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Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey: A Delicious Holiday Recipe to Impress Your Guests

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This roasted turkey features a delicious cranberry orange glaze, perfect for holiday gatherings. Infused with fresh cranberries, orange juice, and spices, it offers a sweet and tangy flavor that enhances the traditional turkey experience, making it an ideal centerpiece for festive meals with family and friends.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 whole turkey (12–14 pounds), thawed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup water
  • Fresh herbs (such as thyme and rosemary) for stuffing

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. Remove the turkey from its packaging, take out the giblets and neck, rinse under cold water, and pat dry with paper towels.
  3. Rub the turkey with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
  4. Place fresh herbs inside the cavity of the turkey.
  5. In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, brown sugar, orange zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, butter, and water.
  6. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it simmers, stirring occasionally until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens (about 10-15 minutes).
  7. Adjust sweetness or acidity to your preference.
  8. Transfer the turkey to a roasting pan, breast side up, and tuck the wing tips under.
  9. Roast for about 13-15 minutes per pound (approximately 2.5 to 3 hours for a 12-14 pound turkey).
  10. Baste every 30-45 minutes with pan juices.
  11. Brush the cranberry orange glaze over the turkey about 30 minutes before it’s done.
  12. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
  13. Let the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes before carving.
  14. Remove legs and thighs, then slice the breast meat against the grain.
  15. Drizzle remaining glaze over the turkey and serve on the side.

Notes

  • For a more intense flavor, consider brining the turkey a day before roasting.
  • Feel free to customize the glaze by adding other spices or citrus fruits.
  • Ensure you have a meat thermometer to check for doneness accurately.

Find it online: https://softtasty.com/cranberry-orange-glazed-turkey/