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Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey

A juicy roasted turkey coated with a sweet-tart cranberry orange glaze, perfect for Thanksgiving or any festive holiday dinner.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Autumn
Calories: 340
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Turkey
  • 1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs)
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 oranges zested and juiced
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary chopped
  • 1 tbsp thyme chopped
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 onion quartered
  • 1 orange quartered
  • 4 cloves garlic smashed
Cranberry Orange Glaze
  • 2 cups fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup orange juice freshly squeezed
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar
  • 0.25 cup honey
  • 1 tbsp orange zest
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 0.25 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 pinch salt

Equipment

  • Roasting pan
  • Basting brush
  • Saucepan
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Rinse and pat dry turkey.
  2. Mix butter, orange zest, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Rub under and over turkey skin.
  3. Stuff turkey with onion, orange, and garlic. Truss legs and tuck wings.
  4. Roast on rack in pan for 2½ to 3 hours, tented with foil.
  5. Combine cranberries, orange juice, brown sugar, honey, zest, vinegar, mustard, and cinnamon. Simmer 15 minutes until thickened.
  6. Brush glaze over turkey during last 30–45 minutes, basting every 15 minutes until glossy and caramelized.
  7. Let rest 20–30 minutes before carving and serving.

Notes

For a smooth glaze, strain before brushing. Make extra for serving on the side.