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Golden roasted cranberry turkey with cranberry glaze on white kitchen counter

Cranberry Turkey Recipe

This cranberry turkey recipe brings together juicy, tender turkey and a glossy cranberry glaze for a sweet-tart balance that's perfect for Thanksgiving or any holiday gathering. With simple ingredients and foolproof steps, it delivers stunning presentation and unforgettable flavor every time.
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Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Resting Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 430kcal
Cost: $25

Equipment

  • Large roasting pan with rack For even cooking and crispy skin
  • Instant-read Thermometer To check internal temperature
  • Medium saucepan For making cranberry glaze
  • Basting brush To apply glaze evenly
  • Kitchen twine To tie the turkey legs
  • Aluminum foil For tenting and resting
  • Carving board For slicing and serving

Ingredients

  • 1 whole turkey (12–14 pounds) thawed and patted dry
  • 3 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter for coating turkey
  • 2 teaspoon salt divided
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries for glaze
  • 1 cup orange juice fresh preferred
  • 0.75 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar
  • 0.25 cup balsamic vinegar adds depth and tang
  • 2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest optional for brightness
  • 0.5 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 pinch salt to balance sweetness
  • 1 medium onion, quartered optional for aromatics
  • 1 small apple, quartered optional for aromatics
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed optional for aromatics
  • 1 handful fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, sage) optional

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and prepare the turkey.
  • Pat dry, season, and place turkey on roasting rack.
  • Mix spices and rub over turkey; add broth to pan.
  • Tent with foil and roast for 2 hours.
  • Make cranberry glaze in saucepan and simmer until thick.
  • Brush glaze on turkey and continue roasting, basting every 20 minutes.
  • Check internal temperature (165°F) and rest for 30 minutes before carving.

Notes

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.

Nutrition

Serving: 200g | Calories: 430kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 120mg | Sodium: 640mg | Potassium: 520mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 180IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 1.8mg