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 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 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Highlighted under: Seasonal Inspiration

Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Glaze is a festive dish that brings a delightful combination of savory and sweet flavors to your holiday table. The succulent turkey is perfectly roasted and glazed with a rich cranberry sauce, making it the star of any celebration.

Created by

Isadora Pembroke

Last updated on 2025-12-30T17:13:34.916Z

This Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Glaze is a family favorite during the holidays. The glaze adds a unique twist that balances the savory turkey with a sweet and tangy flavor, making it a must-try dish.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Juicy turkey meat infused with a sweet-tart cranberry glaze
A stunning centerpiece for your holiday gatherings
Easy to follow steps for a stress-free cooking experience

The Perfect Holiday Main Dish

Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Glaze is not just a meal; it's a tradition that brings families together during the holiday season. The combination of juicy turkey with a sweet and tangy cranberry glaze elevates your dining experience and creates lasting memories around the table. This dish serves as a reminder of the joy of gathering with loved ones and sharing delicious food.

Choosing the right turkey is essential for this recipe. A bird weighing between 12 to 14 lbs is ideal, providing ample servings for your guests. It’s important to ensure the turkey is fresh or properly thawed to achieve the best flavor and texture.

The versatility of this dish allows it to shine not just during Thanksgiving, but at any festive gathering. Whether it's Christmas, a family reunion, or a special occasion, this Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Glaze is sure to impress your guests and become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

Tips for a Stress-Free Cooking Experience

Preparing a turkey can seem daunting, but with a little planning, you can make the process smooth and enjoyable. Start by organizing your ingredients and equipment ahead of time. This will save you unnecessary stress on the day of cooking. Make sure you have a reliable meat thermometer to check for doneness, ensuring your turkey is perfectly cooked without any guesswork.

Basting the turkey with its own juices throughout the roasting process helps keep the meat moist and flavorful. This small step can make a big difference in the final outcome. If you find the turkey is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning while it continues to cook through.

Lastly, don't forget to let the turkey rest after roasting. This step is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute, making for a tender and juicy turkey. While it rests, take the opportunity to prepare your side dishes and drinks, ensuring everything is ready for your guests' arrival.

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 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Make sure to have all your ingredients ready before starting to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Turkey

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Pat the turkey dry with paper towels and rub it with olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper. Place the onion, carrots, and celery inside the cavity of the turkey.

Roast the Turkey

Place the turkey on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan. Roast for about 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), basting occasionally with the pan juices.

Make the Cranberry Glaze

While the turkey is roasting, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, cinnamon, and apple cider vinegar in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens, about 15 minutes. Set aside.

Glaze the Turkey

In the last 30 minutes of roasting, brush the cranberry glaze over the turkey. Continue to roast until beautifully browned and cooked through.

Serve

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

Enjoy your delicious Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Glaze at your next gathering!

Pro Tips

For an extra crispy skin, increase the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) for the last 30 minutes of roasting.

Storage and Leftover Ideas

After your festive meal, it's likely you’ll have some turkey left over. Properly storing your turkey is important to maintain its freshness. Allow the turkey to cool down before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate it within two hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth, and it can last for up to four days.

Leftover turkey can be used in a variety of dishes, from sandwiches and salads to soups and casseroles. Consider shredding or slicing the meat to easily incorporate it into new recipes. A turkey and cranberry salad can make a refreshing lunch, while turkey soup is a comforting dinner option for cooler days.

Pairing Suggestions

To complement your Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Glaze, consider serving traditional side dishes such as creamy mashed potatoes, savory stuffing, and roasted vegetables. These classic accompaniments enhance the overall meal and provide a balanced dining experience.

For beverages, a crisp white wine or a light-bodied red can beautifully balance the flavors of the turkey and cranberry glaze. Alternatively, a homemade apple cider or a festive cranberry punch can add a touch of holiday cheer to your table, appealing to all guests.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen turkey?

Yes, just make sure to fully thaw it before cooking.

→ How long should I let the turkey rest after cooking?

Let the turkey rest for at least 20 minutes before carving.

→ Can I make the cranberry glaze ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the glaze a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

→ What sides go well with this turkey?

Traditional sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and green beans pair perfectly with this dish.