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: 8-10 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; 1 cup cranberry sauce; 1/2 cup orange juice; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

Highlighted under: Traditional Collection

This Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Glaze is a perfect centerpiece for your holiday feast, combining savory turkey with a sweet and tangy glaze.

Created by

Lottie Pennington

Last updated on 2025-12-30T20:01:34.262Z

This Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Glaze recipe has been a family favorite for years. The combination of tender roasted turkey and a homemade cranberry glaze elevates the dish, making it not only delicious but visually stunning too.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        A delightful balance of savory turkey and sweet cranberry glaze
Perfectly moist turkey that impresses your guests
An aromatic blend of spices that fills your kitchen with holiday cheer

      

The Perfect Holiday Centerpiece

A beautifully roasted turkey is the quintessential centerpiece of any festive gathering. This Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Glaze not only looks impressive but also offers a mouthwatering combination of flavors that will delight your guests. The vibrant cranberry glaze adds a festive touch, making your holiday table truly unforgettable.

When served alongside traditional sides like stuffing, mashed potatoes, and green beans, this turkey becomes the star of the show. The contrast between the savory turkey and the sweet-tart glaze creates a harmonious balance that pleases a variety of palates. Whether it's Thanksgiving or Christmas, this recipe will elevate your holiday feast.

Moreover, the process of preparing and roasting the turkey can become a cherished family tradition. Gathering in the kitchen to season the turkey and prepare the glaze allows for quality time with loved ones. The enticing aroma of roasting turkey will fill your home, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that embodies the spirit of the holiday season.

Tips for a Moist and Flavorful Turkey

Achieving a perfectly moist turkey requires attention to detail and a few key techniques. First, ensure you choose a high-quality turkey, preferably fresh rather than frozen. A fresh turkey tends to retain moisture better during cooking. Additionally, brining the turkey overnight can enhance its juiciness and flavor profile, providing a delicious base for your glaze.

Don’t forget to let your turkey rest after roasting. Allowing it to rest for at least 20 minutes before carving helps the juices redistribute, resulting in tender slices that won’t dry out. This step is crucial for achieving that succulent texture that everyone loves.

Basting the turkey throughout the roasting process is another essential technique. Every 30 minutes, use a baster or a ladle to pour the turkey's own juices over the skin. This not only keeps the meat moist but also contributes to a beautifully golden-brown exterior.

Pairing Suggestions for Your Feast

To complement the savory and sweet flavors of the roasted turkey, consider serving sides that enhance the overall dining experience. Classic accompaniments like herb stuffing, creamy mashed potatoes, and buttery corn are always crowd-pleasers. For a refreshing contrast, add a light salad with citrus dressing to balance the richness of the turkey.

Don’t forget about beverages! A crisp white wine, such as a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, pairs beautifully with turkey, as do fruity cocktails that echo the cranberry glaze. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, consider serving sparkling water infused with citrus or cranberry for a festive touch.

As for dessert, traditional pumpkin or pecan pie can round out your meal perfectly. The spices in these desserts harmonize with the flavors of the turkey and cranberry glaze, ensuring a cohesive and delightful holiday feast.

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

1 cup cranberry sauce
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before cooking.

Instructions

Prepare the Turkey

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the giblets from the turkey 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 on a roasting rack in a large 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 its own juices.

Make the Cranberry Glaze

While the turkey is roasting, combine the cranberry sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and ginger in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the mixture is heated through and slightly thickened, about 10 minutes.

Glaze the Turkey

During the last 30 minutes of roasting, brush the turkey with the cranberry glaze. Continue to roast until the turkey is fully cooked and the glaze is caramelized.

Rest and Serve

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

Enjoy your delicious roasted turkey with family and friends!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, add herbs like thyme and rosemary to the cavity of the turkey before roasting.

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your delicious roasted turkey, you'll likely have some leftovers. Properly storing turkey is essential to keeping it fresh and safe to eat. Allow the turkey to cool to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for longer storage.

If you plan to freeze the turkey, consider slicing it first for easier portioning later on. You can also freeze leftover cranberry glaze in small containers, making it easy to add a burst of flavor to future meals.

For a quick and easy meal, use leftover turkey in sandwiches, salads, or casseroles. The possibilities are endless, and you'll get to enjoy the flavors of your holiday feast long after the celebration is over.

Making It Ahead

If you're hosting a holiday gathering, preparing certain elements of this recipe ahead of time can help reduce stress on the big day. The cranberry glaze can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld for an even richer taste.

You can also prep the turkey a day ahead by seasoning it and letting it rest in the refrigerator overnight. This dry brining technique enhances the flavor and tenderness of the meat, ensuring a delicious outcome when you roast it the next day.

By organizing your cooking schedule, you can enjoy a more relaxed holiday gathering, giving you more time to spend with family and friends without compromising on the quality of your meal.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a frozen turkey?

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

→ How can I tell if the turkey is done?

Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).

→ Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, the cranberry glaze can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

→ What should I serve with roasted turkey?

Traditional sides include mashed potatoes, stuffing, and green bean casserole.