If you’re looking for a show-stopping centerpiece that beautifully balances zesty citrus with sweet-tart berries, this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Recipe is exactly what you need. It elevates the traditional roast turkey by infusing it with a luscious glaze bursting with fresh orange and cranberry flavors, creating a moist, flavorful dish that is as stunning to serve as it is delicious to eat. Whether it’s for a holiday feast or a special family dinner, this recipe brings warmth, brightness, and festive charm to your table in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the ingredient list intimidate you; each element is simple but plays a crucial role in making your Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Recipe shine. From the seasoning that enhances the turkey’s natural flavor to the glaze that adds that unforgettable gloss and tang, these ingredients come together beautifully to create a balanced, mouthwatering dish.
- Kosher salt, 1 1/2 teaspoons: Essential for seasoning the turkey deeply and enhancing all flavors.
- Whole turkey, 11 pounds, cut into 6 pieces: Dividing the bird allows for even roasting and better glaze absorption.
- Extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons: Creates a beautifully crisp skin and helps the seasonings stick.
- Freshly ground black pepper, 3/4 teaspoon: Adds a subtle kick and depth to the meat.
- Low-sodium chicken broth, 1 cup: Keeps the turkey moist during roasting and prevents drippings from burning.
- Fresh herb sprigs: Perfect for garnish and an aromatic touch.
- Orange wedges: Brightens the presentation and adds a splash of fresh citrus aroma.
- Whole cranberries: Adds a festive pop of color and tartness as garnish.
- Frozen orange juice concentrate, 1/2 cup (thawed): Concentrated citrus flavor for the glaze’s vibrant body.
- Frozen cranberry juice cocktail concentrate, 1/2 cup (thawed): Provides the perfect fruity tartness that balances the orange.
- Orange marmalade, 1/4 cup: Adds sweetness and texture to make the glaze rich and glossy.
- Fresh rosemary, 1 1/4 teaspoons chopped: Herbs add complexity and an earthy note to the glaze.
- Unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon: Gives the glaze a silky finish and richness.
- Kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon: Seasoning for the glaze to tie flavors together.
- Freshly ground black pepper, 1/8 teaspoon: A subtle seasoning boost for the glaze.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Oven
Start by positioning your oven rack in the bottom third, which helps the turkey roast evenly with a beautifully crisp exterior. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This high initial temperature locks in moisture for a juicy, tender result.
Step 2: Season and Arrange Your Turkey
Rinse your turkey pieces and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Dry skin is key for crispiness! Next, brush each piece all over with extra-virgin olive oil, then generously sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to season. Arrange the turkey pieces skin-side up on a baking sheet, placing the thick ends of breasts and thighs in the corners and drumsticks in the center for even cooking.
Step 3: Roast and Glaze Your Turkey
Roast the turkey for 1 hour and 10 minutes to get that golden, crispy skin. Remove the pan from the oven and generously brush on the luscious Cranberry-Orange Glaze. Pour a cup of low-sodium chicken broth into the baking sheet to catch drippings and prevent burning, then return the turkey to the oven for another 20 minutes. If the skin is browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil. Check that the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165 to 170 degrees Fahrenheit for perfectly cooked meat.
Step 4: Rest and Glaze Again
Transfer the turkey to a serving platter and brush it once more with the glaze to ensure every bite bursts with flavor. Let the turkey rest for 25 to 30 minutes — this step is essential because it allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and tender.
Step 5: Make the Gravy
While your turkey rests, scrape all the pan juices and browned bits from the baking sheet into a measuring cup. Spoon off and discard the fat that rises to the top, then pour the degreased juices into a saucepan over medium-high heat. Whisk in 2 to 3 tablespoons of the Cranberry-Orange Glaze (add more if you want a bolder flavor) and simmer gently until the flavors meld into a rich, glossy gravy perfect for drizzling.
Step 6: Slice and Garnish
Slice your rested turkey pieces and arrange them artfully on a serving platter. Garnish with fresh herb sprigs, bright orange wedges, and whole cranberries for an elegant and festive presentation that’s sure to wow your guests.
Step 7: Prepare the Cranberry Orange Glaze
In a small saucepan, combine the thawed orange juice concentrate, cranberry juice concentrate, orange marmalade, and freshly chopped rosemary. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then let it boil until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, whisking often. This usually takes about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in butter for a silky texture, then season with kosher salt and black pepper. Your glaze is now ready to delight your taste buds!
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your turkey with fresh herb sprigs like rosemary or thyme, vibrant orange wedges, and whole cranberries adds a festive burst of color and an extra aroma layer. These simple touches make your dish look as incredible as it tastes and invite your guests to dig in eagerly.
Side Dishes
The sweet and tangy flavors of this turkey pair beautifully with classic sides such as creamy mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or a crisp green salad. For an even more special meal, try pairing it with wild rice pilaf or a fresh cranberry relish to echo the glaze’s fruity notes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, arrange the glazed turkey slices on a large platter surrounded by the garnishes, and serve the gravy in a beautiful gravy boat. You might also add warm dinner rolls alongside or even a festive centerpiece of edible flowers to wow your guests. Think about placing the orange wedges so they look like little bursts of sunlight glistening on the platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Recipe fresh by storing turkey slices and gravy separately in airtight containers. Refrigerate promptly and consume within 3 to 4 days to enjoy the best taste and texture.
Freezing
If you need to freeze leftovers, place turkey slices in freezer-safe bags or containers, wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn. The glaze can be frozen separately in small portions. Turkey and glaze remain delicious for up to 2 months when properly stored.
Reheating
Reheat your turkey gently in the oven at a low temperature, covered loosely with foil to keep it moist. Warm the glaze or gravy separately on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, before pouring over the turkey for a revived fresh-from-the-oven taste.
FAQs
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely! The Cranberry Orange Glaze can be made 1 to 2 days in advance and refrigerated. Just rewarm it gently before brushing on your turkey to keep that vibrant flavor and perfect consistency.
What if I don’t have a whole turkey?
No worries! This recipe works beautifully with turkey breasts or thighs as well. Just adjust your cooking time accordingly, and be sure to check internal temperature for doneness.
Can I use fresh juice instead of frozen concentrate for the glaze?
While fresh juice offers a lovely flavor, using frozen juice concentrate provides the richer, more intense citrus and cranberry notes that make the glaze truly stand out. If you use fresh juice, you may need to reduce it longer to thicken adequately.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure any broth or marmalade used does not contain gluten additives to keep the recipe safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
How do I know when the turkey is cooked perfectly?
The best way is with an instant-read thermometer. The thickest part of the thigh should reach between 165 and 170 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures juicy, safe-to-eat turkey without overcooking.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Recipe is a deliciously bright and flavorful twist on traditional roast turkey that will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Its balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes is simply irresistible, making it perfect for celebrations or anytime you want to treat your loved ones. So don’t wait—grab your ingredients, and get ready to create a beautiful turkey that brings joy to your table and smiles to your guests’ faces!
Print
Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey recipe offers a flavorful and festive main dish perfect for holiday gatherings. Tender turkey pieces are roasted to juicy perfection and brushed with a tangy, sweet cranberry-orange glaze made from frozen juice concentrates, orange marmalade, and fresh rosemary. The glaze also serves as the base for a rich, flavorful pan gravy, making this dish both impressive and comforting.
Ingredients
Turkey and Seasoning
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- One 11-pound turkey, cut into 6 pieces
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Cranberry-Orange Glaze
- 1/2 cup frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
- 1/2 cup frozen cranberry juice cocktail concentrate, thawed
- 1/4 cup orange marmalade
- 1 1/4 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Garnishes
- Assorted fresh herb sprigs
- Orange wedges
- Whole cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Oven: Position an oven rack in the bottom third of the oven and preheat to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C).
- Prepare Turkey: Rinse the turkey pieces thoroughly and pat them very dry using paper towels. Brush each piece all over with olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Arrange the turkey pieces skin-side up on a baking sheet, placing breasts and thighs with the thick ends at the corners and drumsticks in the center.
- Roast Turkey: Roast the turkey in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 10 minutes.
- Apply Glaze and Continue Roasting: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and brush the turkey thoroughly with the Cranberry-Orange Glaze. Pour 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth onto the baking sheet to prevent the drippings from burning. Return the turkey to the oven and roast an additional 20 minutes. If the turkey browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil. Roast until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165 to 170 degrees F (74 to 77 degrees C), being careful not to touch the bone.
- Rest Turkey: Transfer the turkey pieces to a platter, brush generously with more glaze, and let rest for 25 to 30 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Make Gravy: Meanwhile, scrape the pan juices and any browned bits from the baking sheet into a large measuring cup. Spoon off and discard the fat that rises to the surface. In a heavy, medium saucepan, heat the degreased pan juices over medium-high heat. Whisk in 2 to 3 tablespoons (or more to taste) of the cranberry-orange glaze and bring to a simmer, allowing the flavors to blend and the gravy to thicken slightly.
- Slice and Serve: Slice the rested turkey and arrange the pieces on a serving platter. Garnish with fresh herb sprigs, orange wedges, and whole cranberries. Serve the turkey accompanied by the cranberry-orange glaze gravy.
- Prepare Cranberry-Orange Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the thawed orange juice concentrate, thawed cranberry juice cocktail concentrate, orange marmalade, and chopped fresh rosemary. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat and boil, whisking often, until the glaze thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 15 minutes. Remove the pan from heat, whisk in butter until melted and combined, then season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Notes
- Ensure the turkey pieces are thoroughly dried before applying oil and seasoning to achieve crisp skin.
- Use a reliable instant-read thermometer to check doneness, avoiding contact with bones for an accurate reading.
- If turkey skin browns too fast during the second roasting phase, loosely tent the pieces with foil to prevent burning.
- Allowing the turkey to rest after roasting helps retain moisture and makes slicing easier.
- Adjust the amount of glaze whisked into the pan juices for the gravy based on desired flavor intensity.
- The glaze can be prepared in advance and gently reheated before using.
