Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Glaze

Name: Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Glaze
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 20 min
Yield: 8 servings
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; 2 cups fresh cranberries; 1 cup sugar; 1 cup orange juice; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Highlighted under: Holiday Festive Food Inspiration

This Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Glaze is a festive dish that combines the savory flavors of perfectly roasted turkey with a sweet and tangy cranberry glaze, making it a perfect centerpiece for holiday gatherings.

Created by

Nicola Fairchild

Last updated on 2025-12-30T21:25:34.550Z

There's something magical about a perfectly roasted turkey, especially when it’s glazed with a vibrant cranberry sauce. This recipe highlights the sweetness of cranberries, balanced with the savory notes of the turkey, creating a dish that is not only delicious but also visually stunning.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
A delightful balance of savory turkey and sweet cranberry glaze
Perfect for holiday gatherings and special occasions
Juicy, tender turkey that is easy to carve and serve

The Perfect Holiday Centerpiece

A beautifully roasted turkey is more than just a meal; it's a symbol of celebration and togetherness. This Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Glaze brings not only a feast for the palate but also a stunning visual appeal to your holiday table. The deep golden skin glistening with a vibrant cranberry glaze is sure to impress your guests and create lasting memories.

Whether it's Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion, serving this turkey will elevate your gathering. The combination of savory turkey and sweet glaze makes it a dish that appeals to a wide range of tastes. Plus, the leftovers are just as delicious, providing you with delightful meals long after the festivities have ended.

Why Fresh Ingredients Matter

Using fresh ingredients is key to achieving the best flavor in this recipe. Fresh cranberries, for instance, provide a tartness that balances perfectly with the sweetness of sugar and orange juice. This freshness enhances the overall taste of the glaze, making it a delightful accompaniment to the turkey.

Similarly, selecting a quality turkey ensures that the meat will be juicy and tender. When you invest in fresh, high-quality ingredients, you not only improve the taste of your dish but also create an experience that your family and friends will cherish. Remember, great meals start with great ingredients!

Tips for the Perfect Roast

To achieve a perfectly roasted turkey, it's essential to monitor the internal temperature. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure that the turkey reaches 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the breast and thigh. This guarantees a juicy turkey without undercooking or overcooking.

Basting the turkey every 30 minutes with the pan juices not only enhances flavor but also helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown skin. If you notice areas that are browning too quickly, you can tent those parts with aluminum foil to prevent burning while the rest continues to cook evenly.

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

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

Make sure to prepare the cranberry glaze while the turkey is roasting for the best flavor.

Instructions

Prepare the Turkey

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the turkey giblets and pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Rub the olive oil all over the turkey and season generously with salt and pepper. Place the onion, carrots, and celery inside the turkey cavity.

Roast the Turkey

Place the turkey breast side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Roast in the preheated oven for about 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Baste the turkey every 30 minutes with the juices from the pan.

Make the Cranberry Glaze

While the turkey is roasting, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, about 15 minutes.

Glaze the Turkey

During the last 30 minutes of roasting, brush the cranberry glaze over the turkey. Return to the oven and finish roasting until the turkey is golden brown.

Rest and Serve

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

Enjoy your delicious roasted turkey with cranberry glaze!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, marinate the turkey overnight with herbs and spices before roasting.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your roasted turkey with classic sides such as fluffy mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, or a fresh garden salad to create a complete meal. Consider serving a warm bread basket filled with homemade rolls or cornbread to complement the savory flavors of the turkey.

Don’t forget about drinks! A crisp white wine or festive cranberry cocktail can elevate your meal even further. These beverages not only enhance the dining experience but also provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the turkey.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, it's essential to store any leftover turkey properly. Allow the turkey to cool to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container. Stored this way, it can last in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it perfect for sandwiches or salads.

When reheating, aim to keep the turkey moist. Use a microwave with a little broth or water to steam the meat, or reheat it in an oven covered with foil to retain moisture. This way, your leftover turkey will be just as delicious as the first serving!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen turkey?

Yes, just ensure it is fully thawed before cooking, which may take several days in the refrigerator.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

→ Can I make the cranberry glaze ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the glaze a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

→ What sides pair well with this turkey?

Mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and stuffing are all great options!