw it in the refrigerator for several days before cooking.

→ What if I don't have fresh cranberries?

You can use canned cranberry sauce as a substitute, but it may alter the flavor slightly.

→ How long should I cook the turkey?

A general rule is 13-15 minutes per pound at 325°F (165°C). Always check the internal temperature.

→ Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, the cranberry glaze can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator.