Perfect Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey for Festive Feasts

The Perfect Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Recipe for a Festive Feast is the ultimate centerpiece that transforms any holiday gathering into a celebration. Imagine the tantalizing aroma of succulent turkey, infused with zesty orange and sweet cranberry, wafting through your home, making even the most stubborn of relatives stop arguing about politics. Cranberry dessert pairing.

Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a Tuesday you want to feel festive about, this recipe will impress your family and friends alike. The vibrant glaze not only brings out the best in turkey but also paints your dinner table with a splash of color and flavor that’s simply irresistible. fluffy dinner rolls recipe.

I fondly recall my first time making this dish; my Aunt Marge practically wept with joy over her plate, declaring it “the best turkey she’s ever had.” Those culinary accolades are hard to forget! savory spinach puff pastry.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: hearty beef bourguignon.

• Whole Turkey: A 12-14 pound turkey works best for this recipe; look for one that fits comfortably in your oven.
• Fresh Cranberries: Use tart cranberries for the glaze; they balance beautifully with the sweetness of the orange.
• Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice elevates flavor; avoid bottled varieties if you can.
• Brown Sugar: This adds caramelized sweetness to the glaze; light or dark brown sugar works well.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy kick to the glaze; feel free to adjust to taste.

For the Herb Mix:

• Fresh Rosemary and Thyme: These herbs bring an aromatic quality to your turkey; use fresh for better results. For more inspiration, check out this Try these air fryer recipes recipe.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; don’t skimp on these basics!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Make sure your oven rack is positioned in the center; you want even cooking.

Prepare Your Turkey: Pat dry your turkey with paper towels. Remove any giblets from inside and season generously with salt and pepper, ensuring even coverage.

Create That Glaze: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine fresh cranberries, orange juice, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. Stir until cranberries burst and mixture thickens slightly—this should take about 10 minutes.

Baste Like a Pro!: Once your turkey has cooked for about an hour, start basting it with your delicious cranberry-orange glaze every 30 minutes. Watch as it glistens!

Check Doneness : After approximately 2-3 hours of roasting (depending on size), use a meat thermometer to check if the internal temperature has reached 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part of the thigh.

Rest Before Carving : Once done, remove your turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is as moist as possible.

And there you have it—the Perfect Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Recipe for a Festive Feast! Once carved and plated, serve with sides of mashed potatoes or green bean casserole. Your guests will rave about how flavorful and juicy this turkey is! For more inspiration, check out this Explore more festive recipes recipe.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the turkey overnight for flavor, then roast at 325°F, basting regularly. This ensures your turkey cooks evenly and absorbs all those delicious flavors.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap orange juice with apple cider for a different fruity note. Add herbs like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic twist that will impress everyone at dinner.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, place in the oven covered at 350°F until warmed through, keeping it juicy.

After my first Thanksgiving cooking attempt where I accidentally set off the smoke alarm, I learned that patience is key in making this perfect dish! The compliments I received made it all worthwhile.

FAQ

Can I use frozen turkey for this recipe?

Yes, just ensure it’s completely thawed before marinating and cooking.

How long should I cook the turkey?

Roast your turkey for about 13-15 minutes per pound at 325°F.

What can I serve with cranberry orange glazed turkey?

Pair with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a festive meal experience.

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Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey

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• Author: platesdaily
• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: Serves about 10 people 1x

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Description

Elevate your holiday gatherings with this delicious Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey. Infused with the perfect blend of zesty orange and sweet cranberry, this turkey is not only a feast for the senses but also a show-stopper at any festive table. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, it promises to impress your family and friends alike.

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Ingredients

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• 1 (12-14 lb) whole turkey
• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and position the rack in the center.
2. Pat dry the turkey, remove giblets, and season generously with salt and pepper.
3. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, orange juice, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. Cook until cranberries burst and mixture thickens (about 10 minutes).
4. Baste the turkey with the glaze every 30 minutes after the first hour of cooking.
5. Roast turkey for approximately 2-3 hours or until its internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part of the thigh.
6. Let the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes before carving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: Approximately 3 hours
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 oz (113g)
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 90mg