Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Glaze

Name: Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Glaze
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs); 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon onion powder; 1 tablespoon dried thyme; 1 tablespoon dried rosemary; 2 cups fresh cranberries; 1 cup sugar; 1 cup orange juice; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Highlighted under: Special Seasonal Food Favorites

Experience the perfect blend of savory and sweet with this Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Glaze recipe. Ideal for holiday feasts and family gatherings, this dish is sure to impress your guests!

Created by

Cassandra Reed

Last updated on 2025-12-30T18:46:34.310Z

This Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Glaze combines the traditional flavors of Thanksgiving with a modern twist. The tartness of the cranberry glaze beautifully complements the savory, juicy turkey, making it a standout dish at any holiday table.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Savory turkey infused with aromatic herbs and spices
Sweet and tangy cranberry glaze that elevates the dish
Perfect centerpiece for holiday gatherings

      

The Perfect Holiday Dish

Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Glaze is more than just a meal; it's a celebration of flavors that encapsulates the spirit of the holidays. The savory notes from the herbs and spices create a mouthwatering aroma, drawing everyone to the dining table. As the turkey cooks, the anticipation builds, making it the centerpiece of your festive gathering.

This dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also brings family and friends together. Imagine the joyous laughter and conversations that will flow as you share this incredible turkey. It’s a dish that encourages love, gratitude, and togetherness, making it an essential part of holiday feasts.

Tips for a Juicy Turkey

To achieve the juiciest turkey, ensure you allow it to come to room temperature before roasting. This step helps the turkey cook evenly and reduces the risk of drying out. Additionally, basting your turkey with its own juices every 30 minutes promotes a golden, crispy skin while keeping the meat moist.

Another key tip is to let the turkey rest after roasting. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each slice is tender and flavorful. Patience pays off here; resting for at least 20 minutes will elevate your turkey experience.

Serving Suggestions

To complement your Roasted Turkey with Cranberry Glaze, consider serving traditional sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and roasted vegetables. These classic accompaniments enhance the overall experience and round out your holiday meal beautifully.

Don’t forget about the drinks! Pair your turkey with a light white wine or a refreshing cranberry spritzer to further highlight the flavors of the dish. A well-selected beverage can elevate your dining experience, making it truly memorable.

Ingredients

For the Turkey

1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon dried rosemary

For the Cranberry Glaze

2 cups fresh cranberries
1 cup sugar
1 cup orange juice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Make sure to prepare the glaze ahead of time for a delicious finish!

Instructions

Prepare the Turkey

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Rinse the turkey under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Rub the olive oil all over the turkey, then season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and rosemary.

Roast the Turkey

Place the turkey in a roasting pan and roast in the preheated oven for about 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Baste the turkey with its juices every 30 minutes for a golden skin.

Make the Cranberry Glaze

While the turkey is roasting, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Glaze the Turkey

In the last 30 minutes of roasting, brush the cranberry glaze over the turkey. Return to the oven and continue roasting 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 additional cranberry glaze on the side.

Enjoy your delicious roasted turkey with family and friends!

Frequently Asked Questions

What size turkey should I buy? For a gathering of 8-10 people, a 12-14 lb turkey is ideal. This size ensures ample servings and plenty of leftovers for those delicious turkey sandwiches after the feast.

Can I prepare the cranberry glaze in advance? Absolutely! The cranberry glaze can be made a day or two ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently before brushing it on the turkey during the last 30 minutes of roasting.

Storing Leftovers

Leftover turkey can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Make sure to slice the turkey before freezing to make reheating easier later on.

When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to prevent the turkey from drying out. Cover it with foil to retain moisture and heat it gently in the oven until warmed through.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen turkey?

Yes, be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator for several days before cooking.

→ How do I know when the turkey is done?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (75°C).

→ Can I prepare the glaze in advance?

Absolutely! You can make the cranberry glaze up to 3 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator.

→ What should I serve with the roasted turkey?

Traditional sides such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, and green beans pair wonderfully with this turkey.