Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey: The Ultimate Holiday Recipe

Cranberry orange glazed turkey: just the name conjures images of a beautifully browned bird, glistening under the warm glow of holiday lights, doesn’t it? But forget dry, bland turkey! This recipe is about to revolutionize your holiday centerpiece, transforming it into a succulent, flavorful masterpiece that will have your guests begging for seconds.

The tradition of serving turkey at Thanksgiving dates back centuries, deeply rooted in American history and the celebration of a bountiful harvest. While the classic roasted turkey holds a special place in our hearts, adding a vibrant, tangy glaze elevates it to a whole new level. The combination of cranberries and oranges, both fruits associated with the fall season, creates a symphony of flavors that perfectly complements the richness of the turkey.

What makes this cranberry orange glazed turkey so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart, the juicy tenderness of the meat infused with the bright citrus notes and the subtle sweetness of the cranberries. The glaze not only adds incredible flavor but also creates a beautiful, glossy finish that’s sure to impress. Plus, this recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, making it a stress-free option for even the most novice cook. Get ready to wow your family and friends with a truly unforgettable Thanksgiving feast!

Ingredients:

• For the Turkey:
• 1 (12-14 pound) turkey, thawed completely
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 orange, quartered
• 1 onion, quartered
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme
• For the Cranberry Orange Glaze:
• 1 (12-ounce) package fresh cranberries
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons orange zest
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 cup orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier), optional
• For the Gravy (Optional):
• 4 tablespoons turkey drippings (from the roasting pan)
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 cups turkey or chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparing the Turkey:

1. Thaw the Turkey: This is the most crucial step! Ensure your turkey is completely thawed before you even think about cooking it. A general rule of thumb is to thaw it in the refrigerator for 24 hours for every 5 pounds of turkey. So, a 12-pound turkey will take about 2-3 days to thaw. You can also thaw it in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes, but this requires more attention.
2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This lower temperature allows the turkey to cook evenly and prevents the skin from burning before the inside is cooked through.
3. Prepare the Turkey: Remove the turkey from its packaging and remove the giblets and neck from the cavity. Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water and pat it completely dry with paper towels. A dry turkey will result in crispier skin!
4. Season the Turkey: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and garlic powder. Rub this mixture all over the turkey, both inside and out. Make sure to get under the skin of the breast for extra flavor.
5. Stuff the Cavity: Stuff the turkey cavity with the quartered orange, quartered onion, chopped celery, fresh rosemary sprigs, and fresh thyme sprigs. This will infuse the turkey with aromatic flavors from the inside out.
6. Position the Turkey: Place the turkey on a roasting rack inside a large roasting pan. The rack allows air to circulate around the turkey, promoting even cooking.
7. Add Liquid to the Pan (Optional): Pour about 1 cup of chicken or turkey broth into the bottom of the roasting pan. This will help keep the turkey moist during cooking. Be sure to check the liquid level periodically and add more if it evaporates.

Making the Cranberry Orange Glaze:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, orange juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, orange zest, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, and ground cloves.
2. Simmer the Glaze: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Add Liqueur (Optional): If using, stir in the orange liqueur during the last few minutes of simmering. This will add a lovely depth of flavor to the glaze.
4. Cool Slightly: Remove the glaze from the heat and let it cool slightly before using. It will thicken further as it cools.

Cooking the Turkey:

1. Roast the Turkey: Place the roasting pan with the turkey in the preheated oven. Roast for approximately 3-4 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F (74°C).
2. Baste the Turkey: Baste the turkey with the pan juices every 45 minutes to an hour. This will help keep the turkey moist and flavorful.
3. Glaze the Turkey: During the last 30-45 minutes of cooking, brush the cranberry orange glaze generously over the turkey. Repeat this process every 10-15 minutes to build up a beautiful, glossy glaze. Be careful not to burn the glaze; if it starts to darken too quickly, tent the turkey loosely with aluminum foil.
4. Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is cooked through. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, being careful not to touch the bone. The temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). You can also check the temperature in the breast, which should reach 160°F (71°C).
5. Rest the Turkey: Once the turkey is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful turkey. Tent the turkey loosely with aluminum foil while it rests.

Making the Gravy (Optional):

1. Separate the Drippings: After removing the turkey from the roasting pan, carefully pour the pan drippings into a fat separator. This will allow you to separate the fat from the juices. If you don’t have a fat separator, you can carefully skim the fat off the top of the drippings with a spoon.
2. Make a Roux: In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of the reserved turkey fat (or butter if you don’t have enough fat). Whisk in 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This will help thicken the gravy.
3. Add Broth: Gradually whisk in 4 cups of turkey or chicken broth, making sure to break up any lumps.
4. Simmer and Thicken: Bring the gravy to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Add Juices and Season: Stir in the reserved turkey juices from the fat separator. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Strain (Optional): For a smoother gravy, you can strain it through a fine-mesh sieve before serving.

Carving and Serving:

1. Carve the Turkey: Use a sharp carving knife to carve the turkey. Start by removing the legs and thighs, then carve the breast meat into slices.
2. Serve: Arrange the turkey slices on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs, such as rosemary and thyme. Serve with the cranberry orange glaze, gravy (if made), and your favorite side dishes.

Conclusion:

This isn’t just another turkey recipe; it’s a holiday centerpiece waiting to happen! The vibrant cranberry orange glaze transforms a simple turkey into a show-stopping dish, bursting with festive flavors that will have your guests raving. The sweet and tart cranberry perfectly complements the zesty orange, creating a symphony of taste that elevates the traditional turkey experience. Trust me, once you try this cranberry orange glazed turkey, you’ll never look at Thanksgiving (or any other special occasion!) the same way again.

But why is this recipe a must-try? It’s more than just the incredible flavor. It’s about the ease of preparation. I know, roasting a turkey can seem daunting, but this recipe breaks it down into manageable steps, ensuring a juicy, flavorful bird every single time. The glaze itself is incredibly simple to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen as the turkey roasts is simply divine – a true harbinger of holiday cheer!

Beyond the basic recipe, there’s plenty of room for customization. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze. If you prefer a deeper, richer flavor, try using brown sugar instead of granulated sugar. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices, such as rosemary, thyme, or sage, to create your own unique flavor profile.

And let’s talk serving suggestions! This cranberry orange glazed turkey pairs beautifully with classic Thanksgiving sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and green bean casserole. But don’t be afraid to get creative! Try serving it with roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze, sweet potato casserole with pecan crumble, or a wild rice pilaf with cranberries and walnuts. The possibilities are endless! For a truly memorable presentation, garnish the turkey platter with fresh cranberries, orange slices, and sprigs of rosemary.

Leftovers? Oh, the possibilities! Use the leftover turkey to make delicious sandwiches, hearty soups, or flavorful turkey pot pie. You can even shred the turkey and add it to salads or tacos for a quick and easy weeknight meal. The cranberry orange glaze adds a unique twist to these dishes, making them anything but ordinary.

I truly believe that this cranberry orange glazed turkey recipe is a winner. It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and guaranteed to impress your guests. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a holiday masterpiece!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the magic of cranberry and orange combined with perfectly roasted turkey. Once you’ve made it, please come back and share your experience in the comments below! I’d love to hear about any variations you tried, what sides you served it with, and how much your family and friends enjoyed it. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create delicious and easy-to-follow recipes for you. Happy cooking, and happy holidays! Let me know if you have any questions, I’m here to help!

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