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Cranberry-Orange Glazed Turkey

Cranberry-Orange Glazed Turkey Recipe for a Perfect Holiday Feast

Experience the joy of holiday feasting with this delicious Cranberry-Orange Glazed Turkey, featuring vibrant flavors and an impressive presentation.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 3 hours
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Dinner Recipes
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

Turkey and Seasoning
  • 1 each 12 to 14-pound turkey fresh or thawed
  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper plus additional for seasoning
  • 8 sprigs fresh rosemary for stuffing and garnish
  • 8 sprigs fresh thyme for stuffing and garnish
  • 10 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
Cranberry-Orange Glaze
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 2 pounds cranberries fresh or frozen
  • 1 1/4 cups sugar
  • 1/4 cup cider vinegar
  • 1 heaping tablespoon chipotles in adobo
  • 2 each oranges, zested and juiced
  • 1 to 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth as needed

Equipment

  • roasting pan
  • Saucepan
  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

Preparation and Roasting
  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Pat the turkey dry and tuck in the wings. Rub the turkey inside and out with 2 tablespoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Stuff the cavity with 5 sprigs each of the rosemary and thyme. Tie the legs together and place the turkey breast-up in a roasting pan with a rack. Let sit at room temperature for 1 hour.
  3. Heat a saucepan over medium heat and add 4 tablespoons of the butter. Stir in the onion, garlic, and the remaining 3 sprigs each of rosemary and thyme. Cook until the onions are softened, about 6 minutes.
  4. Add the cranberries, sugar, vinegar, chipotles, orange zest, juice, and 1 teaspoon salt to the saucepan. Simmer until the cranberries start to burst, about 8 minutes. Strain and reserve half for serving.
  5. Heat the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave in 30-second increments until melted. Brush the melted butter all over the turkey.
  6. Pour 1 cup of the broth into the roasting pan. Roast for 2 hours, basting with the drippings every 30 minutes after the first hour. Add more broth if the pan looks dry.
  7. After 2 hours of roasting, brush the turkey with the cranberry-orange glaze every 20 minutes until a thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165 degrees F, about 1 hour more, tenting with foil when the turkey reaches the desired darkness.
  8. Transfer the turkey to a carving board and let rest for 30 minutes before carving. Serve with the reserved glaze.

Nutrition

Serving: 1slice

Notes

Feel free to customize the glaze with different herbs or a hint of maple syrup for added sweetness.

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